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Power Distributors: Shunyata Delta-X, AudioQuest Niagara 5000, and PS Audio PowerPlant 12

Decided to start a new thread that accurately reflects my current thoughts.

We moved and the house has some electrical issues. An electrician is addressing them for use. One issue is a wide voltage swing identified by my 20 year old Panamax 5300 (98-145 volts). Wide swings happen in this area but normally between 100-140 volts. The electrician is work with the utility company to minimize this on our property. He is also installing a dedicated 20A line for the stereo system.

I have already ordered a Furman P-2400 AR (recommended by Furman) to help protect the system from wide voltage swings. The Panamax is ready for retirement.

I plan to install a power conditioner/distributor that will utilize the protection the Furman provides. I will probably run my XA-25, one sub, and maybe both Acoustat 1+1 speakers directly through the Furman. The conditioner/distributor will handle everything else.

The three models listed in the title are my short list. The Delta-X with an Shunyata Alpha-X XC cord runs $6000 for The Cable Company. The Delta-X is $4500 without any cable, and the Alpha-X MSRP is $2800. This will be my most expensive cable if this is selected. The Niagara 5000 is $6900 ($3999 from TMR with stock cable). The PowerPlant 12 is $5999 (approx $4000 with Panamax trade from PS Audio and approximately $3000 used from TMR with stock cable).

So here is the apples to apples choice: Delta-X at $4500, Niagara 5000 at $4000, and PowerPlant 12 at $3000. What are your concerns and recommendations?

If I go with the Delta-X, do I need, or want, the Alpha-X XC? 

 

thriftyaudio
thriftyaudio's avatar
thriftyaudio OP
190 posts
 

I guess the true apples to apples comparison would be the new price for each:

Shunyata Research Delta-X    $4500     used     N/A too new

AudioQuest Niagara 5000       $6900      used  $2500-4300. TMR $4000

PS Audio PowerPlant 12          $5999   PSA trade price estimated at $4200

                                                              used $2100+  TMR 2949-3199

thriftyaudio's avatar
thriftyaudio OP
190 posts
 

The Cable Company combo of Delta X and Alpha X XC at $6000 is an offering Shunyata is sponsoring with all authorized dealers.

 

zlone
1,321 posts
 

I am confused as to why you would buy two separate power conditioners. If voltage swings are a big issue why not just buy a P15 or P20 regenerator and use it for everything?

ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,402 posts
 

I would drop that question into and AI. It does a great job of characterizing your problem and how each of these units are designed to do different things. Here's a very short summary:

Given wide voltage swings (≈98–145V), the core issue is voltage stability, not just noise filtering, so a true regulator like the Furman P-2400 AR is the foundation; downstream units like the Shunyata Denali Delta-X and AudioQuest Niagara 5000 primarily provide passive conditioning and distribution (useful once voltage is stable), while the PS Audio PowerPlant 12 also regulates but would be redundant and potentially current-limiting in this setup; the optimal approach is to use the Furman for regulation, run high-current gear like the Pass Labs XA-25 directly from it, and use a conditioner (Niagara or Delta-X) only for front-end components, with premium cables like the Shunyata Alpha-X XC being optional and secondary to stabilizing the incoming power.

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