Alan Maher's Power Enhancer

Phil · « **on:** 15 Sep 2007, 09:55 pm »

I've been enjoying these little wonders for about a month (look like large wall warts and are plugged into the same outlet as the component -- that is, you don't plug your PCs into the them). Basically, they clean up the HF and LF without covering anything up. In fact, dynamics increase and the overall sound is more natural and unforced.

Given that I have two dedicated outlets (one for source and one for amp) and an equi=tech balanced power unit just for the source, I was interested if the PEs could make any difference. Initially, I was interested in assisting the amp, which is plugged straight into the wall. Alan suggested trying three PEs, one for the amp, source and the equi=tech. What the hell, why not -- money back and all that.

I tried that and, with the exception of pulling them out to add them one at a time to see what each added to the overall sound, they have been in my system since. Great stuff. They need 10+ days for settling in. Very reasonable price for what they do. If you don't have the cash for several, I'd suggest starting with the digital outlet first. Alan was very helpful by explaining what they do, what to expect and what to use in my configuration. His website is a good place to start. Website: http://alanmaherdesigns.com/default.aspx

Phil

ted_b · « **Reply #1 on:** 15 Sep 2007, 10:34 pm »

I use one, too, in my main rig, but haven't posted any feedback yet (Alan has a thread on the Asylum that is acting as a clearing house of feedback) because I need to make sure I find the best spot. Alan recommends that if the line has multiple outlets then you should find the first one in the chain, install it there, and leave it for awhile. I've been too busy changing other aspects of my main system lately and want the dust to settle (i.e I don't know which is the initial outlet). So far, though, the PE sounds like it lowers the noise floor noticeably and I believe I've likely found the best spot the first try.....we'll see.

Phil · « **Reply #2 on:** 16 Sep 2007, 12:41 am »

Ted,
When Cassandra Wilson's growl is perfect, the PE is in the proper place.

That photo of your listening room is pretty awesome. If the PE can improve your system, I have to believe it will work anywhere. I did find that the effect is additive, as Alan suggested.

I should have mentioned that a subtle noise in my system caused listening fatigue and the PEs eliminated the problem. That was all I wanted, but they delivered more than that.

Have fun experimenting.

Phil

marvda1 · « **Reply #3 on:** 16 Sep 2007, 12:50 am »

is the pe 2 worth the difference in price $75 vs. $125 ?

Phil · « **Reply #4 on:** 16 Sep 2007, 04:22 am »

I have not tried the PE2, just the PE. You might want to check at audioasylum: http://www.audioasylum.com:80/audio/tweaks/messages/14/149104.html Or you could ask Alan what the difference is.

Philistine · « **Reply #5 on:** 29 Oct 2007, 01:35 pm »

Robin,
I had a box of Noise Harvesters on demo when they first came out, even though the lights flashed I could not detect any sonic changes at all. The same Harvesters were tried at another house with different components, and we noticed a significant improvements in soundstage - more three dimensional. Never figured out if the change was related to the equipment or supply, but my amp manufacturer did comment that the power supply was designed to filter out this type of AC noise. My conclusion from this, and what PS Audio claim, is that the Harvesters are system/supply defendant.
It will be interesting to get your feedback on the PE's.

carusoracer · « **Reply #6 on:** 31 Oct 2007, 06:08 pm »

Any further reports good or bad concerning the units?

I just picked up on the thread...

carusoracer · « **Reply #7 on:** 1 Nov 2007, 04:31 pm »

Thanks Robin,
Look forward to the posting.

denjo · « **Reply #8 on:** 2 Nov 2007, 03:35 am »

Just installed Alan Maher's Power Enhancer II into my power conditioner (Hydra-8 and CIAudio XDC*2) and immediately heard a positive difference - increased soundstage, dynamics, clearer treble, deeper bass ... The manual advises that it takes a while for the PE II to settle down, usually coming together from Day 5 with incremental improvements thereafter. I don't know the science of how it works but it seems to have made quite a big improvement in my system!! I must confess that I had doubts this might be snake-oil!

Jim N. · « **Reply #9 on:** 2 Nov 2007, 03:53 am »

I have 2 of his PE's in my system and they make a significant improvement. The Hammond Chokes have worked very well in my system also. Being an apartment dweller limits what I can do so parallel enhancements offer a larger return for me than for those with dedictated circuits.

I have a PE2 on order. Should be here late next week.

denjo · « **Reply #10 on:** 2 Nov 2007, 06:03 am »

Jim N wrote:

Quote

I have 2 of his PE's in my system and they make a significant improvement.

Hi Jim
Looks like we are two happy campers with Alan's PEs. Could you share with us how you place the two PEs? And, do you know how many PEs is enough? I mean, does it improve further when you place additional PEs in series? Wow, if that were the case I cannot imagine what the improvements might be beyond what I am already hearing?

Best Regards
Dennis

denjo · « **Reply #11 on:** 2 Nov 2007, 06:36 am »

Satfrat wrote:

Quote

I've also been told of 1 guy who has 25 PE's in his home.

Hi Robin

Wow, 25 PEs!! That sounds like a Guinness record for the largest number of PEs in a house!!

And why not, if his system sounds 25 x better!

Best Regards
Dennis

Jim N. · « **Reply #12 on:** 2 Nov 2007, 07:53 am »

I have two duplexes in my main room (well, my living room actually

). Both have a PE in the lower outlet and a PS Audio Duet drawing from the upper. First duplex drives my TV/Cable box. It runs from the Duet into an Electronic Specialists Kleen Line box which further isolates TV and Cable. Hammond chokes are in the unused Duet outlets (3). The duplex on the second wall a Duet has 1 power cord running to my Stratos and a Hammond Choke. The other isolated PS Audio outlet has a power cord running to my Blue Circle Music Ring and a Hammond Choke. BC Music Ring powers by pre and multiple players and dacs. I use large crystals (primarily smoky quartz) on top of my chokes, Duets, DACS and BC Music Ring. They seem to work well at damping vibration and look darn nice. Works great with New Age music (well, I am sure it would if I ever listened to any of it

)

Convoluted as all heck but I like the results. The outlets are on the same circuit and on adjoining walls. Audio system is the further from the box.

denjo · « **Reply #13 on:** 2 Nov 2007, 08:09 am »

Jim N

That sounds like a labyrinth! Mine is a single wall out into a Hydra-8, and two cables from the Hydra-8 feeding a CIAudio XDC*2 (humbuster) and Power Wedge II (ancient!). The Hydra-8 powers my amp, DAC, SB3 and tuner, while the Power Wedge II feeds my TV and ancillaries. I placed the Maher PE II in the CIAudio XDC*2. Reading Alan Maher's instructions which came with the PE II (and trying to figure what he means!), my PE II is lying laterally with the unit parallell to the ground. It seems the PE II should either face downwards or upwards relative to the ground pin. Nothing is said about the "parallell to ground" orientation, but it sounds pretty good. Have not tried any other positions with the PE II. Gosh, doesn't all of this complicate things even more?

Best Regards
Dennis

denjo · « **Reply #14 on:** 2 Nov 2007, 02:50 pm »

Hi Robin

Greetings! Thanks for your informative post. previously, I was not sure what series or parallell meant but thanks to you I am much clearer now. Yes, I will certainly want to try the PE II on the Hydra-8 outlet and do some experimenting. Oddly, my PE does not come with a ground pin but has only two pins. I will be emailing Alan soon to find out if its because I am on 230 v.

You very much hit the nail on the head about priorities - a good, clean ac power should be the first thing on every audiophile's priority list instead of an obsessive need to change components when things don't sound ideal!

Since my experience with the PE II has been so positive, I might just get another one to place in series. It seems he has a version III in his Product list and is now taking orders for delivery in Jan 2008.

Happy listening!

Best Regards
Dennis

95bcwh · « **Reply #15 on:** 2 Nov 2007, 04:31 pm »

Where do I put this PE if I have dedicated AC and the whole circuit only have one outlet?

carusoracer · « **Reply #16 on:** 2 Nov 2007, 05:26 pm »

Great feedback! Looks like I need to evaluate on for myself.
Is there a back order?

denjo · « **Reply #17 on:** 3 Nov 2007, 01:29 am »

Hi Robin

Not the land of the rising sun but sunny Singapore!

Alan is out of town on a tour but his better half responded to my email and said that the new PEs come with only 2 pins. I guess they will be updating the info on their website soon.

I must say this product really makes my system sound much better! One other quality I have observed is how much easier it is for me to follow dialogue or to catch the lyrics of a song. Even my preamp volume at level 1 sounds louder and has all of the music intact albeit at a micro level. Still don't know how it works but it sure works in my system!!

Best Regards
Dennis

Huck · « **Reply #18 on:** 4 Nov 2007, 01:25 pm »

Just wondering if I would notice a difference for the "good" if I were to use just one Basic PE?. All my gear is plugged into a Furman power conditioner and right now my system is dead quiet,but like most, I am looking for that 'little extra" as far as good quality sound goes!. Has anyone here actually used just one PE and heard a positive effect? Thanks,Huck

denjo · « **Reply #19 on:** 4 Nov 2007, 03:07 pm »

Huck

Although mine is the PE II, I think you should hear a difference (I would bet for the better) with the PE I. There have been numerous posts from happy users of the PE. Check Alan's website out - www.alanmaherdesigns.com

Best Regards
Dennis