Power conditioners

Puritan Labs PSM 156-NFR Studio Master Mains Purifier.  Update.  100 hrs. break-in.  All aspects improved from initial report.  This thing is a beast.  YMMV.  Cheers

Regardless of what's in a power conditioner and what it costs, I'm very suspicious about manufacturer's claims about how good it is, yet don't bother to give you any filter curves, Joule capacity, bandwidth, etc.  Clearly, for low cost units, you aren't going to get a lot of data because it's doubtful any verifiable tests were done.  But, for the big ticket boys, it's inexcusable not too publish their attenuation, isolation, surge capacity, and bandwidth specs.

I don't care what folks say about a given component, I'm not spending my money on a black box made with secret sauce with claims of wonder and amazement.  Line filtering is not an art form, it's pure science. So if a manufacturer is being secretive, I'm very suspicious. 

@spatialking 

If you were a manufacturer, why would you bother gathering and publishing serious performance data when audiophools are willing to pay substantial amounts of money for epoxy-potted knockoff 90s Monster Power circuitry? Honestly, I wouldn't either 😂

@devinplombier. That's a good point.  However, if they did publish their data, it would tell the potential consumer that they are an honest Company

Another thought I had this morning, if Brand A had 50 dB of attenuation and Brand B had 54 dB of attenuation, it might become a spec war, just like the THD wars back in the 1970's.  Consumers didn't really understand what THD was, they just knew they didn't want it.  The reality is the vast majority of noise problems are fixed with 35 to 45 dB of attenuation and more than 60 dB is typically a waste of money. 

@devinplombier 

Why not opt for a Monster conditioner or a pro AC line filter with

a... get ready for it... harmonic conditioner ? 

The ADD-Powr Sorcer X4 takes a different path to power enhancement. Instead of filtering or regenerating AC, it operates in parallel with your system, re-referencing the incoming signal through proprietary algorithms, laminated-core transformers, DSP circuitry, and a Class-A interface. Your components don’t plug into it—simply connect it to a nearby outlet and let it work without limiting current or restricting dynamics.

Reviewers consistently note expanded soundstage depth and width, richer harmonic color, and a newfound sense of ease. Horns gain polish and body, bass carries greater authority, and complex passages unfold with more natural flow. The result is a presentation that feels more dimensional, effortless, and musically engaging—an upgrade designed for serious systems seeking refinement without compromise."