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Line Conditioners

I am in the market for a new line conditioner. I have it narrowed down to:

CinePro20
PS Audio Power Director
API Ultra 115
Tice 3C
Vansevers Ref Model

I like what I read about balanced power, but I also like my feature of switched outlets, which no balanced L/C has. I can live without the remote turn on of my system for better sound, but does balanced power KILL products in performance like Tice, PSAudio or Vansevers?

As much as I value opinion, I am interested in fact. Please give some facts based on your experiences with the name brands listed above or other similar products.

The Power Director is intriguing due to its features, but I am putting the finishing touches on my system, and don't want to buy inferior sounding stuff.

My system consists of:
Anthem Amp2
Lexicon Pre
Marantz DVD
Anthem CD
Transparent ICs
Paradigm Ref speakers
Analisys Plus Speaker wire

2-channel is most important to me.

Thanks for your help!!!
mdomnick

Showing 5 responses by mdomnick

mdomnick OP
332 posts
 
Jfrech,

Thanks for your response...I was trying to buy your Cinepro before I moved to IL. I saw you sold it, however I have found another. Gimmie some drawbacks of it. It's gotta have some.

thanks all!!
mdomnick OP
332 posts
 
I have heard the same thing about RGPC. In fact when they first came out they did get a poor review, but later the magazine re-reviewed and changed their tune. In short, the theory of how the unit can store energy is not fully understood by other designers/manufactures (RGPC as well),and IMO is bogeus. However it may very well improve your sound as a line conditioner; I just think their marketing team got too aggresive. Check out PSAudio as well for that type of "technology" and see if the Power Director floats your boat. I have come to the conclusion that Balanced Power is the only way to go (its also a scientific fact) and thats what I have settled on.
mdomnick OP
332 posts
 
pctower,

thanks for the info, i actually love to buy from guys like that. unfortunately, $2500 is out of my range. i'm close to finializing a deal for a cinepro for $1k (used of course).

thanks again...deal isnt final, so please keep the suggestions coming!!! I hate saying this, but I really like the Power Director. Just can't find anyone to give me an honest opinion on its performance:/
mdomnick OP
332 posts
 
I "discovered" the Power Plant:D I was their biggest fan when PSAudio introduced them, however, I am not about to spend over $3K on a piece that won't even power my entire system. I like the Power Plant's theorhetical design, but it is not practical.

Thanks for the thought:)
mdomnick OP
332 posts
 
Budrew,

I am currently using the Monster Power Center Ref 5000, which I upgraded from a lower model (I forget which). I can't really comment on the differences between the two, I didn't really do a side-by-side, however the lower model does get better reviews. The 5000 model definitly has some cool feature that I will miss when the Cinepro arrives, but I know performance will also be better. I recommend the 5000 if you can buy it used, but it is not worth the $600 retail tag. FYI: I will be posting my 5000 for sale today...I'll be asking $350 because I want it to sell fast (I've seen them used for $400). Its mint, and I have all original everything. Look for it on audioshopper.com.

Look at equi-power.com for great info why "the source" IS indeed the problem and how it got that way.
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