Alan Maher's Power Enhancer

JenMaher · « **Reply #300 on:** 27 Feb 2008, 10:12 pm »

1 Hz? Some copper clad shielding can filter down to dc. What are you trying to do? Alan is currently working on a filtered power cord using items that can filter down to dc. I don't know too much about the technical side as of now, but so far it has been very impressive.

jmichael · « **Reply #301 on:** 27 Feb 2008, 10:25 pm »

What am I trying to do? Like everyone else, I'm trying to eliminate (bad) noise but do not have the knowledge of what types to treat and why.

I guess, this question should be for another Thread.

Thanks!

JenMaher · « **Reply #302 on:** 27 Feb 2008, 11:11 pm »

Filtering has more to do with component tuning than anything else. The real question should have been, what type of sound are you trying to achieve? There are many different ways to influence a component and achieve the same thing. If you need extra warmth you could look at a Hammond choke, extra copper braid shielding for the power cords, magnetic coils, copper outlets, Bybee's, exotic woods, and soft feet like Vibrapods. Each adds a different degree of warmth, some are better than others, but each one offers a similar change in audio and video.

Alan builds a simple stand that does wonders to help develop midrange frequencies. The stand is made with 4 Soundcare adhesive spikes, 2 sheets of 1" cast acrylic, and 4 large Cardas blocks. In a/c applications the stand overall effect has been compared to additional filter stages. He uses the stand for the balance power conditioner, HTPC, and external hard drive cases.

Another excellent tool for dialing in cable harmonics, and dirt cheap for what it can achieve, is the High Wire power wrap. If the coil is dialed in using mid to lower mid frequencies it does wonders for cleaning up or filtering the incoming a/c for the component. Alan has one on every power cord in his system. Granted it requires a lot a time to fine tune the cable, I think it takes Alan 3 or 4 days to fine each cable, now this is a guy who is professionally trained, but the end result is out of this world and comparable to mega-buck power conditioner designs that we have tested over the years.

So the question should not be how to, but rather one should ask why, what are you trying to achieve by adding a product or material to the component? Understanding what you feel is missing helps me relate the info to Alan for an answer

One item I can recommend is Ti-Shield. The shielding is a copper clad design, Alan uses it for a lot of projects, properly grounded the shielding can provide filtering down to dc. Alan has played with various ground sizes and prefers 12AWG. I don't think 12AWG provides filtering down to dc, but larger ground wires start to close the sound quality down and roll off the top end too much. A cheap and effective idea is to add a grounded square behind the wall outlet, this tweak best many add-on filters for almost nothing, and offers superior magnetic filtering on the cheap. If you are using one of the PE models this tweak offers great enhancement in a bright system.

I hope this helps.

jmichael · « **Reply #303 on:** 29 Feb 2008, 01:02 am »

Tried posting this yesterday but I think the server had a meltdown.

Jen,

Considering that I already use Transparent Cable & PS Audio power cords, Highwire Power Wraps on various cords, 2 surge protectors/voltage regulators and 2 Quantum Symphony standard units, 2 PS Audio Harvesters along with various PE models, I might be all set. Can I do better? I sure hope so! This is why I plan on adding balanced power, at some point if needed, and the PE V when it rears its pretty face. Or, is that face it's pretty rear. No matter, I'm always looking to upgrade. That's the excitement of this Hobby! For some, a profession. Appreciate the feedback as always!

JenMaher · « **Reply #304 on:** 29 Feb 2008, 08:28 am »

Jeff-
I second the removal of the Noise Harvester. All our clients report a negative effect when the PE and Harvester are used on the same phase.

Currently I'm trying to help Robin optimize his Quantum Symphony placement. Alan started a few weeks ago to install them inside components and in close proximity to high current sources, the end result is a tripled effect and absolutely wonderful. I asked Robin to attach his Pro on the circuit breaker side of the sub panel door using double stick tape. Alan installed a Pro inside his balance power conditioner and was stunned by the transformation. He normally laid the Pro right on top of the balance unit and was never 100% happy with the result, but installing it inside the case offered a dramatic increase in performance, sound, and video quality. He also installed a Symphony Standard inside the media pc right on top of the power supply, everything across the board dramatically improved, and he already tweaked the pc to remove various types of noise.

Do you tune the High Wire wraps on the cable? Many people we talk to just install them in the center of the cable and don't understand how to tune the harmonics properly.

Has anyone tweaked the in-wall wiring using Progold or Quick Silver Gold? ProGold is good and QSG offers a "oh my god" effect. Scrub the in-wall wiring using a steel wool pad and ProGold 100% solution. Scrub the wire lead to a mirror finish. Alan says the surface of the wire or a/c blade should be a slick as wet ice. Buff the wire lead with a cotton Q-Tip to remove the residue and buff the surface to a mirror finish. Remove all ProGold residue. Apply a thin coat of QSG on all three wires and let it break in for a few weeks. Alan recommends stirring the QSG paste for at least 3 minutes until it becomes creamy and smooth as silk. You should start to notice a positive effect on video around day 2, and audio between day 5 and 6. The application will continue to improve in resolution and sound stage size for a few weeks. Also clean all PE blades and treat with ProGold or QSG for additional enhancement to the PE series performance. QSG offers the best performance upgrade. We also use the lower cost QS A/V paste with excellent results. Each treatment offers a different tonal effect when combined with the PE. QSG adds more extension, definition, tonal textures, colors, and resolution. QS A/V offers additional definition for audio and video. ProGold sweetens the top end a bit.

You can always do better, but for right now lets address circuit tuning and proper placement before looking at added forms of filtration. You might find that new filter locations offer better noise rejection compared to your present installations. Start tuning using the Quantum units. Try the suggestion of double stick tape inside the circuit panel, see if that offers a positive effect for the entire house over a 3 or 4 day period. Next we can discuss magnetic tuning using products like Shakti or Quantum Disrupters. Both of these items can offer fantastic passive filtering if properly installed. Alan uses Shakti Stones in his commercial tweaking designs to filter sub panel in/out wiring. He zip ties a Stone to the incoming service wiring and another Stone to the circuit wiring, the tweak has bettered many mega-buck power conditioners in this application.

Balance power is also an excellent idea if you purchase a quality transformer. The Plitron NBT transformer we use offers superb performance. Installing the transformer off the main panel into a sub panel offers better performance compared to a all in one power conditioner because it lowers the noise of the in-wall wiring before it reaches the system duplex. Alan uses a combination of medical grade transformer with the balance transformer for additional noise filtering. Both transformers are made by Piltron.

I think he is pondering over the delivery of the PE V. He is looking at multiple designs for delivery. One idea is a add on filter and another is to install the filter into a power cable design. After he comes home I think he wants to finish the Studio Reference power conditioner cable before addressing the PE V. I think he is also looking at an idea to add a PE V to future AM designed cables via a built in adapter cable. The PE V might also be offered as a DIY design, many ideas on the table. Maybe you guys can help by offering suggestions that work for your system.

Here's an idea, and we offer these too for those of you who do not know we carry AR products, the Acoustic Revive QR-8 chips offers excellent tuning and filtering options. Pull the duplex out from the wall and install one or two chips on the rear of the duplex outlet. Another options for those who own a balanced power conditioner is to install 4 chips to the bottom of the case near the conditioner foot, and a 5th attached to the transformer nut and bolt. He also adds 2 chips per rear duplex outlet. This is an excellent electrical tweak that doesn't break the bank.

zmanbands · « **Reply #305 on:** 29 Feb 2008, 01:45 pm »

Where is the best place [cheapest] to get pro gold, quick silver gold, AND QS A/V paste? Also where to get high wire power wrap, and Ti- shield?

JenMaher · « **Reply #306 on:** 29 Feb 2008, 03:17 pm »

I don't know about finding the cheapest price, all the dealers, including us, are price fixed by the manufacture. I need to check, but I think prices just went up. I can order Quick Silver products for those who are interested?

Michael Percy Audio is an excellent source for the High Wire Power Wrap and Ti-Shield.

Bill@LakeGeorge · « **Reply #307 on:** 29 Feb 2008, 06:00 pm »

Quick Silver Gold at http://www.xtremecables.com/ I used it on my whole system when I was upgrading my amp and adding new PE's and everything is at a new level.

jmichael · « **Reply #308 on:** 29 Feb 2008, 07:07 pm »

I have added the PS Audio Noise Harvesters back in the system (one on each end/side of the home) and have heard no negative effects whatsoever. They still blink a lot though! Maybe I'll remove them maybe I won't. Alan informed me in an email a couple of weeks back that using a Quantum Symphony standard (mini wall wart type) unit does not mix well with the PE devices. I have to tell you that even though I used these devices since they were introduced in the late nineties, I didn't think they were working. After having them out of the system for almost a year, I thought I wasn't missing anything with not using them. After reinstalling them, I can say that they have a positive effect throughout. They just about double or magnify what the PEs are doing. A kind of boost to the PE units. Yes, I've tuned the Highwire Power Wraps. I purchased these around the same time that I received the Quatum units. They have a big impact on the bass in my system. Also, I have been using the CAIG AUDIO/VIDEO SURVIVAL KIT for the pass year and it's a mandatory use product. I used the product called Tweak before that. Like Robin, I was using the silver paste for the past few years but stopped. The system sounds so good now, I'm afraid by adding anything else for fear I might screw it up.

JenMaher · « **Reply #309 on:** 29 Feb 2008, 07:18 pm »

We had a problem mixing the Quantum products after our latest tv purchase, but he found a work around that up to now is very effective. I agree, the Quantum units gel very well with the PE's and magnify their effect, which is why I suggested placing a Symphony inside the sub panel to magnify the effect.

zmanbands · « **Reply #310 on:** 1 Mar 2008, 01:08 pm »

Jen, I ordered the high wire power wraps, ti- shield, and pro gold from Michael Percy. Thanks. Do you have any guidance on how to dial in the coil using lower mid and mid range frequencies? What are these frequency ranges just to be sure?

JenMaher · « **Reply #311 on:** 1 Mar 2008, 03:52 pm »

Ask Alan, I'm sure he'll be happy to help after he gets home. I'm not the one who fine tune cable harmonics and my knowledge on the subject is limited. Alan is a master on the subject. He has special tracks that he can share with you that are essential tools for fine tuning cables using his methods.

mercman · « **Reply #312 on:** 2 Mar 2008, 03:47 pm »

I have 6 duplexes in my AV circuit. 3 PE, 1 PEIV, 1PEIII, and 1 PEII. The PEIII and PEII were added 10 days ago. In great anticipation I fired up the system to listen.

It was terrible!!

The sound was bright and the bass rolled off. Back to the drawing board.

I then set up my PEs according to Alan's resonant circuit suggestion for 6 duplexes. I connected the two PS Audio Premier Power Plants according to Alan's preferred receptacles. Big improvement, but still not right. The midrange was somewhat recessed sounding. Bass was excellent. I then remembered what Alan said about the PEIII; play around with different positions. I exchanged the positions of the PEIII and IV.

Success!!

The sound is absolutely sharp, focused, but totally relaxed. The PEIII adds a richness to the midrange I was previously lacking. Bass is tight and with great impact.

I have a PEII coming that will complete Alan's circuit suggestion. I will replace the PE in position 6 with a PEII.

The Power Enhancers have transformed my system.

Steve

Paul_Bui · « **Reply #313 on:** 2 Mar 2008, 05:23 pm »

Steve,

Congratulations! And thanks for sharing the great news. I received my PE's almost the same time as you did, and while my video quality improved dramatically, my audio isn't there yet. I am sure there's room for improvements, and I'm far from placing the PE's in their optimized positions. I did swapped PE II and PE III, sometimes PE III and PE IV. Having an HT A/V setup downstairs, and a 2CH A/V setup upstairs, I suspect I may need more PE's.

Since I also have a PPP feeding AC power to my amp/tube pre/DVD player and a TV, could you share some specific tips how and where you put those PE's around the PPP and around the A/V circuit. I do have 5 PE's, one each of PE II, PE III and PE IV. Alos, there're AC Liberators (Plus) and Monitor liberators in hands.

Regards,
Paul

mercman · « **Reply #314 on:** 2 Mar 2008, 05:45 pm »

Paul,

Here is the setup:

Outlet 1 > Outlet 2 > Outlet 3 > Outlet 4 > Outlet 5 > Outlet 6
PE II PE PE III PE IV PE PE I

Outlet 6 will be replaced with a PE II.

The two PS Audio PPP are plugged into Outlet 3 and Outlet 4. All outlets are duplex type. PEs are on the lower plug as recommended.

The system must be sounding great here. My wife actually sat down with me this AM and listened to music with me. A rare event.

Steve

Paul_Bui · « **Reply #315 on:** 2 Mar 2008, 07:32 pm »

Hi Steve,

Thanks for pointing it out. I read your message and what Jen/Alan said on page #40, and everything seems to come into place. Definitely need more PE's, but for now with a total of 8 PE's I should be able to come up with a more than acceptable improvement. Video improvement seems more immediate and easier to see, but soundwise improvement needs some playing around. Looks like the rule of thumb is to start and end a circuit with a PE II, ideally. Problem is, the 2CH music setup is located right next to the outlet #1 (or #7 depending on how I look at it). For now, I will just follow Alan/Jen's and your suggestions and see how it goes.

Otherwise and without your success story, I would (and did) put PE II, PE III and PE on the rear outlets of the PSA premium. Well, after playing with the incoming chokes, I will get some more PE's and PE II's to complete the PE matrix.

Thanks Steve again and please let me know how you do once the PE II arrives.

BlkNotes · « **Reply #316 on:** 3 Mar 2008, 07:17 am »

Dear Jen;

In a recent thread you were taking about "adding a grounded square behind the wall outlet" Could you expound upon it. It the square a device that place behind a duplex? How does one do this & where is it purchased?

Also, Alan in the passed was mentioning that the ideal wiring for in wall duplex outlet was the "star wiring configuration" using 12 gauge wire. I did not understand Alan's explanation. Could you or some reading this re-explain and/or direct me towards an illustration that shows how to do this.

Thank-you for your help
Regards;
BN

zmanbands · « **Reply #317 on:** 3 Mar 2008, 12:55 pm »

I asked Jen about the grounded square. This in essence is what she said in an email to me. It is a copper clad mesh that gets inserted "inside". on all 5 sides of the outlet box. It is grounded using a brass screw and brass nut and a 12 AWG wire. It's called Ti Shield. Michael Percy sells it. I ordered some. It comes in 2 sizes.12x27"@ $60 and 12x12" @ $29.99. A hole is punched in it to pass the in wall cable into the box.

zmanbands · « **Reply #318 on:** 4 Mar 2008, 08:11 am »

The Ti Shield arrived. Although this may be a mesh of various metals inside, on the outside it looks like a sheet of rather stiff copper sheeting. Jen is on vacation till Mar. 10 so I have to figure out how to fit this into the inside of the outlet box. I'm thinking of making a cardboard facsimile and cutting slits to fit it into the corners, then doing the same with the copper sheeting, keeping it in one piece, to have it all grounded. Any other ideas are welcome!

michaelv · « **Reply #319 on:** 5 Mar 2008, 04:02 am »

do you determine which duplex is 1 and so on. Or you just pick an outlet as 1 and work from there?

My room has 8 outlets..so not sure how to proceed. I already have PE IV and PE

thanks.