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To Power Condition or Not to Power Condition?

OK, I’ve looked into this and the few posts I find on every forum seem to be at least 4-5 yrs old. I’m pretty sure new and probably better products have come out since then. Then there’s the issue as to whether to even use a power conditioner at all. Seems like some love it while others hate it. Whatever, the info and discussion seems quite limited.

So here’s where I am. I have a dedicated AC line with Oyaide R1 outlet. I’m running my amp into the wall and the digital into an old Monster cable AVS 2000 strip that received good reviews 12-15 yrs ago. I just installed hardwood flooring and my system sounds better than ever. But I had promised myself a toy since I did the floor installation. and was expecting the system to need help since it was voiced for carpet.
Anyway, I need a new toy. Since I don’t have a power conditioner, I keep thinking about one. My 1st thought was a couple of Oneac units from Ebay...one for analog, the other for digital. Then I considered the PS Audio Dectet. . It fits my budget and something which will fit behind my system rack. I don’t have shelf space for a P3, P5 etc though I keep thinking about the supposed benefits of regeneration. I’ve looked at other brands IE Furman. Then I stumbled across the Shunyata VENOM PS8 POWER CONDITIONER BUNDLE at Music Direct. But again, I can find very little in way of review on this item or its bigger brother the VENOM MPC-12A (which may be beyond my budget anyway)

So, I’m looking for people with experience with the Shunyata VENOM PS8 bundle with Venom Defender and PC and/ or the PS Audio Dectet and especially if you have heard them a/b’d against one another. Thoughts/experiences with regeneration and power conditioning will also be appreciated.

Thanks for your help. System is listed. The pictures have not been updated to reflect the equipment. But the list of equipment is correct
arte
128x128artemus_5
jwmazur
190 posts
 
I have had power conditioning in some form or another from the Chang Lightspeed, PS Audio AC regenerators, even tried one of Bybee's AC conditioners. I just didn't seem to hear that much of a difference to be confident I wasn't trying to fool myself into thinking I did. 

I did have my latest system lashed up with Shunyata cabling and power conditioning, in particular the Hydra Alpha 4, using different Shunyata AC cables for each of the components. 

While I found better signal cables for my system and sold the Shunyata cables, I left the Shunyata AC gear alone. It was only when talking with my delear that he told me about Core Power Technologies Equi-Core balanced AC transformer. This was appealing from the standpoint of freeing up shelf space in my rack. When I installed the Equi-Core there was an improvement - not so much of hearing crystal clear highs, or " a veil being lifted from the music", but rather a relaxation factor that allowed me to more connect on an emotional level with the music. It was just flat out more involving and drew me in.

I sold the Shunyata gear, pocketing the change and no longer have to look at the power conditioning equipment trying to reaffirm faith and belief that it is doing something. While everyone's AC power quality is corrupted to a greater or lesser degree, I may just be one of the lucky ones where it is not that noticeable. But, with the Equi-Core it may just be the power conditioning gear was placing a limitation that I had not considered.

Having affiliation with neither dealer nor manufacturer, this is just a perspective from one person's experience and point of view. There are so many variables in this hobby that my medicine may be another's poison. All I can say is, once you connect with your system in a profound way you know it.

coli
291 posts
 
Tried a lot my self (Oyaide, PS Audio/snakeoil, noise reduction device, etc), the only things that worked without side-effects are the stuff from Furman.

Oh, and go with American 240V, balanced power for free. More dynamics, more clarify, better everything.
siddh
345 posts
 
I have not had a variety of conditioners in my system, but after discovering a consistent inconsistency in the voltage servicing my home I opted for the PurePower.  Due to a few 'gon posts railing the company for defective and poorly warranted equipment, it is hard to recommend them. But, this unit has performed beautifully offering a lowered noise floor, lessening harshness, and an overall more involving presentation. I have, on occasion gone back to plugging amp and preamp into the wall, but never for more than few hours. 
artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5 OP
1,911 posts
 
Thanks for all the replies so far. One poster has pointed out that the Dectet has  separate outlets so one can separate the digital from the analog which is something I want. I've also heard good things about the BC Thingy. i haven't had time to research the various  instruments. I will check them out though

FWIW, I was a builder and built my house in 1997. My circuit panel has light load on each circuit which may be a plus for me. Checking the voltage, I get a reading of 124.9 VAC I have checked it for the last couple of days and it has been consistent.. This is across the various outlets in my room and the adjoining DR & kitchen.

Not sure if the system shows my use of the Pangea AC9 used on all components. They were the only ones which ever made any difference in my system. BTW, the 9 bested the 14 by a rather large margin on my cdp which is why I use the 9 instead of the 14. I haven't tried the newest Pangea....yet.
maplegrovemusic's avatar
maplegrovemusic
1,113 posts
 
try it . 
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