Sound Application 12XE Power Conditioner

earlmarc · « **on:** 27 Feb 2006, 08:47 pm »

I will be receiving my Sound Application 12XE power conditioner this week. Review forthcoming as I will be taking it to Milwaukee for an audio gathering at Spectralman's home. Steve from SAS Audio Labs should be bringing the Jenalabs 2.1 and "The One" conditioners for comparisons.

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #1 on:** 27 Feb 2006, 10:01 pm »

Sound Application 12XE power conditioner link.... here......

Chris[/list:u]

TomS · « **Reply #2 on:** 28 Feb 2006, 02:54 am »

Make sure your XE-12 has plenty of heavy current break in time before doing real serious listening. My Reference Line Stage required a ton of time to get there. Jim actually said to run the fridge off of it for a few days/weeks.

earlmarc · « **Reply #3 on:** 7 Mar 2006, 11:43 pm »

Sound Application Power Conditioner arrived today. This thing is alot bigger than I ever imagined! Awaiting 20amp terminated power cord from Black Sand Cables. I will keep you posted.

earlmarc · « **Reply #4 on:** 18 Mar 2006, 02:16 pm »

I have been using the 12XE conditioner with a Voodoo Cable 15amp to 20amp connector into the Black Sand Silver Ref. and into the Sound Application outlet. I am still waiting for the Black Sand Silver Ref. terminated with the 20amp IEC connector. I have compared the 12XE to my Panamax Max Coax 8 conditioner only with video performance. My video sources are a Pioneer SD533HD5 RPT, Panasonic S97S DVD player, and a HD Comcast receiver. At first glance, I wasn't impressed. I thought the Panamax was just as good if not better than the 12XE. I figured since the Voodoo connector and 12XE conditioner were new that they probably needed some break-in time. After about five days I started to notice that my picture was cleaner and colors had a bit more vibrancy. Nothing night and day mind you, but an improvement nonetheless. And every day forth, the picture incrementally is getting better. I will report back as time goes on if there are further improvements. Once I receive the proper power cord, I will provide information about the 12XE's audio performance.

Stay Tuned.

earlmarc · « **Reply #5 on:** 25 Mar 2006, 04:13 pm »

Well, I received the Black Sand Sil. Ref. power cord terminated with a 20amp IEC inlet. The 12XE requires a 20amp IEC terminated cord. I'll let the cord break-in awhile and report back my findings.

Stay Tuned.

earlmarc · « **Reply #6 on:** 23 Apr 2006, 03:31 am »

I figured its time to give an update of my impression of the Sound Application 12XE conditioner. This update will be brief because I need more time to know this product.

The 12XE is that great manager that goes unnoticed behind the black curtain. Its that rare talent that manages the energy of the performance and harmonizes it into eloquent music. Every audio component with talents for high-end deserves and needs a great manager like the 12XE to reach its potential. Most Highly Recommended!!!

Woodsea · « **Reply #7 on:** 25 Apr 2006, 12:14 am »

How much do these go for?
I will be living with dirty power for the next 3 years.
Thanks,
Eric

earlmarc · « **Reply #8 on:** 25 Apr 2006, 01:28 am »

That's interesting tvad. I believe Jim only did two of the RLS upgrades on XE-12S. One of them just sold recently on audiogon. Jim doesn't offer that upgrade anymore because there was a problem with the design. I wonder how much of your dissatisfaction with the unit was a result of Jim's RLS upgrade not blending well with the XE-12S?

earlmarc · « **Reply #9 on:** 25 Apr 2006, 02:07 am »

Tvad, I only know this because Jim told me the reason he no longer offers the upgrade is because there was a problem with it. I have spoken with Jim on numereous occasions about his products and I assure you what I stated is not conjecture. If you want the specifics talk to Jim about it. I have not tried the Hydra product, but if they work for you that's good.

earlmarc · « **Reply #10 on:** 25 Apr 2006, 02:28 am »

Tvad, hopefully Jim can clarify for all of us why he now isn't satisfied with offering the RLS upgrade on the XE-12S. I doubt that he knew about his issues with the upgrade until afterwards. I hope you and Jim can discuss this and resolve it to your satisfaction.

earlmarc · « **Reply #11 on:** 25 Apr 2006, 02:58 am »

Well said,Tvad. By the way, are you moving up the APL HiFi food chain? I noticed that you are selling your APL Denon 3910 with AKM DACs

earlmarc · « **Reply #12 on:** 25 Apr 2006, 03:11 am »

I would love to have that unit, but its too rich for me. I'm on Alex's waiting list for the AKM DAC upgrade.

earlmarc · « **Reply #13 on:** 25 Apr 2006, 03:19 am »

Upgrade is a lot cheaper. What have you found that is economical that would satisfy you after owning such a delightful unit?

earlmarc · « **Reply #14 on:** 30 Apr 2006, 04:18 pm »

Tvad, the BOYB Attraction DAC might be that economical product that satisfies us. Are you willing to give it a try?

earlmarc · « **Reply #15 on:** 30 Apr 2006, 06:56 pm »

Yes, that's how it comes. It doesn't take alot of room.