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I try to use one on every system I have. At the very liest I have a surge protector.
Several companies are releasing new power-conditioner products these days, some with radically new technology. Are you using them?
Ha! I've fallen for a lot of silly snake oil in my years of audiophilia, and some I still swear by . . . but I really must laugh at the whole "power conditioner" scam. Not too long ago I purchased a very well-regarded power conditioner for about $1500. At first I was merely amused, as I could hear no signifigant difference between it and my $80 "power conditioner," which was really just a a glorified plug strip. After I stopped listening, I realized that the damn thing was actually adding noise! Low hissing from my speakers! Yeah, that's 1500 bucks' worth of quality! Lucky the dealer offered a good return policy, or I'd be crying instead of laughing. Guys, please: Listen, listen, listen, and trust your ears. Expensive power-conditioning may be for some, but trust your own judgment.
Yes, I use a Power Plant PS300. It's not really a power conditioner, but rather a power generator with very low output impedance and THD-free output sinewave. I waited for years, deciding whether I would buy such a product or not. The PS300's new philosophy tilted me, and I finally bought a 230V version thru the Web. The sonic improvements are not trivial; every aspect is really improved, at any level, any time of the day, and with any CD/LP I play. The only drawbacks are the high price (i.e., the export version + transport + taxes), the rather noisy (mechanical) transformers, and the US output sockets also installed in the European version. But all in all, it's a VERY good machine.
I use an Equi=Tech power conditioner. This is my fourth power conditioner. My first was by TrippLite. The second was an Audio Power, Inc. Power Wedge. The third was a Yamamura Millennium Ciabatta (for my amp). I still use the Ciabatta with the Equi=Tech. Each of my systems has at least one power-line conditioner. I would not want to play music without one. Clean power is essential to getting the best performance from your components.
MIT Z-Stabilizer for the Spectral amps, MIT Z-Center for Spectral DMC-20 preamp, Linn Lingo turntable, and Micromega Trio CD, with MIT Z-Cord II Power cords tweaked with Hubbell hospital-grade 3-prong plugs and Schurter IEC plugs. Each MIT Z-whatsit has its own dedicated 20-amp line with Hubbell hospital-grade outlets. Next time you're in Chicago, c'mon by and bring your favorite vinyl or CDs.
I'm using a combination of Transparent power cords, AudioPrism QuietLine filters, Highwire Power Wraps, and Quantum Symphony. I've tried the highly touted PS Audio Power Plant and found that it does everything they claim, but runs too hot and makes the sound sterile.
Some time ago I got a Tripp Lite Isobar six outlet strip, which served me well. But on a recent upgrade I noticed the power switch light was flickering. Bad bulb? Was the protection cicuit no longer functioning? And beyond that, six outlets was no longer enough for all the gear in my bi-amplified, separates based system. Well, long story short: until I scrape together enough cash for a bigger "audiophile approved" conditioner, I'm using the Monster Cable HT800 (got it half off on clearance at Montgomery Ward's!)