Is an isolation transformer better than a power conditioner?

The result of power conditioners is highly dependent on your home and the incoming power. Typically direct lines (one for components and one for the power amp) is always a good improvement.

Generally the power conditioner is used only for components… with your improvements you will have to see if there is still a good improvement with the power conditioner. In my circumstances there is… 30 seconds of listening without my power conditioner is plenty to realize it is doing important work.

My opinion is that the benefit of the power conditioner/transformer/regenerator is often exaggerated.  Your characterization that "SQ is improved but not dramatically" is about the best you can hope for. 

This coming from a guy that has a power regenerator in transit to me. But my expectations are low.  Hopefully I will be impressed.

Jerry

I auditioned a number of PC some years ago, PS Audio regen, Shunyata Hydra, Audience Adept Response, can't recall others. Prefer my BPT 3.5 Signature with mods for all front end equipment, no PC for amps. I recall hearing the balanced transformer pc as more natural, others more hifi, processed sounding.

Here is a link to an article I think you might be interested in looking at:

Bob

gdnrbob,

Funny that he compared the top of the line PS Audio P-20 unit to the second from the top AudioQuest. While the top of the line AudioQuest Niagara 7000 is similar in price to the PS P-20.

Also, why was it necessary to use a 3 meter Hurricane power cord?

I have owned many conditioners. In fact I owned several PS products. While I thought it was a good product, connecting power amps never seemed like a good thing. On the other hand, the Audioquest 700 shines with power amps.

ozzy