[Tony C]

I have just cobbled together an interesting (mostly used) system, and am thoroughly enjoying the process. I am, however, a bit unsure how to proceed with respect to power conditioners. I have never previously owned one, though I have had a couple of nice systems. Having researched a bit, I am inclined to consider either a PS Audio or Blue Circle unit.

I'm interested both in general comments about the need for such expensive devices, and any specific thoughts relating to the above-mentioned brands (or others).

Here's my system (thus far):

Bryston B60 integrated amp (owned a Bryston amp 25 years ago!)

Green Mountain Audio Europa Max speakers (the only new component)

Rega Planet 2000 CD player (really liked the original Planet)

Accuphase T-100 tuner (my first foray into the world of vintage tuners)

Audio Magic Sorcerer speaker cables

Osiris speaker stands (discontinued; luckily found a used pair)

Thanks in advance!

Tony

[Levi]

I know for a fact that a Voltage Regulator works for me in conjuction with power filters.  I would suggest you try one of the above power conditioner you mentioned in your system and see if you like what it does for your system.  Most manufacturers will give you 30days to return the unit.

[doug s.]

i would consider picking up a coupla isolation transformers on ebay.  these are cheap, & will offer sonic improvements, as they lower the noise floor.  make sure the one you get for your amp is big enuff to not restrict ytour amps' dynamics.  not familiar w/this amp, but i'd imagine 1kva would be sufficient.  and, be sure to get a separate isolation transformer for the cdp - separating the digital stuff from the analog stuff really helps.  if the x-former for the amp is big enuff, hooking up the tuna to it should be ok.  

also, ask the seller about hum - some of these will hum, some won't.  the only transformer i have that has hum is a 2.5kva monster, but i was able to significantly reduce it by tightening up the bolts holding the iron together...

here's a typical mondo one, similar to the monster i have.  this weighs a *lot*, so shipping on something like this ain't gonna be cheap.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=4665&item=3864773131&rd=1
another one, over three times the cost of what i paid for mine, but still a bargain, considering what these cost new, & what "audiophile" conditioners cost:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=11772&item=3864861526&rd=1


here's typical smaller ones:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=86724&item=5741947024&rd=1
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=42881&item=3864146526&rd=1
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=67780&item=5740809625&rd=1
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=67815&item=5741584968&rd=1
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=32830&item=5742007049&rd=1

or, get something that has a built-in variac:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=1504&item=3864923085&rd=1
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=92078&item=3865088241&rd=1

doug s.

[BeeBop]

I have a BP25 and 3BSST which are plugged directly into the wall, as well as an MD102 tuner. The whole rig is dead silent. The tuner produces background noise if I am getting a poor FM signal but none that I have been able to determine related to the electrical supply in my mid-50s built apartment. When I have the source selector pointed at my Ack! dAck! and CD player, there is absolutely no background noise at FULL throttle. Does your B60 produce any background noise at high volumes when the source is off?

[doug s.]

I have a BP25 and 3BSST which are plugged directly into the wall, as well as an MD102 tuner. The whole rig is dead silent. The tuner produces background noise if I am getting a poor FM signal but none that I have been able to determine related to the electrical supply in my mid-50s built apartment. When I have the source selector pointed at my Ack! dAck! and CD player, there is absolutely no background noise at FULL throttle. Does your B60 produce any background noise at high volumes when the source is off?

do you listen to fm w/the digital gear still on?  i have found that, w/some tuna, & depending on where the equipment & the fm antenna is located, i get more noise when listening to fm w/the digital gear on.  turn off the cdp &/or dac, & the noise goes away...

doug s.

[BeeBop]

Thanks for the tip Doug! There is zero cross talk from the BP25 on connected sources. I can get some cross talk if I turn the selector to an unconnected input, but this can be made to go away by plugging in a null cable - not worth the bother. Or are you talking about RF interference from the CDP? None of that either that I can tell.  In any case, the Ack! dAck! is battery driven so it and the CDP are always off when not in use. The background noise goes away when I turn the MD to a station with better reception. I have a ST-02 antenna but my physical location is the problem so some stations are not as good as others.

[doug s.]

Thanks for the tip Doug! There is zero cross talk from the BP25 on connected sources. I can get some cross talk if I turn the selector to an unconnected input, but this can be made to go away by plugging in a null cable - not worth the bother. Or are you talking about RF interference from the CDP? None of that either that I can tell.  In any case, the Ack! dAck! is battery driven so it and the CDP are always off when not in use. The background noise goes away when I turn the MD to a station with better rece ...

yes, i was referring specifically to rf interference.  in more than one instance (in other's rigs as well as mine), i have heard noticable quieting from an fm tuna when the cdp is turned off.

re: antennae, i would strongly suggest trying a basic dipole, or find a used radio shack (archer) model # 15-1833.  this is a powered antenna that has a tuning dial, yust like the radio: 88-108.  you tune it to match the station.  i have found that both of these almost always outperform a whip antenna (i also have an m-d whip), but reception is a funny thing, & different results can be had in different locations.  of course, a roof-mount directional yagi is best...

doug s.

[BeeBop]

Thanks Doug. I'm gonna try that.