Alan Maher's Power Enhancer

rydenfan · « **Reply #980 on:** 13 Jan 2009, 02:40 pm »

Alan, what is the best way to begin trying your products? I am not exactly clear. I use a Running Springs Audio power conditioner. In my system currently I have two dedicated 20A outlets located together. Two of the outlets are in use (power conditioner on one outlet, amp directly to the wall in the other) while the other duplex is currently empty. Thanks for the help

alanmaher · « **Reply #981 on:** 13 Jan 2009, 03:25 pm »

rydenfan

Two suggestions...Replace the Running Springs unit with our V S/AC and RPC unit. If that is not an option, look at our V IEC unit for each component. The IEC filter will act as a second power supply, add active power factor correction, and add S/AC parallel filtering for the entire circuit. The IEC filters can be added over time and I would highly recommend knocking out the first component in the chain first....flat screen panels (LCD and Plasma) also benefit from the IEC filters.

vett93 · « **Reply #982 on:** 13 Jan 2009, 06:20 pm »

Rydenfan,

Do you hear any differences between plugging your amp to Running Springs vs. directly to the wall?

rydenfan · « **Reply #983 on:** 13 Jan 2009, 06:32 pm »

Yes I do, but this is not the appropriate thread for that conversation.

vett93 · « **Reply #984 on:** 13 Jan 2009, 07:59 pm »

I am experimenting AC >> PE V S/AC >> Shunyata and plugging everything on Shunyata, as oppose to AC >> PE V S/AC >> Shunyata >> Power Amp with small power equipment on Shunyata. I'll leave them on for 4-5 days before a conclusion. The initial reaction is that it seems to have less details with every equipment plugged in on Shunyata.

Alan,

I believe you told me that PE V S/AC can work with existing PLC devices while PE V Pro Custom will interfere. Jen suggested that I put a PE (or PE V S/AC) on the same duplex with APC for the HT circuit. She also suggested that I put a PE on one of the outlets on APC. Additionally, I have two PEs installed on my computer and 2nd TV circuits, as Jen suggested.

Did I not understand them correctly?

I think you have good products. It makes sense to me that putting capacitors of various values on the AC circuits can absorb noises at different frequencies. However, it will help me understand your products better (and thus buy more) if you can use more scientific terms for explaining your products. The following are some examples:

1. "Each and every appliance, including components, must be addressed, filtered, and tuned to the same line frequency around the home in order to lower crosstalk noise, which is what you are describing." What does "filtered and tuned to the same frequency around home" mean?

2. On your website regarding your new PE VI, it states that you are measuring distances out as far as 3500 feet from the source. I don't know if others can understand it. But it means nothing to me.

3. I still do not understand why it would take 4-5 days to stabilize.

A person with my level of education in EE may not know everything about AC filtering. But if you can use basic EE terms to describe them, I should be able to follow. Thanks.

alanmaher · « **Reply #985 on:** 13 Jan 2009, 09:53 pm »

I'm not a big fan of piggyback filtering, the big problem you run into is over saturating the smaller of the two circuits. In most cases audiophile PLC's are nothing more than a simple .1uf or .47uf x-cap across the load at each receptacle with a possible parallel surge circuit. Single value designs are fine if you only use a few of the same cap value, but it can quickly become a problem if multiple devices installed together use the same ringing value. The fine line is trying to prevent a crosspoint in the harmonic bandwidth that causes too much of a roll off / suckout at any one frequency. The basic PE circuit covers multiple frequencies, that is how we avoid rolling of harmonics.

In your situation, I probably advised against plugging the S/AC into the PLC because of the strength of the PE circuit, and maybe there was some reason you may have brought up as to why the wall install was bad for your set up, and I may have said try both and see which sounds best....that is my basic line, I give that same advice to everyone. I probably also said the S/AC was the smaller of the two V circuits, S/AC and Pro, and the S/AC would do less saturation harm if you decided to plug it directly into the PLC. In my opinion the S/AC should always be placed at the wall when other brand PLC's are involved.

Was there a reason why Jen recommended the standard PE vs. something larger like the S/AC for the APC installation? Was budget an issue? We normally recommend the standard PE as an intro in the product line, and in this case a pair of filters should have tuned the APC with no problems, but that doesn't mean the circuit tuning process should stop, a standard PE only provides -6db of acoustical noise saturation...2 filters provide -9db's, 4 filters -12 db's, etc. On my web site, as well as this post, I have a tuning guide to show our clients how to get the most out of the PE concept. Once the client experiences the potential, the tuning concept is usually the next step. But as I have stated prior, harmonic control and elimination requires a multi-prong attack strategy, all circuits must be addressed by filtering all offenders, each component needs to be filtered, isolated, and working at maximum potential.

1. A power supply is a funny thing, it's designed to filter incoming noise and convert a/c to d/c...it sounds simple enough, but electrical theory 101 is never simple. All power supplies are able to operate +/-5% of a perfect voltage spec, meaning in the US it should be 120v, Canada is 117v, Europe is 220v, UK 240v, etc. Operate means exactly that, able to function, but not able to filter. +/- swings of voltage cause added resistance (119v-) and added inductance (121v+). Both of these issues create odd harmonics in the form of mechanical noise and saturation on the circuit when component A is plugged into the wall. Most people have heard added resistance before, it causes the uppers mids to become edgy, while it thins out the mids and lower treble. Too much inductance causes soft bass, maybe one note bass, and oversaturated lower mids. The example only shows what could happen to one component as the x-caps in the PI-choke inside the component start to leak on the neutral, it creates a magnetic mess inside the multiple connected wire geometries. Sometimes we can alter the magnetic build up caused by the leakage by altering the wire geometry of the main power cord. Some cables are designed to increase the inductance to offer a warmer sound, and others are designed to boost capacitance or flatten capacitance/inductance levels creating a flatter/more open sounding cable with increased articulation and top/bottom extension. Either method is fine as long as it matches the particular situation. In most cases people play a mix and match game based off recommendations and band-aid solutions in order to control line harmonics. The idea and design of the PE circuit takes this into consideration, we thought if we could alter the line frequency created by the voltage/power supply interaction, we could provide a level playing field for multiple components to be installed without leakage contamination (crosstalk distortion) creating multiple odd harmonics between the installed power supplies. As you know, no two manufactures use the exact same power supply design and they all leak back the circuit at different ringing frequencies. Then take into account tweaks and all the other crap we use to alter the sound of the component and you now have a mess on the circuit. The strength of the PE overpowers the component frequency and tunes each component, assuming they are all PE filtered, to one perfectly tuned frequency, which is ruler flat of all harmonics up to a specific frequency (pending model). All odd harmonics are now controlled in db level to remove peaks and dips, re-pitched/re-tuned based off circuit spec, and working as one. Pending the model filter the customer selects, the filter can provide total PFC, act as a surrogate tuned power supply, enhance parallel line filtering, and eliminate the cable interaction from the equation.

2. Distance specs are not really put out there for audiophiles to ponder over, what they mean to me is that I can plug a filter 3500 feet away from the stereo system and still enjoy the sonic benefit of the parallel method. That is what I mean when I say 250, 1000, 3500 feet from the source, in a studio where multiple circuits are in use, I can plug a filter into circuit A and hear the benefit on circuit G with 400 feet of Romex in between with multiple circuit breakers in the loop without loss of signature sound. In a Pro application, which is my primary business, those specs mean a lot if you are tuning a mastering facility or something along those lines.

3. Stabilization has to do with how the line/circuit deals with ringing frequencies. Power supplies adjust rather quickly, but magnetic fields on the circuit that are being disrupted by added capacitance usually collapse, build up, collapse again, build up, and so on for each injected frequency, the filter size / leaked capacitance will determine the time of adjustment. As for the filter, all PE circuits are fully charged within the first 12 hours. The circuit on the other hand, that is designed to handle 20A and 25A continuous load, are usually used way under continuous wire spec, because the circuit amperage demand is so low it takes the magnetic field between the hot, neutral, and earth longer to build and stabilize. In most cases 10 to 12 days is required for a PE on a 20A 120v circuit. Over here in Europe (16A 220v), where 16ga x 3 is spec, I can have a circuit stabilized in 60 to 72 hours.

vett93 · « **Reply #986 on:** 14 Jan 2009, 07:51 am »

Alan,

I appreciate your in-depth explanation. It makes sense to me too. BTW, the PE V S/AC is plugged directly into the wall outlet. Sorry if it was not clear.

I did another experiment this evening. Things seem to improve a bit! I moved the PE V S/AC from the 2-ch circuit to the HT circuit, and the PE from HT to 2-ch. Does this sound right to you?

I'll wait 5 days and see if it further improves.

Thanks a lot for the discussion.

David

alanmaher · « **Reply #987 on:** 14 Jan 2009, 10:11 am »

That sounds fine...remember the S/AC is designed to replace the PLC, unlike the PE that is designed to enhance the PLC.

Out of curiosity, have you tried to remove all filtering and just use the S/AC with a power strip? The performance might surprise you.

vett93 · « **Reply #988 on:** 14 Jan 2009, 05:41 pm »

Does it have to be a high end power strip or regular a Home Depot power strip would do? My experience is that the AC connectors play a big role in determining sonic property.

I have found the following through my experiments:

1. Best sound: S/AC on 2-ch circuit and PE on HT circuit, with HT gears off
2. Next best sound: PE on 2-ch circuit and S/AC on HT circuit, with HT gears on
3. Another level down: S/AC on 2-ch circuit and PE on HT circuit, with HT gears on

For all three configurations, power amp is directly plugged to the wall outlet and CDP and preamp are plugged to Shunyata. My main interest is in 2-ch gear. HT is good enough for me.

From the above data, it seems to me that S/AC works better in both 2-ch and HT circuits. Should I get another S/AC or something even better to add to the existing S/AC?

Thanks.

alanmaher · « **Reply #989 on:** 14 Jan 2009, 08:53 pm »

For the initial test any old power strip will do. Later on if you are interested the RPC is tuned for the S/AC filter. I agree power connectors play a role in sonic quality, we offer multiple upgrades for the RPC, it's not a problem to add upgraded a/c plugs.

I agree with 1. We can definitely replace the PE on the HT circuit with a 2nd S/AC for increased performance. The PE can be used to isolate individual components or address appliances throughout the home like the fridge, dish washer, washer/dryer, air conditioner, computer, etc. I would normally recommend a PE II for these installs, except the pc where the standard PE works great, because the II will also lower the audible mechanical noise, but for right now the standard PE will be fine.

I will only recommend a larger filter, like the Pro Custom or Quantum Studio, if you plan to get rid of the other PLC's you are currently using, if not stay with the second S/AC purchase for the HT circuit.

alanmaher · « **Reply #990 on:** 20 Jan 2009, 03:27 pm »

NEWS: The new Reference II filters will be available at the end of the month. The II has a very seductive midrange and a sweet/natural top end. It is an excellent addition to anyone using the Reference Power Center, Reference One, or Reference power cable. The filter is housed in our traditional wall wart case to keep pricing down. The Reference II packs a lot of punch for a small product.

Price:$100.00

We are now accepting pre-orders with an additional 10% off. Pre-order price: $90.00.

Big Red Machine · « **Reply #991 on:** 20 Jan 2009, 07:13 pm »

Alan, I have 3 duplexes on one dedicated 20 amp run just for my stereo room. Presently use an Audio Magic with 6 outlets for all 6 pieces.

I have 2 193M's and one 193L chokes and one PE4.

I can employ an 8 outlet passive outlet box I made anywhere in this setup and am thinking of pitching the Audio magic passive unit.

All of the 3 duplexes are along the rack wall and within 4 or 5 feet of the rack. Each duplex has a cryo'd Hubbel or something I cannot remember right now.

One tube pre, one SS DAC, one CIA Squeezebox power supply, one CDP rarely used, two digital mono amps.

No filtered PC's of any kind. I do have a Z Der unit (PF correction) from Ridge Street.

Suggestions for a system with consistent electrical service and only a slight bit of brightness and some slurring or messy high end when no conditioning employed? Soundstage is wider w/o the Audio Magic but the high frequencies tend to run into one another. With the Audio Magic, the soundstage narrow s but the instruments snap into focus, although narrower. And the top end is much cleaner. It's a tradeoff.

alanmaher · « **Reply #992 on:** 20 Jan 2009, 08:44 pm »

I have heard the same description before about the AM units...my suggestion is to remove the AM PLC and look at the PE V S/AC or V IEC filters. It is the same filter, but a different delivery and function when properly installed. The V series will work fine with the IV. The V IEC would be my first choice if the decision was up to me. The standard V filters offer a huge sound stage with a developed image.

If you need a high-end strip, then I would look at the RPC with one or two upgrade options. The Bybee and V Pro option work great together.

Big Red Machine · « **Reply #993 on:** 23 Jan 2009, 12:29 am »

How many V's and where?

HumanMedia · « **Reply #994 on:** 23 Jan 2009, 02:24 am »

How do these compare with the Power Enhancer range?

Are they meant to be used together?

Quote from: alanmaher on 20 Jan 2009, 03:27 pm

NEWS: The new Reference II filters will be available at the end of the month. The II has a very seductive midrange and a sweet/natural top end. It is an excellent addition to anyone using the Reference Power Center, Reference One, or Reference power cable. The filter is housed in our traditional wall wart case to keep pricing down. The Reference II packs a lot of punch for a small product.

Price:$100.00

We are now accepting pre-orders with an additional 10% off. Pre-order price: $90.00.

alanmaher · « **Reply #995 on:** 23 Jan 2009, 08:51 pm »

Big Red

Send me a layout or detailed description of your circuit, and I'll take a look at and recommend a few things. I fly out Monday morning, so you only got me for a couple of days.

HumanMedia

The Reference II and PE work great together...the II helps flesh out / develop the midrange and enhance mid overtones...I like the combination in my set up.

vett93 · « **Reply #996 on:** 24 Jan 2009, 08:10 pm »

"Out of curiosity, have you tried to remove all filtering and just use the S/AC with a power strip? The performance might surprise you."

I am indeed surprised! I remove the Shunyata and the LessLoss power cord (used between Shunyata and wall outlet). Suddenly, it is more dynamic and has more details. I can hear certain sound better that was previously muffled.

Then I tried to identify what caused the problems by putting filters back one by one. I think the biggest problem was the LessLoss power cord between Shunyata and wall outlet. It took out a lot of details!!

The sound with Shunyata and PE V S/AC, but without LessLoss, is quite close to plugging everything to wall outlets and with PE V S/AC only. I am guessing the difference is due to the power cord used between Shunyata and wall outlet. I use Shunyata Copperhead power cord instead of LessLoss Filtering power cord.

alanmaher · « **Reply #997 on:** 24 Jan 2009, 08:22 pm »

Maybe you might want to swap out the copperhead for our Reference or mini Quantum when I get back to compare notes...I'm confident the Reference or mini Q will provide superior noise rejection and sound/video quality

vett93 · « **Reply #998 on:** 24 Jan 2009, 09:05 pm »

Sounds like a good idea! Have a safe trip and hurry back.

JenMaher · « **Reply #999 on:** 16 Feb 2009, 02:03 pm »

Quantum reviews are starting to come in.

Review of the Quantum IEC and PE Quantum Filters

UNBELIEVABLE!!! After approximately 3-4 weeks of the Quantum IEC and PE Quantum filters going through a sonic stabilization and condition phase, the end result was well worth the wait. The Quantum filters dramatically transformed my system from subtle into a BEAST! The end result was a substantial upgrade in dynamics, much better defined bass reproduction (the lower bass now sounds similar to a good subwoofer box), and there was a noticeable drop in the noise floor. The difference in audio quality was astonishing! The system was profoundly improved on every level - tonal pitch, timing (musical pace, speed), inner detail, upper and lower extension, pitch definition, soundstage size, imaging, vocal dynamics and especially the bass output. This innovation lent a fabulous realism to the sound that brought it to an exciting new level of excellence. I couldn’t hear any hint of negativity at all with the Quantum filters on my system. There was simply no comparison before and after … especially in the lower bass reproduction and dynamics. It was like I ended up purchasing a more expensive system. BTW, my Pioneer Elite 60-inch Plasma Display also noticeably improved in picture quality. Alan, kudos! ~ Will Chow (Vancouver, BC)