1. Home
  2. cables
  3. 198322-179657

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
 

@zlone When I started this research the P12 and the P20 were at the top of my list. As I dug into the research, including speaking directly with PS Audio it became evident that the P20 would not be able handle the wide swings indefinitely. While I believe that the utility company and my electrician will be able to narrow the voltage I was concerned it would be pushing the unit to the limit. Putting a strong voltage regulator in the line first would allow me to run the high demand equipment like the Pass XA25. I did reach out to Pass Labs and they were adamant that the XA25 would be limited by the P20 and that the line would need voltage protection. They actually convinced me to get something like the Furman as a first line of defense. 

@ghdprentice Thanks. That is consistent with what the experts also say. Do you have any experience with the Niagara or the Delta-X. I have narrowed my choices by eliminating the P12.

hjdca's avatar
hjdca
240 posts
 

As already articulated, the huge voltage swing is your biggest issue, not only for your stereo system, but, also for your home appliances... Decades ago, like the 50's and 60's applicances were engineered to handle voltages down to 95 Volts, but, no more... Modern appliances are all about cost cutting and efficiency.  The windows of operation for longevity are narrow.   Personally, I would concentrate more on addressing that... As a comparaison, the voltage swing at my house is 115V to 120 Volts.

zlone
1,319 posts
 

That makes a lot of sense, good that you checked with PS Audio. I use a P15 with good results, but I have pretty stable voltage. And I agree with Pass, I ran my amp through the P15 for a month or so and switching to the wall was an improvement.

Good luck sorting this out.

ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,398 posts
 

I have had experience with Shunyata... and it is the company I would go with. I have tried a couple of their conditions... although stuck with the one I have because it is very good and I did not want to spend the money. If I swapped it would be with a Shunyata... second choice IsoTech. 

kennyc
2,834 posts
 

@thriftyaudio Wide swings happen in this area but normally between 100-140 volts.

Those wide voltage swings seem very dangerous for audio components, should be addressed first. Good luck.

More to discover