[SWG255]

Greetings:

How does one use the AUDIOPRISM QUIETLINE "power filters"? They aren't expensive compared to other power treatments, and they seem to be universally praised. I just don't understand how they should be employed around the house and in one's system.

Thanks.

[Kim S.]

I use the quietline filters and have found they do work.  You need to place them in the circuits of your house that are likely to generate EMI/RFI interference.  Circuits with dimmer switches,floresecent lights, refrigerators, computers.  I also put one on the circuit my stereo is connected to.  You identify what circuits to treat by going to your circuit breaker box and seeing what turns off when you trip the switches.  I also have heard of a gadget called a noise sniffer that identifies the worst circuits but I think it was a little expensive for a one time use.

I've read you need at least four to notice a difference.  I have six and will probably get a couple more.  They certainly don't solve all EMI/RFI problems, but for me are well worth their modest price.

[Tonto Yoder]

Some dealers would loan the Noise  Sniffer to customers who were buying the Quietlines--the sniffer would be plugged into unused receptacles and make noise when electrical "noise" was present.  That's where a Quietline should be plugged in and left.  As mentioned, they are used in multiples, treating the worst-offending outlets.

[Psychicanimal]

If you have dedicated lines, the Kim's answer is the most sensible.  If the circuit where your stereo is hooked is shared, then AudioPrism's instructions should be followed: establish a protected perimeter.

For offending devices like computers and refrigerators, some people have found the Highwire Wirewraps ($25) to be highly effective.  I use one on the power cord feeding my Clear Image T4 filter.

[Kim S.]

Psychicanimal, thanks for the tip about the Highwire Wirewraps.  I have one that I am not using.  Are you saying to use it on the computer/refrigerator powercord itself?  Also what is a ClearImage T4 filter?

[Psychicanimal]

The practice has become so widespread the Music Direct catalog recommends the wraps on the power cords of offending devices.

This is a customized T4.  Mine are the plain vanilla version:

[Kim S.]

The T4 looks very impressive.  Is that an isolation tranformer to clean up your power supply?

[Psychicanimal]

The T4 looks very impressive.  Is that an isolation tranformer to clean up your power supply?

It is impresive, though there's someone here that calls it a "tweak".

The T4 was AudioPrism's first power filtration product and it turned out not to be profitable.  Copper clad chassis, balanced filtration (hot & neutral) w/ custom toroids and EMI modules made by CORCOM.  The switches are also breakers (aircraft grade), there's polarity reversal for each filter and the transformers are damped.  The T4 makes the BPT look like a toy.  The special edition uses an integral Kimber power cord, better wiring and switches plus an ACFX circuit mounted on the front.

If currently produced, the T4 would have to be sold for more than $3,000 USD.

[Kim S.]

The T4 would be a little rich for my blood, but I am interested in power line conditioning.  I just ordered a "Hot Box" from Chris Venhaus.  I got the auricap option for power filtration.  I'll probably post my impressions after I get it broken in.

[BobM]

I use a quiet line directly on my amp's IEC socket (McCormack DNA .5). YMMV but it gave much more presence and an increased dynamic to the music. I also have a few in other strategic locations (on the fridge, on the washing machine, etc.).

Enjoy,
Bob

[Psychicanimal]

I use a quiet line directly on my amp's IEC socket.
Bob

How do you do that?

[BobM]

I opened up the quiet line, removed the 2 electrical prongs, soldiered some wire to the connection points, then plugged the wire into the back of the outlet that the amp power cord is plugged into (in my power conditioner/surge supressor). You could actually soldier this directly onto the IEC inside the amp too, if you're so incluned.

One word of caution, I originally had a choked circuit in my power conditioner for the amp. The Quiet Line in parallel with the choke was not a good thing. I also found the Quiet Line alone to be better then the choke alone (the choke tended to compress dynamics).

Enjoy,
Bob