MIT Z Stabilizer ll ? operation ??


I haven't found any serious dicussion or information on how this AC power conditioner works.
I can attest that it can be "very" effective in my Spectral based system-in a variety of applications...
I have discovered it is very complementary to some other AC conditioning devices I use; and its benefits are increased by using a better power cord for it.
Can someone clarify what processes are going on in it?
Does anyone know what frequency ranges it addresses?
How would one technically measure its effectiveness?
Could it effectiveness be improved with parts improvement?
Hopefull(but not holding my breath) :)(:
psacanli
Thanks Drjoe, you're right about Joe but because he has a business to run I prefer not to trouble him. I'm hoping there are some techie types reading.
Actually, I would appreciate the same answers, as I too, own this unit and have noted sonic benefits but have absolutely no idea how this unit would work.
Your kind words are gratefully accepted! The key to MIT Stabilizers, in general, is less about filtration (although they do an excellent job) and more about Power Factor Correction. In residential AC, the Voltage component and the Current component are rarely in phase with each other. This makes usable power LESS available. The ratio is called Power Factor. In Power Factor Correction (PFC), the Current and the Voltage are brought more into line with each other, and, therefore, the power transformers of your system "see" more available power. PFC has been used in the industrial world _almost_ as long as AC has been available. Bruce Brisson was (is) a pioneer in using PFC to improve the performance of residential (and studio) sound and video systems.
Hope this helps. Joe
So, is it compensating for inductive or capacitive loads, or both? Does it have a bank of capacitors or an inductor (or both or something else)? Mine (bought a LONG time ago), has a toggle switch, presumably for different conditions (current leading vs lagging) but no way to determine which position to use other than setting by ear. Is this the case with all models?
Thanks for your input Joe Abrams. Your comments on power factor correction make complete sense as the dynamics of the music are certainly improved with its use. However, in addition, I'm experiencing very significant improvement in the clarity, detail and deeper view into the orchestra which I have determined is due to its ability to reduce noise and distortion from the incoming AC noise, and isolate digital hash as well. MIT says the filtering action is done "in parallel" to the AC power. I would like to know what components/technology are used, and if internal components upgrades might improve this aspect of its function. These are old units so I can't imagine there are any "secrets" about it.
Larryi, it sounds like you have some knowledge in the area.(inductive or capacitive loads- is like Greek to me)
You mention yours has a switch-which means it is the older 1st series. Have you the ability to peak inside and perhaps discuss your findings?
I have a MIT Z Stabilizer now, got it used as a gift. A double blind test revealed no change when used with my audio equipment. HOWEVER, it did stop a digital clock in the house from running fast, with the MIT Z Stabilizer plugged into the same circuit the clock is, the clock now keeps perfect time. I did some measurements on the thing and what the device is (at least the "older" ones described here) are series resonant filters connected across the power line set to harmonics of the power line, i.e. 120, 180, 240, 360 Hz. The switch adds a couple more filters for even higher frequency harmonics.
The clock was probably picking up extra counts from the harmonics on the power line. The device could be helpful for some CD players or other digital sources with inferior power supplies that suffer degraded performance with noisy power. It also might help computers that suffer from random reboots for no known reason. But for analog audio equipment with properly designed power supplies, I can't see it making any difference, at least it made no difference with my equipment.
Br2600. Exactly how did you use your unit. Was it the beige toater style model?