AudioCircle

Industry Circles => NuPrime Audio => Topic started by: rjclaster on 13 Feb 2019, 07:38 pm

Title: ac-4 line conditioner
Post by: rjclaster on 13 Feb 2019, 07:38 pm
Rusty,
I am getting the ac-4.  Would you say that I could get further improvements from high end power cords?
Title: Re: ac-4 line conditioner
Post by: rustydoglim on 13 Feb 2019, 08:20 pm
I tihnk that will be very marginal.
Title: Re: ac-4 line conditioner
Post by: rjclaster on 14 Feb 2019, 04:18 pm
what is its peak amperage on transients?
Title: Re: ac-4 line conditioner
Post by: rustydoglim on 18 Feb 2019, 01:38 pm
It is designed for high current, the circuit break trips at 15A, so the circuit can handle way more than that.
Output 10A x 2, 3A x 2
https://nuprimeaudio.com/product/pure-ac4

Pure AC-4 has high order AC filter that really works.  And notice that it has 2 sets of filters, for low and high power devices.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=190792)

Compare with a typical power conditional (this one retails for 990 Euro) that uses just one set of lower order filter.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=190791)
Title: Re: ac-4 line conditioner
Post by: rustydoglim on 22 Feb 2019, 09:51 pm
Pure AC-4 does the real clean up.  Other entry-level power conditioners are just glorified power strip.  You don't know what you are missing until you have AC-4 in your system.

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=191016)
Title: Re: ac-4 line conditioner
Post by: rjclaster on 23 Feb 2019, 09:22 am
Does the ac-4 significantly improve dynamics?
Title: Re: ac-4 line conditioner
Post by: Bonzite51 on 23 Feb 2019, 01:20 pm
It is designed for high current, the circuit break trips at 15A, so the circuit can handle way more than that.
Output 10A x 2, 3A x 2
https://nuprimeaudio.com/product/pure-ac4

Pure AC-4 has high order AC filter that really works.  And notice that it has 2 sets of filters, for low and high power devices.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=190792)

Compare with a typical power conditional (this one retails for 990 Euro) that uses just one set of lower order filter.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=190791)
Hi,
have/plan you version with 220V euro sockets?

Thanks,
Janis
Title: Re: ac-4 line conditioner
Post by: rollo on 23 Feb 2019, 04:18 pm
It is designed for high current, the circuit break trips at 15A, so the circuit can handle way more than that.
Output 10A x 2, 3A x 2
https://nuprimeaudio.com/product/pure-ac4

Pure AC-4 has high order AC filter that really works.  And notice that it has 2 sets of filters, for low and high power devices.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=190792)

Compare with a typical power conditional (this one retails for 990 Euro) that uses just one set of lower order filter.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=190791)


  That is the Gigawatt power strip correct ? That is one of their entry level conditioners. Gigawatt products are very much reviewed in Europe and quite affective at what they do. The most used conditioner at CAF this year. Quite a product.


charles
Title: Re: ac-4 line conditioner
Post by: Bonzite51 on 24 Feb 2019, 08:53 am
what about european 220V version?
Title: Re: ac-4 line conditioner
Post by: rustydoglim on 27 Feb 2019, 09:29 am
Pure AC-4 can be used worldwide (there is an AC switch for 110 or 220).
Don't confuse this with the AC socket.  You can use the US socket version in Europe or vice versa.
Title: Re: ac-4 line conditioner
Post by: Tom Davis on 28 Feb 2019, 08:50 pm
The AC-4 arrived yesterday and it's now the AC-"source" for the whole system: CD transport from Bel Canto inputting to Holo Spring DAC to Pass Labs HPA-1 preamp to Pass Labs XA-25 amp to Selah Estremo speakers (wired (except for the speaker cables) with Zu Audio Event cables).

It takes about a week for the Pass Labs gear to "recover" from being powered down, so I'll have comments on NuPrime's latest then.

Title: Re: ac-4 line conditioner
Post by: rjclaster on 8 Mar 2019, 08:22 am
I have had the ac-4 for 4 days and I have noticed a slight decrease in grain, especially on massed strings.  I cannot say how it affects the bass because my subwoofer is not connected to the ac-4 but dynamics have not been compromised.
Title: Re: ac-4 line conditioner
Post by: Bonzite51 on 8 Mar 2019, 01:36 pm
Pure AC-4 can be used worldwide (there is an AC switch for 110 or 220).
Don't confuse this with the AC socket.  You can use the US socket version in Europe or vice versa.
You mean to change all plugs or kind of adapters in Europe case!!!
Title: Re: ac-4 line conditioner
Post by: Tom Davis on 8 Mar 2019, 04:40 pm
I've had the AC-4 in my system (see previous post above) for just over a week now. Here's what's going on:

1. Right away I noticed a drop in the noise-floor: honest-to-god-dead-silence between tracks. This initial impression has been confirmed over this week by my being able to play, well, everything, louder with no down-side.

2. On disks (yes, I'm a CD-only guy) with "hot" recordings, there's a greater sense of "ease" with, say, sibilants, and instruments are "more themselves" in their tonal signature.

3. Soundstage is improved in the placement of instruments and vocals: more dimensionally right, more solid, and then also a little more forward. I'm not sure what's going on with this "more forward" so I'll pay attention to this over the next couple of weeks.

4. I agree with the comment on dynamics not being affected. This was my single greatest concern but Dusty seems to be quite right about the 10A socket: I prefer the Pass XA-25 with the AC-4 than "straight in."

Finally, I worked with John Casler to get the AC-4, and will be getting future NuPrime products with his help.
Title: Re: ac-4 line conditioner
Post by: Tom Davis on 8 Mar 2019, 05:06 pm
Hmm, I meant "Rusty," not "Dusty."

And speaking of Rusty: I too am interested in whether it's advisable to plug more than one component with a "strip" into a single 3A socket. Right now I'm planning on adding a second AC-4 when NuPrime comes out with an all-3A version.
Title: Re: ac-4 line conditioner
Post by: rustydoglim on 9 Mar 2019, 06:30 am
AC-4 will be more prominent on high end systems.  When Nuprime develops something, we base it on science.  The effect on IDA-8 for example will not be that noticeable, but if you also connect other noisy devices (various AC adapters, TV) in your living room to the same power strip/wall circuit as IDA-8, then AC-4 could help.

Power = AC voltage x Current
For example, if you have a 20W low power device, then Current = 20W / 110V   (or 220V depending on where you live)
So 3A is more than sufficient.  Most manufacturers don't spec the power consumption for components because it is not a fix value, but you can guess from the fuse.  If the fuse is 1A, the normal power usage is much less.
Title: Re: ac-4 line conditioner
Post by: sresener on 21 Apr 2019, 03:59 pm
Im currently using a panamax m5400. How would the ac-4 compare or be different to what I am using?
Title: Re: ac-4 line conditioner
Post by: sresener on 21 Apr 2019, 09:37 pm

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=193742)


I attached a picture that I found on the web.
 Now im not saying mine is better or worse anything, I just already own one and would like to know if it would work as well "or not" with my new evo dac and the new evo amps im getting.

And this message is not "just for Jason" its for anyone in the circle that may be able to help.

But if nuprime happened to extend a deal I can not turn down. Well I may be temped to purchase them anyways just because they look better and would match the 3 evolutions and k38 better. (hint hint wink wink)

Title: Re: ac-4 line conditioner
Post by: rustydoglim on 22 Apr 2019, 01:35 pm
I will ask our chief engineer to take a look.  It is quite aparent to me that the filter is of "lower order" design.  Are you located in the USA? I suggest that you discuss with your dealer (call John Casler, his contact on our website) about auditioning and comparing with your existing power conditioner, with the intend to buy if it improves the sound. Ask your dealer to contact us to discuss discount.
Title: Re: ac-4 line conditioner
Post by: sresener on 4 May 2019, 09:27 pm
Would one of these handle two evo amps and one evo dac, I would then use the other for my av preamp, a mch-k38 and my uhd player?
Title: Re: ac-4 line conditioner
Post by: rustydoglim on 5 May 2019, 08:37 am
Quote
Would one of these handle two evo amps and one evo dac, I would then use the other for my av preamp, a mch-k38 and my uhd player?
Yes, this is exactly how we envision customers would use Pure AC-4.

Please don't mix the noisy devices like settopbox or TV on the same Pure AC-4 with high end audio components.
Title: Re: ac-4 line conditioner
Post by: sresener on 5 May 2019, 03:26 pm
I read the manual and it mentions surge protection, there are very little details. I assume the units will provide proper surge protection if I happen to not be home during a thunderstorm.

If I am home and there is a storm I always turn the breaker off to my equipment.
Title: Re: ac-4 line conditioner
Post by: rustydoglim on 7 May 2019, 07:10 am
That's correct. It has a circuit breaker.
Title: Re: ac-4 line conditioner
Post by: nuklipsch on 14 May 2019, 12:19 am
Hi everyone,

I have one nuprime ida-8 with klipsch heresy III. I have a terrible hiss/hum sound with no source connected, same at all levels. I've tested different conditionner and cables but no one works. Do you think the ac-4 can help me ?

Thank u.

Title: Re: ac-4 line conditioner
Post by: RafaPolit on 14 May 2019, 01:35 pm
No. If this happens with no source connected, it could be that the ida is turning into an 'antena' picking up frequencies.  The other option is that the wall inlet your are hooking your ida hasn't any ground, and the ground 'appears' when you connect a properly grounded rca cable.

Neither of these will be solved by the regulator.

At least I don't think so.

Have you tried with different wall sockets (for instance in a different room)?

The antena issue is harder, you would need to cover the ida with something metallic to see if the hum goes away.

If you touch the rca sleeves in this scenario, does the hiss hum change or goes away?
Title: Re: ac-4 line conditioner
Post by: nuklipsch on 15 May 2019, 05:16 pm
I've tried every wall inlet in my housse and at my parent's housse too with every other gear (phone,box,friidge,...) disconnnected , and the noise was still there.

In this scenario, you mean I should touch Rca sleeve?

I have touched the Rca with my finger in normal position and nothing change.
Title: Re: ac-4 line conditioner
Post by: rustydoglim on 15 May 2019, 07:44 pm
Try to use a AC adapter plug with no ground to see if the noise goes away.
Something like this:
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=194537)
Title: Re: ac-4 line conditioner
Post by: rustydoglim on 15 May 2019, 07:45 pm
wait, you said "I have a terrible hiss/hum sound with no source connected, same at all levels"..
so what happen when a source is connected? Then the noise disappeared?
Title: Re: ac-4 line conditioner
Post by: nuklipsch on 15 May 2019, 09:07 pm
I've already tried the plug with no ground with no success.

Same noise with my cdt-8 with coaxial connection.
Title: Re: ac-4 line conditioner
Post by: rustydoglim on 17 May 2019, 06:59 am
klipsch heresy III is a 99 db sensitivity speaker, hmmm, are you listening very close, ie a few feet away?
You might be hearing the even order harmonic of IDA-8. 
You didn't say whether this is the first time you got the IDA-8 or speaker, did the noise develop after a while, or it is there from day one?
Try a different speaker to compare.
Regardless, you should create a help desk ticket and contact support to continue with the diagnostic.  This discussion is beneficial to other users but not under this topic, which is for AC-4 product.
Title: Re: ac-4 line conditioner
Post by: sresener on 21 May 2019, 01:55 am
My mch-k38 has a fairly high noise floor compared to my other amps, but I still have to put my ear right up to the speaker to hear it, and im hearing this with 90db speakers so I could only imagine what 99db speakers would make this noise sound like.

As rusty said have you tried this with other speakers?
Title: Re: ac-4 line conditioner
Post by: nuklipsch on 1 Jun 2019, 02:25 pm
The noise is the same from the beginning, I've heard it 15 feet away. I've tried a hegel H80 and absolutelly no noise with the heresy. I've sold my IDA-8 and ordered a brand new IDA-16 because the nuprime sound is what I like the most. I hope there will be no noise.
Title: Re: ac-4 line conditioner
Post by: sresener on 1 Jun 2019, 02:56 pm
 Take a look at this link
https://www.gcaudio.com/tips-tricks/system-noise/

My mch-k38 makes a  very slight whine/hum that none of my amplifies do so I hope the ida-16 works well for you.
Title: Re: ac-4 line conditioner
Post by: JAC_ZAR on 4 Jul 2020, 05:46 am
I am using AC-4 with IDA-8, REL T/7i, Apple TV 4K
the improvement is not huge, but it is noticeable
the sound stage is wider and deeper
bass is better controled