[mgalusha]

Jay,

The Transcendent balanced power unit no doubt offers great value. I have not talked with Bruce about it, I haven't had any reason to. His products provide good value for the money and I haven't seen any posts about his power supply where the buyer was unhappy.

It should provide much the same performance as the BPT gear. I know that BPT uses the LoNo (Low Noise) series of transformers from Plitron, I don't know what Transcendent uses.

Speaking of which, I was looking at the schematics on Plitron's site and it looks entirely possible to wire up the transformers for 220/230V use. Have you contacted Chris Hoff to see if he's willing to do this?

Since I don't want to turn the DeZorel thread into a balanced power thread here are some more results of my DeZorel audition.  

I spent several hours tonight enjoying the DeZorel connected to my video projector; a Sony VPL-VW10HT.

For the first round I put on The Fifth Element. I know a lot of folks use this for a demo disk and I do as well. Since I'm so familiar with it and it's a good quality disk, I thought it would serve well to highlight any differences the DeZorel made. I watched the first 4 chapters of the film to let the projector warm up fully and to have the look fresh in my mind.

The DeZorel was then inserted and I let the projector warm  back up for a few minutes and started the movie again. There were not huge differences but they were there. Colors were a little more saturated and the image had more of a filmlike quality, an overused term to be sure, but it was appropriate. The effect was the same as a positive change to my audio system - I just wanted to keep watching and was pulled deeper into the film.

I then switched it over to Dish Network's HD demo channel. The image was outstanding. While the HD demo channel always looks very good, it was clearer, more saturated and just plain gorgeous. After the loop had completed I removed the DeZorel and plugged the projector back into the wall and fired it back up. Watching the HD channel now was somewhat like switching from SACD to CD. It was still nice but it just wasn't all there. I wanted it back in the circuit.

The projector has been been running without any filter since purchased 2 years ago. I have been pretty happy with the performance given that this is an LCD projector with it's inherent limitations. Now that I know it's capable of delivering a better image it will get a power filter. Will it be the DeZorel? I don't know but it's entirely possible. I was very pleased with the results and will experiment further. Two thumbs up for the performance of the DeZorel in my video system.

Mike

[Tyson]

Posted my impressions of today's shootout here:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=1446&highlight=

[DVV]

Jay,

The Transcendent balanced power unit no doubt offers great value. I have not talked with Bruce about it, I haven't had any reason to. His products provide good value for the money and I haven't seen any posts about his power supply where the buyer was unhappy.
...
I then switched it over to Dish Network's HD demo channel. The image was outstanding. While the HD demo channel always looks very good, it was clearer, more saturated and just plain gorgeous. After the loop had completed I removed the DeZorel and plugged the projector back into the wall and fired it back up. Watching the HD channel now was somewhat like switching from SACD to CD. It was still nice but it just wasn't all there. I wanted it back in the circuit.

The projector has been been running without any filter since purchased 2 years ago. I have been pretty happy with the performance given that this is an LCD projector with it's inherent limitations. Now that I know it's capable of delivering a better image it will get a power filter. Will it be the DeZorel? I don't know but it's entirely possible. I was very pleased with the results and will experiment further. Two thumbs up for the performance of the DeZorel in my video system.

Mike

Great going, Mike, that's what I call an all-around test.

I have just one request - could you please, when wrapping up, also list the prices of the alternative units? Just so we (or I, maybe I'm the only one not knowing their prices) can put things in perspective, in view of the fact that what you guys have is their smallest model.

Cheers,
DVV

[Jay S]

Jay,

The Transcendent balanced power unit no doubt offers great value. I have not talked with Bruce about it, I haven't had any reason to. His products provide good value for the money and I haven't seen any posts about his power supply where the buyer was unhappy.

It should provide much the same performance as the BPT gear. I know that BPT uses the LoNo (Low Noise) series of transformers from Plitron, I don't know what Transcendent uses.

Speaking of which, I was looking at the schematics on Plitron's site and it looks entirely possible to wire up the transformers for 220/230V use. Have you contacted Chris Hoff to see if he's willing to do this?

Hi Mike,

The only thing I've bought from Bruce so far is his book (which was a fun read) but I do believe too that he does his engineering homework.  I'll email him and ask him more about the power supply.  I'd be interested in its ability to reduce noise in the audio frequency (<20 kHz), which DeZorel claims is a strength of their filter.  

As for the BPT, I was very enthusiastic about it after reading about the various shootouts last year.  In fact, Starlet and I were interested.  But, Chris said that he was only offering 110v and wasn't interested in doing 220v.  This was last year - I don't know if his plans have changed since then.

[audiojerry]

I realized I did not have Mike N. on here from Bel Air MD:

1. audiojerry, Wisconsin Performance = 9, Value = 10
2. Nathanm, Wisconsin Performance = 5, Value = 3
3. Beezer, California Performance = 5, Value = 8
4. Randytsuch, California Performance = 6, Value = 6
5. Derrick N, California
6. Brian S, Seattle
7. Mike G, Englewood CO
8. Mark J, Salem OR, Performance = 6, Value = 6
9. Mark C, Ontario
10. Briley, Greensboro NC
11. JoshK, NY
12. Steve K, NJ
13. Mike N.

Guys, if you have a chance, copy this list and  to enter your ratings on
as a reply post.

[mgalusha]

The perfect situation arose this evening to continue auditioning the DeZorel; my wife was out of the house for a few hours. No noise or distractions, just the music.

I continued trying the DeZorel in the two channel system, this time with the digital components.

First up was the DAC, a modified ART DI/O.

As usual I listened to the system in it's normal configuration after the amps and preamps had been powered up for about 45 minutes, the DAC and transport are always on.

The DI/O was then connected to the DeZorel. Interestingly the results were almost the same as when the preamp was connected to the DeZorel. Given the common mode filter I added to the DI/O's power supply I didn't think it would be as sensitive to power line noise.

My notes were:

"Brighter, piano sounds artificial in the upper registers. "
"Not as relaxed as the BPT."
"Muted trumpets verging on annoying."
"Not as much head bob factor."
"Sound of hammers hitting piano strings is less discernable."

For the next configuration I connected the DeZorel to the output of the BPT and the DAC to the DeZorel. My notes were:

"Surprising - almost exactly the same as DeZorel straight into the wall.
Still seems bright and somewhat congested. "

Round 4, feeding the transport.

The DeZorel was connected back to the wall and the CD transport connected to the DeZorel.

Again the results were similar to the other configurations but there was less difference between the DeZorel and the BPT. My notes were:

"Similar results but less so, still lacking in depth and less detailed."

The DeZorel was then connected to the BPT instead of the wall and the CD transport still connected to the DeZorel. My notes were:

"Closer to BPT -> CD transport but still more forward - still a bit less harmonically cohesive. "

As suggested by audiojerry, I tried it connected to the output of the BPT. I did this for the above trials. He also suggested trying it ahead of the BPT. This was my last iteration. All of the front end components were plugged into the BPT and the BPT plugged into the DeZorel. My notes were:

"Very close to BPT -> System but still a trace of hardness and glare. Found myself waiting for track to end and after switching back to just the BPT I was just grooving to the song and was somewhat surprised when it ended - and I have listened to this CD a lot."

After completing all the trials in my audio system I originally planned on trying the DeZorel in my home theater system. However I decided to forego this portion since the home theater is all connected to the BPT 2.5 Ultra and it's at least as good as the ones two channel rig.

So what are my final impressions?

In my system the DeZorel offered a nice improvement over the unfiltered AC from the wall. When connected to the video projector it made a very nice improvement and really left me wanting it back in the system.

As for comparison to the BPT units, it's certainly not fair in relation to price. The BP-2 and the BP-4 are both $999 and the BP-2.5 is $1199. In all scenarios I preferred the sound of the system using the BPT's. Over the weekend I did get to hear the DeZorel in comparison to a Tripp Lite Isobar power conditioner and a Bolder Bybee power bar. I don't know what the Tripp Lite cost but the Bolder was $500. I preferred the DeZorel over the Tripp Lite and the Bolder over the DeZorel.

As with all the other posts on this thread, these are strictly my impressions and are not very scientific. I did try to isolate the effects by connecting only one component at a time. I believe the DeZorel was given a fair audition and I am very glad for the opportunity to participate.

Effectiveness: 6
Value: 7

MarkC - did you still want to be moved to the end of the list? If not, PM your shipping address and I will get it off to you. Otherwise I will try and contact Briley and get it shipped to him.

Mike

[mgalusha]

Per audiojerry's request:

1. audiojerry, Wisconsin Performance = 9, Value = 10
2. Nathanm, Wisconsin Performance = 5, Value = 3
3. Beezer, California Performance = 5, Value = 8
4. Randytsuch, California Performance = 6, Value = 6
5. Derrick N, California
6. Brian S, Seattle
7. Mike G, Englewood CO Performance = 6, Value = 7
8. Mark J, Salem OR, Performance = 6, Value = 6
9. Mark C, Ontario
10. Briley, Greensboro NC
11. JoshK, NY
12. Steve K, NJ
13. Mike N.

[Psychicanimal]

So far, I can conclude DeZorel made a HUGE mistake by sending a one module unit.  They should have sent a two module unit to enable component separation.  Bummer...

As for my own listening tests, I took one of my Clear Image T4 filters (I have three now!) to a friend who's got an Equi=Tech 2Q balanced power filter($2600) feeding a Wadia 20 transport ($4500) and a Dodson DA 217 MKII DAC ($3795).

Guess which one is the overwhelmingly clearer filter...

[OBF]

Psychicanimal,

We had to buy the DeZorel so it wasn't just a matter of what they chose to send, although they certainly could have sent a multi brick unit under different terms.

[Psychicanimal]

Psychicanimal,

We had to buy the DeZorel so it wasn't just a matter of what they chose to send, although they certainly could have sent a multi brick unit under different terms.

Then my hypothesis that they don't understand capitalism is sadly true...

The largest market, the US--and they blow it!

In the meantime, I have purchased an additional two Clear Image T4s and will pick up a 10 amp Elgar AC regenerator sometime in the next two weeks, GW.

[JoshK]

Just a note on why we were doing this in the first place.  If anyone was considering buying a Dezorel unit based on these auditions, have you looked at the prices.  I saw an ad on audiogon and followed the link to Audionut's website.  The prices he is asking for them negate the value incentive and puts them at similar prices to all their peers.  Therefore, if one was considering getting a two block unit, it costs $1100 through Audionut.  The BPT 2.5 that has been the comparison unit sells in this range.  I don't know whether you can buy directly still and import yourself but I am greatly dissapointed in the resale here in America from the one dealer who I knows sells these.

[OBF]

Josh,

Yikes, I hadn't noticed that.  I just looked at Audionut too, and I agree it's indeed dissapointing.  Even with a substantial discount, they'd still be way more than the direct prices we were looking at when we began the process.


Psychicanimal,

I did a quick search on the Clear Image, and found very little info.  I'm probably looking in the wrong place, but have you said (or could you if not) what type of filter it is?  Is it passive?

Out of curiosity, do you have any experience with the Exact Power voltage regulators?  I believe they perform a similar function as the PS Audio power plants, but in a more efficient manner.

[Psychicanimal]

Josh,

Yikes, I hadn't noticed that.  I just looked at Audionut too, and I agree it's indeed dissapointing.  Even with a substantial discount, they'd still be way more than the direct prices we were looking at when we began the process.


Psychicanimal,

I did a quick search on the Clear Image, and found very little info.  I'm probably looking in the wrong place, but have you said (or could you if not) what type of filter it is?  Is it passive?

Out of curiosity, do you have any experience with the Exact Power voltage regulators?  I believe they perform a similar function as the PS Audio power plants, but in a more efficient manner.

OBF:

Dejan does not like that I say that, but these guys don't understand the mechanics of capitalism, period.  They have chosen a bad distributor--for the second time in a row!  Audionut's prices are simply nuts!  Has Dan Wright received his demo unit to this date?  Of course not!  Dan and I spoke on the phone last week...

Not to brag about myself, but there's very few people that have played around with noise control gear as much as I have.  Sending me a model for reviewing would have been a sure shot at getting my results posted here, in Audiogon, HD and the Asylum.

A voltage regulator is not the same as an AC regenerator.  A regenerator converts AC into DC and then back to AC, "supposedly" leaving noise behind.  I am purchasing a 10 ampere, Elgar medical grade regenerator.

The Clear Image T4 was an early Audioprism product.  If you call them they'll deny it, but that's the truth.  It has a QUAD ARRAY balanced configuration using custom made toroidal transformers *and* EMI/RFI CORCOM filters.  Everything is star wired and soldered, encased in a copper chassis.  Even the screws that hold the filters to the chassis are copper!

I have no doubt the DeZorel is a great filter.  Hans-Martin and Roberto Petti say it and I trust those two guys.  They know their high end audio and are not into spending irrational amounts of money on Voodoo products.

[jcoat007]

Audionuts prices are double what I was quoted direct from Dezorel.  

(to the tune of the Almond Joy jingle)

Sometimes you feel like a nut

Sometimes you don't

Audionuts gone nuts

But I Won't

Based on the lukewarm reviews, I don't think I would purchase one.  Now that the prices have doubled, you can count me out.

[OBF]

Psychicanimal,

I looked over AudioPrism's current product list and I don't see anything that resembes a transformer based balanced power conditioner, so I'm guessing they no longer build anything like the T4?????  Sounds like a very well built piece but probably hard to find?

I have no experience with the Exact Power devices and I don't want to sound like their marketing department, but it steps down the voltage to 90VAC or something like that and then uses a digital PWM amplifier to boost it back to a supposedly perfect 120VAC waveform with real time correction.  So you're right, it doesn't convert of DC first, but it's a similar process and it's capable of much more output than the PS Audio powerplants.  Still too expensive for me, but I'd like to try one out.

[audiojerry]

I don't know where Dejan is at the moment, but he earlier stated that if enough interested parties get together, a group buy at a sizable discount would be possible.

Thanks for your input, Psychicanimal.

[Psychicanimal]

Psychicanimal,

I looked over AudioPrism's current product list and I don't see anything that resembes a transformer based balanced power conditioner, so I'm guessing they no longer build anything like the T4?????  Sounds like a very well built piece but probably hard to find?

I have no experience with the Exact Power devices and I don't want to sound like their marketing department, but it steps down the voltage to 90VAC or something like that and then uses a digital PWM amplifier to boost it back to a supposedly perfect 120VAC waveform with real time correction.  So you're right, it doesn't convert of DC first, but it's a similar process and it's capable of much more output than the PS Audio powerplants.  Still too expensive for me, but I'd like to try one out.

OBM, the T4 has been out of production for some 9 years.  If you are interested in good line conditioning on the cheap, send me an e-mail.

Basically, this subject is about four things:

1) stabilizing the power

2) cleaning the power

3) preventing cross contamination of cleaned power

4) not ruining the music in the process


Taking care of digital is the most important, because it is most succeptible ( and also produces lots of ) noise.  That's the bad news.  The good news is that since the equipment consumes so little power it's not that expensive or hard to deal with (as with power amps).   The benefits reaped at the digital end would be the most cost effective measure one could do and would positively influence all the other components.  Now that I've been at this for a while have I come to reallize it.

Audiojerry, you're very welcome.  You and I started on this at just about the same time...

[DVV]

I don't know where Dejan is at the moment, but he earlier stated that if enough interested parties get together, a group buy at a sizable discount would be possible.

Thanks for your input, Psychicanimal.

Whaddaya means "where's Dejan"? Here, where else, albeit with a really bad flu, which inflamed my active sinuses, so I'm sniffing and sneezeing as I write this, but ain't no flu gonna make me stop writin.

All I can suggest that is of any meaning is that you guys work out what everyone wants, bunch up together and try for a direct order, while you still can, if you still can (for that, you have to talk to DeZorel people directly).

I can do two things:

1. Suggest you buy model with three Bricks, either PowerStation 3 or A.R. Senior (Senior/GND if you have tubes). Not cheap, but much better than anything else I have ever seen or auditioned. Please DON'T take my word for it, check up on this, but if I remember well, model PowerStation 3 (used to be LF-A3 Mk.2) should cost a tad over $600 plus shipping. Now, a group buy ALWAYS knocks down shipping costs by at least $50 per person (don't know exactly), and if enough people get together, the quantity discount also kicks in, and off hand, I'd guess it shouldn't cost more that $700 INCLUDING shipping to your doorstep. Again off hand, I'd guess PowerStation 1, newer version of what you have in name only (otherwise the same model) shouldn't go over say $320 worst case, at your doorstep, assuming a quantity can be gathered, and

2. I can call in some favors and old debts to possibly help with the group purchase.

If you want me to do that, fine, I'll do it, but I have to have some initial data - which models, how many, etc.

Also, remember that the UPS discount works only if everything goes to one address, thus treating first case as master, rest as slaves. So, one guy has to do all the paying and all the receiving, which also means reshipping within the US. Just a reminder.

For your info, a friend from Belgium told me exactly the same thing is going on in Europe, so we're hardly original. They got 14 guys lined up.

Cheers,
DVV

[mgalusha]

I remembered today that the "Hevia" CD was supposed to be traveling with the DeZorel and thought I would give it a listen. I hadn't seen it when I unpacked the unit so I dug into the box and found a CD inside of Jerry's original shipping papers from DeZorel. Oddly the CD that was there was not Hevia but what appears to be a demo CD from a group named "Built to Spill" and titled "Sabonis Tracks".

Not sure what happened to the Hevia but the Built to Spill was different. Not really to my taste but it's the first time I have heard a heavy electric version of Vince Guaraldi's "Linus And Lucy".  

Mike

[Psychicanimal]

Josh and OBF,

I had an eye exam & they placed some really nasty eyedrops.  I will repond to your e-mails later.

P/A