[Skyhawk]

Good evening all.

I am curious about everyones take on using a power conditioner on Bryston Gear.  Amps, processor etc.

I recently purchased one and have an opinion of my own, but before I devulge I would like to find out what other people think.

Thanks

[KJ]

Skyhawk,

Welcome to AC.  I'd recommend performing a search on this topic since it has been heavily reviewed (I referenced some good links in an earlier post: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=14526&highlight=).

In general, power conditioners for amps are a no-no, but great for most everything else.  However, I recently purchased a BPT power conditioner and have not noticed any negative effects when plugging in my amp thus far.  In fact, the noise floor was substantially lower.

-KJ

[Skyhawk]

Thank you for the links.  

I bought a HTPS7000SS from my local dealer.  And noticed a definite change in the sound of my system.  The noise floor was dramatically reduced and the mid/high frequencies became more forward and enjoyable.  But at the same time the sound is now very, scientific, correct yet cold.  Strange.  Never thought AC would have such a large roll in the sound of my system.

I live in a building built in the 70s and I have concerns that the noise on my outlets is immense.  

Anyone else ever use this conditioner?  Thoughts on its performance?

[angelo]

how did you measure the noise floor, do you have any figures in dB?

angelo

[witchdoctor]

Hi,
I own the Monster HTPS 7000. The conditioner is the second link in the power chain,after the plug on the wall. By itself, it substantially opened up the soundstage, lowered the noise floor, brightened and clarified my video picture, and made my system much more enjoyable. I live in a pre-war apt. building in NYC with old wiring and my volt meter rarely reads the ideal 120. If you notice the sound has become cold it sounds more like the interaction with your room rather than the electronics. Here are
some tweaks to try:
1) Loosen the screw on the plate holding power recptacle on the wall. I know it sounds crazy but try it.
2) Replace socket with a cryoed socket from Virtual Dynamics ( cheap).
3) Upgrade the power cords you use, starting with your sources such as CDP or DVD player and working backward to pre-amp's PC then AMP.
4) Place isolation cones or devices under the equipment ( INCLUDING the HTPS 7000).
5) Once you have your power chain cleaned up then I would contact 8th Nerve for a free consultation on room treatment.

The logic behind this is first to maximize your investment in your PLC. No sense constricting the flow of the clean power you are getting with sub standard power cords. Next, isolation is not expensive and really let's you here your components potential. Finally, once your equipment is playing at it's best, now treat the room.
No need to proceed all at once. Take your ime and have fun!
Witchdoctor

[Skyhawk]

I used a RTA to measure pink noise output from a standalone generator with a fixed line out level.  I measured before and after the addition of the Monster conditioner.

It was in the order of 3dB

Thing is that I am not sure if I want to leave the conditioner hooked upto the amplifiers ( Pair of 7B SST).  The sound is good, yet, very different from before, and I am in the process of trying to decide if it is indeed better or not.  The Mid - high frequency range is great.  My concern if for freq below 350hz.

Any opinions on using these amplifiers on a HTPS 7000SS?  Bryston does not recommend using them.  However the dealer I bought it from had Krell mono blocks hooked upto it and it sounded wonderful.

[witchdoctor]

The plug for amplifiers on the HTPS 7000 only cleans the power at a lower stage ( stage 1?) and not as much as the digital section (stage 5?).
The balanced power alson does not get supplied to the amps as it might limit the current. I would make sure it is also fully broken in before passing judgement. You will probably be better able to compare after listening with the unit for a few weeks and then removing it. Any drop in performance shoild be glaring by then.

[Skyhawk]

Thank you witchdoctor.

I read some of your posts at another site, good all around info.

My understanding of the HTPS7000 SS is that it has stage 5 cleaning on all outlets but the "AMP" outlets are not balanced.  

In any event it was one of the only products I could find in my neighbourhood.  I typically dont buy anything online, and nothing used, so the Monster made sense.  However after reading all of the forums, im thinking the BPT might be a good item to listen too.

All in all it is a good experience, makes the hobby interesting.

Thanks again!