Power conditioners

I can’t speak to the details, but it’s pretty clear that there are pro tools that do a good job for audiophiles without the audiophile mark up. 

I’ve read about people who claim equal or better performance for various products out of pro lines for a lot less money. Of course, the ear must be the guide, but often audiophiles are easy targets for markup.

Some examples I’ve read are people who use pro equipment as powered studio monitors, professional DACs/interfaces, headphones, and cables.

The audiophile market often emphasizes subjective qualities, exotic materials, beautiful casework, and brand heritage—all legit preferences, I guess, but they can result in diminishing returns on actual sound quality. 

Of course some professional gear is voiced for mixing/mastering (clinical, fatiguing for long listening) rather than enjoyment. And...some audiophile designs do explore legitimate engineering approaches (certain tube implementations, specific driver technologies) that differ from pro priorities. So, the issue is complicated.

Headphonesty is an interesting place to get your facts from. 

The only thing is. Power conditioners like Shunyata significantly improve the sound on high end systems. So, all the rational thought is a waste of time. Get one and put it in your system... then start thinking about why it happens... if you want. I just prefer to listen to the music. 

If you’re seriously considering a power conditioner, you should try the Kubala-Sosna Ovation.

I tried the top of the line Nordost and a medium level SR model. And this significantly outperforms both, at a lower price.  Full disclosure, I have a tube system and 94 db efficient speakers.

I use some entry level Panamax and Furman power conditioners ($200 to $300) range. What I noticed is mostly how much my video improved with reduced artifacts and halos. I also found that some grounding issues I have with my ancient two wire home circuitry were eliminated with these two conditioners. As far as sound improvement, I don't think my 70 year old ears and mid-fi system could reveal the difference with a four figure conditioner.