Alan Maher's Power Enhancer

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Paul_Bui

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Re: Alan Maher's Power Enhancer
« Reply #260 on: 8 Feb 2008, 05:41 pm »
Thanks a lot Alan.  I've also read with interest page 11 on specifics of "series" vs. parallel.

Great stuff.  Now I'll go counting how many outlets in the home that need a PE installed.

Occam

Re: Alan Maher's Power Enhancer
« Reply #261 on: 9 Feb 2008, 04:11 am »
.......
The Hammond choke is a analog filtering tweak.  I use a combination of the PE and choke in my commercial PLC designs that I do for studios.  The choke starts filtering around 5 KHz.

While the impedance of these chokes may peak at 5kHz (dImp/df=0), its not going to provide any filtering (an increase in the SN ratio with line frequency power= signal) until the impedance falls below that at 50-60 Hz,  which is going to far beyond that 5kHz. Given the high intrinsic esr of the chokes, any filtering is going to take the form of a rapidly shelved lowpass, if any filtering is actually taking place. While I certainly don't doubt that the shunt chokes provide subjective benefits, its very doubtful those benefits are provided via attenuation of hf noise.

Perhaps an attenuation curve, db vs. frequency into a standard 50 Ohm load would help clarify the matter.

FWIW


alanmaher

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Re: Alan Maher's Power Enhancer
« Reply #262 on: 9 Feb 2008, 12:42 pm »
:lol:

I'm sure it would...why don't you contact the Richard Gray folks about this topic, why should I reveal to the public how I implement items in my designs?  I'm sure the Richard Gray folks can talk your ear off on the topic.  I only offer it as a suggested tweak that sounds superb with my set up and that has been tried thousands of times worldwide with thousands of success stories.  If you really need clarification for the greater good of man, I suggest you pick up a choke like everyone else and try it for yourself.  Rip it apart, take it out for dinner. have a good time with it for all I care, and then you can report your results for clarification.


zmanbands

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Re: Alan Maher's Power Enhancer
« Reply #263 on: 9 Feb 2008, 01:13 pm »
Both Parts xPress and tubesandmore sell hammond chokes. Tubes&more price on the 193L is $6 less and on the 193M $10 less.

Big Red Machine

Re: Alan Maher's Power Enhancer
« Reply #264 on: 9 Feb 2008, 02:03 pm »
How do you wire the chokes into the circuits?  A quick wiring schematic?

alanmaher

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Re: Alan Maher's Power Enhancer
« Reply #265 on: 9 Feb 2008, 03:12 pm »
Wired across the load...hot to neutral....DO NOT add a earth ground to the choke case.

Big Red Machine

Re: Alan Maher's Power Enhancer
« Reply #266 on: 9 Feb 2008, 07:03 pm »
Thanks.  Best location for this?  I have only 3 outlets on the dedicated line.  One has the Running Springs Haley with 2 PEs on it.  One outlet is empty and one has an amp  directly into it.  I have on half of the first outlet open as I used the cheater cable for the PE going into the Haley.

And the new PC's - better for the amps or the preamp and CDP coming out of the Haley?

jmichael

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Re: Alan Maher's Power Enhancer
« Reply #267 on: 9 Feb 2008, 07:13 pm »
I had a chance to listen to my main surround sound rig last night after a two day install with 5 PE's on the circuit. One PE in the first outlet on the circuit, two PE's before each audio/video power conditioning device (PE III on the audio a regular PE for video), A PE II on the plasma and PE IV on my source universal player. Even though it was only for a few minutes, it sounded great. I don't plan on moving any PE's around (to dial in the sound) just yet until I let them settle in for a couple of weeks. It's amazing how the images are now in the room (real reach out and touch three dimensionality) compared to sound coming just from the speakers (with more of the same of what's explained below with headphone listening). Kind of makes me want to upgrade my speakers now or dig out my old Swan speakers w/ ribbon tweeters and just listen to 2 channel again. If I counted right, I have a total of 9 PE's spread around my dwelling.

Around eight hours after first install of a PE III (a PE was already on the circuit for a couple of weeks) on a headphone listening system in the bedroom, there was brightness and lack of dynamics. After two days now, it has seemed to settle down and the dynamics are slowly returning. Man, the details are there in spades with so much separation. You can hear each individual instrument now, precisely interwoven within the soundstage with absolutely no congealing! Actually, even though I'm going to, I'm almost afraid to add any more PE's to the system.

A full review will be forthcoming in around 2 weeks.

Occam

Re: Alan Maher's Power Enhancer
« Reply #268 on: 9 Feb 2008, 07:31 pm »
Quote
.....why should I reveal to the public how I implement items in my designs?

As a matter of fact, I've never asked you how you implemented any of your Power Enhancer or choke designs. There is something to reveal?? :scratch: Surely you jest. A bunch of across the line caps. Probably, in your more 'sophisticated' PEs, more X caps and maybe Y caps. The Hammond choke tweak has been discussed long before you ever mentioned it.
There is nothing to know that hasn't been common knowledge for years. Well, actually, the source of that spiffy wallwart housing is of interest to many in the Lab circle, including me. [Years ago when you had a diy site on cables, I did ask some questions and you graciously answered. I never used any of your suggested wire products or designs, but do appreciate those responses.]

Don't get me wrong. I've never criticised your products or tweeks. Your PEs seem reasonably priced, especially in comparison to other, roughly equivalent audiophile products. If you've empirically found a combination of X caps that work particularly well, good on ya. If your advice to customers on how to best configure your products and tweeks improves their systems in their judgement, so much the better.

My only issue is that the vast majority of your technical explanations are flat out wrong. You're simply misinformed. And your acolytes spread that misinformation to other circles in AC. Anyone cabable of actually understanding Maxwell's equations (James Clark Maxwell being one of your claimed inspirations  :roll:) or understanding what reactive components (caps and inductors) actually do, knows you're wrong. The fact that you deceive yourself, doesn't change the reality that you are attempting to deceive everyone else.
If you had access to a signal generator and an oscilloscope, or a spectrum analyzer, and actually knew how to use them properly, you'd also know this.

I've simply asked you for clarification and substantiation of your technical assertions made on AC regarding power conditioning, and you're not only unwilling, but incapable.

FWIW

jmichael

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Re: Alan Maher's Power Enhancer
« Reply #269 on: 9 Feb 2008, 07:49 pm »
Apparently, you weren't raised with any tact.

If you can't say anything nice, why say it at all? 

Regardless of what Alan says, it's in the listening not what one states technically.

Peace, love and harmony...

alanmaher

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Re: Alan Maher's Power Enhancer
« Reply #270 on: 9 Feb 2008, 08:25 pm »
Big Red Machine

Fill the empty outlet with a PE, III, or IV.  Install the choke across the iec socket using a monitor (iec) liberator cable.


Jeff

Thanks.  His non-sense is not worth our effort.  I have a tour to prep for later this week...enjoy the products and I look forward to the review.  Email it to Jen and she'll take care of everything.  Adding more PE's only makes the sound and video better...there is no downside.  I have clients with 25+ installed around the home and 50 to 75+ in professional settings.

I'm going to spend the next week soldering up PE and PE II's so Jen has them available.  Does anyone want a PE III or IV while I'm gone...speak now or forever hold your peace.  I can make some extra...just need to have a ballpark figure before Wednesday.
« Last Edit: 9 Feb 2008, 08:42 pm by alanmaher »

mercman

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Re: Alan Maher's Power Enhancer
« Reply #271 on: 9 Feb 2008, 11:06 pm »
Regardless of the theory behind the PE, it not only works, but it works extremely well.  After 10 days of burn in on my PEIV, I have noticed that my Samsung 52" LCD HDTV has a brighter, clearer picture with more vivid color.  Folks, this TV is being run off a PS Audio Premier Power Plant.

I have already commented on the improvements to my audio system.

I could care less if Alan stated that the theory behind his products are secret coatings of proprietary Great Dane Poo Poo.  :lol:

Given the sustantial improvements I have heard from my system, the PE is a gift at its price.  :thumb:

Basic System Components: Wilson W/P 8 / WIlson Watchdog II sub, Levinson 33H amps, 32 preamp. Wavelength Crimson Silver USB DAC, Basis Debut V Vacuum with Graham Phantom, Koetsu Jade Platinum cartridge.

Steve
« Last Edit: 9 Feb 2008, 11:57 pm by mercman »

HumanMedia

Re: Alan Maher's Power Enhancer
« Reply #272 on: 10 Feb 2008, 01:02 am »
Quote
.....why should I reveal to the public how I implement items in my designs?

...There is nothing to know that hasn't been common knowledge for years.

I've simply asked you for clarification and substantiation of your technical assertions made on AC regarding power conditioning, and you're not only unwilling, but incapable...

So if its all common knowledge and has been for years, why are you even asking these questions?  In fact why dont you share with all of us, or even offer corrections, or expansions on what is being discussed in a helpful supportive way?  Alan is using his own metaphors to try and simplify what is happening for system wide behaviors to give lay-people a simple methodology of using these devices in order to get better audio quality - without them having to know Maxwells equations, or even the mention of a capacitor or an inductor.

It really seems like the only reason why you are posting is for a personal attack.

Occam

Re: Alan Maher's Power Enhancer
« Reply #273 on: 10 Feb 2008, 10:05 pm »
So if its all common knowledge and has been for years, why are you even asking these questions?  In fact why dont you share with all of us, or even offer corrections, or expansions on what is being discussed in a helpful supportive way? 

1.Because this mis-information has been wandered outside this tread.
2. ok....

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=37980.msg379033#msg379033
Actually, internal components, processors, etc, work outside the typical analog band of 20Hz to 20KHz.  Digital circuits work between 80KHz up to GHz pending processor design.  The PE, same as all other types of parallel filters, address the harmonics above 60Hz that effect this type of circuit.  At the same time, the PE also effects the analog band via enhancing common mode rejection inside the house wiring.  In a typical application, the PE provides common mode rejection, power factor correction, RF/EM filtering, and component isolation.  All parallel filters offer the same benefit, but to my knowledge, the PE has the widest bandwidth of any parallel filter on the market. 

Alan Maher


Assuming the PE is as Alan describes it, specifically in threads over on AA, its 4 X2 (or better specced) capacitors in a diminishing value sequence (which extends its bandwith upwards) wired in parallel across hot and neutral. I've not seen or heard one, but it is what it is. IMO, its a fine design for a capacitive differential shunt filter.

This parallel filter neither enhances or provides common mode rejection. It does provide differential/transverse EM/RF attenuation,, with ideally, a 6db, 1st order characteristic.
It doesn't/can't provide a material amount of isolation between components.


Alan is using his own metaphors to try and simplify what is happening for system wide behaviors to give lay-people a simple methodology of using these devices in order to get better audio quality - without them having to know Maxwells equations, or even the mention of a capacitor or an inductor.

It really seems like the only reason why you are posting is for a personal attack.

Allan is certainly allowed his own metaphors. And marketing hypebole, as well. I do have problems with the redefinition of our Newtonian reality. The analysis of passive power conditioners is largely the same as that of passive speaker crossover lowpass filter. It ain't rocket science. Nor do I expect anyone to be able to follow the simplest of equations, but at the same time I'd hope they not be told down is up. I've no issues with purely subjective purchase decisions.
While the PE(s) don't cover the largest bandwidth of such filters, bandwidth/$ is very high for a commercial product.

Anyone with questions/disputes about my technical comments can pursue this if they want. If Alan would prefer, I can start a thread -
'Parallel Power conditioners, How do they do that Voodoo, that they do so well....' in the Lab circle, with all welcome.
FWIW
« Last Edit: 10 Feb 2008, 11:06 pm by Occam »

*Scotty*

Re: Alan Maher's Power Enhancer
« Reply #274 on: 11 Feb 2008, 01:52 am »
I have a question that maybe can be answered,at what frequency is a circuit with a PE in parallel with the load 3dB down? Or in other words,
at what frequency does high frequency noise reduction commence. This would be helpful to know when comparing your product to other noise reducing filters.
Scotty

alanmaher

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Re: Alan Maher's Power Enhancer
« Reply #275 on: 11 Feb 2008, 02:06 am »
The circuit remains at 50/60Hz ???  The PE effects the upper odd harmonics that ride above 60 Hz.  The stereo system will experience the change starting in the upper bass region and it will continue up through the top octave.  The filter is not effecting your analog amplifier, so it's not really filtering at 100 Hz, it actually starts at 125 KHz, but it's effecting the digital circuits in your system that reproduce 100 Hz signals.  Each PE provides filtering up to 750 MHz.  Each added filter couples to the original and extends the filtering bandwidth.  The amount of extension depends on the location of the second, third, forth, etc, filter in relationship to the stereo system.  The specs are based on a 20 amp circuit.
« Last Edit: 11 Feb 2008, 02:18 am by alanmaher »

*Scotty*

Re: Alan Maher's Power Enhancer
« Reply #276 on: 11 Feb 2008, 02:35 am »
alan,Thank-you for your reply.
Scotty

jmichael

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Re: Alan Maher's Power Enhancer
« Reply #277 on: 11 Feb 2008, 09:25 pm »
At this point, I don't feel a need to add any other brand of power conditioning device, if only to want surge protection. I don't know about anyone else that have these devices but for me, I have not heard any other brand of power conditioner that gives me the noticable effects of what the PE products are capable of doing. It seems like everyone's comments that I have read about these marvelous wall wart devices have discovered a positive effect. Alan must be doing something right.

denjo

Re: Alan Maher's Power Enhancer
« Reply #278 on: 19 Feb 2008, 05:52 am »
Hi Alan

I chanced upon a device which Audience sells which looks and sounds very much like your PEs. Any thoughts about what the differences, if any, might be:



And the description:

Audience Hi-Res power conditioner
Experience the true power of high resolution
The Adept Response aR1p from Audience will elevate the performance of your audio/video system to new heights like no other power conditioner. In addition to superior power protection, the Adept Response delivers the ultimate audio/video experience.
It is hand built without the use of circuit boards or clip on connections. It is built only with premium quality high current components throughout.

Best Regards
Dennis

lonewolfny42

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Re: Alan Maher's Power Enhancer
« Reply #279 on: 19 Feb 2008, 06:37 am »
Robin....a link..... :thumb: