toocool4 & Mike-48 thanks for answering
Toocool wrote
BicycleJoe when I installed the regenerator in my system many years ago, the difference it made to the sound was huge.Mike 48 wrote
I'm using a Torus RM-20, an isolation transformer with noise filtering and surge suppression. I avoid power regenerators as too complex and prone to failure over time. Basically, they are like feeding your equipment with the output of a power amplifier (one that outputs only a 120 Hz wave). I see that as intrinsically offering more paths to failure than simpler methods of power filtration.Two sides of the coin.
Both very valid points of view and why I am researching further.
I have an appointment to talk to Steve Deckert today about the ZPC power conditioner (iso transformer) on his website he mentions that basically a regenerator is an amplifier. He wrote "Some people will wonder how this approach compares to a power re-generator so it pays to know that a power re-generator is a large power amplifier. It simply plays a 50/60 cycle note (sine wave) instead of music. It is, nevertheless, an amplifier whose performance is affected by incoming power quality just like anything else therefor it would make sense to plug a power re-generator in the Zen Line Conditioner."
So what comes first the chicken or the egg?
Stereophile's Larry Greenville reviewed the Torus TOT AVR and compared it to his reference RM 20, he wrote "The TOT AVR is 48.9 lbs lighter, 6.5" narrower, 2.5" shallower, 2.3" shorter, and $1300 cheaper than the Torus Power RM 20 I've used for the last eight years. Unlike the RM 20 and the two other TOTs, the TOT AVR can also regulate the AC line voltage so that it remains at 120V, ±5V. Surge protection is an option for extra cash"
So putting these two points of view together with what Paul says that more important than clean power is impedance and voltage regulation.
In addition to my living in 120 apartment building that's wired for digital VIOS inside the walls, I have other concerns.
In New York City in the summer we have thunderstorms almost every day, they may only last a half an hour but lightning cracks the sky.
The other concern of mine is in the summer months when temperatures hit 90 - 100° we have controlled brownouts that restrict power.
There is no way I can afford both unless I can find two entry level units.
Funny enough there is a discontinued PS Audio Power Plant Premier Power Controller Surge Conditioner Regenerator (picture above) used at a decent price but it's a very old unit. 6 out of 10..
Like the Rolling Stones said.
https://youtu.be/j5RVsgmUrnY