Clean power is the key to reducing the digital edge

Mike

Mike

Audioshark
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Sarasota, FL
It's May 1st in Southwest Florida and that means the daily afternoon lightening storms are fast approaching. We even had a big one this afternoon. With power clicking on and off in short one second bursts, likely followed by the dreaded loud "pop", I knew it was time to roll out my trusty APC S20's and S15's. I just happen to have two of each.

I've been listening to my system quite a bit lately as I'm busily breaking in some new gear. The CAPS 3.0 was a definite improvement over the Mac mini (circa 2009). I've got a pretty good play list put together in JRiver. So let's just say, I know how the songs sound.

Well, I got busy moving cables around and making room for the four big power conditioners. With the skies rumbling and grumbling outside, I got everything hooked up, let the batteries charge up for a bit. Now, it was time to power up.

As I cycled through my familiar playlist, to my amazement, the digital "edge" was gone - completely. Backgrounds were as black as I've ever heard anywhere - this difference was profound. Highs were sweeter than sweet. My digital (which I had really come dislike compared to vinyl) had never sounded better, sweeter and oh so enjoyable.

If Shunyata made their power conditioners with battery backup (which is needed to allow a proper, timely shutdown IMO), I would be all in! But for now, the APC S15/S20's are as good as they get.

I have not yet spun any vinyl under this new power setup, but I will....stay tuned. :)
 
None that I've noticed. Highs are even sweeter. Backgrounds are so black. I hear no noise whatsoever. Clean. Sweet. Lightening season or not, they may be a permanent fixture in the system!
 
That's great to know. I was thinking of either replacing or upgrading my PurePower 2000.
 
Vinyl sounds great. Black black backgrounds. Might have lost a little high end sparkle. Hard to tell. But right now, the four APC units have closed the gap between my digital and analog.
 
I have just ordered a PSAudio P10 regenerator for my Audio Research system - I hope that next week I will be able to give my opinion on it.
 
microstrip said:
I have just ordered a PSAudio P10 regenerator for my Audio Research system - I hope that next week I will be able to give my opinion on it.
Click to expand...

I'd love to read your opinion of it. When do you think you will have it?
 
+1.

A friend of mine has the Accuphase PS-1220 and swears by the waveform regenerators as greatly improving the sound of his system.

Joe, which PLCs are you considering? I'm thinking Bryston Bit-20 or a Shunyata Triton. The benefit with the Bryston is some surge protection.
 
Vinnie Rossi's Red Wine Audio gear is all battery powered :eyebrow: that's another way to handle the gnarly issues of power conditioning...
 
socfan12 said:
+1.

A friend of mine has the Accuphase PS-1220 and swears by the waveform regenerators as greatly improving the sound of his system.

Joe, which PLCs are you considering? I'm thinking Bryston Bit-20 or a Shunyata Triton. The benefit with the Bryston is some surge protection.
Click to expand...

Allen,

I have a Burmester 948 and a PurePower 2000, both of which I am thinking about selling. I have looked at all the top conditioners at one time or another and am confused as which one to buy. Shunyata, Audience aR12/aR6, Silver Circle Tchiak, Bryston BIT-20, etc. are all on the radar. Everyone recommends something different. I plan on putting my units up for sale then try and buy, hopefully. I am not unhappy with what I have now. I just wonder what would be better.
 
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