[Kwebb]

Here's the question that I pose:  Is there any real audible value for using a high quality balance power condition (+$1,000) with AVA preamps and amps?  Would money be better saved or spent elsewhere?

[kingdeezie]

I think you are going to get varying opinions on this topic.

Back in Febuary I purchased a Synergistic Research Powercell 10SE power conditioner and haven't looked back. It cost a junk load (MSRP 5K), but I haven't regretted spending that money for one second.

I plug everything into it, amps, preamps, sources, recievers, etc, etc, etc, and it has made my system super dynamic, very natural, very silent, great black backgrounds, and amazingly three dimensional.

I always thought people were insane when talking about during stereo reproduction they could hear sounds coming from the sides and behind their heads until I got this SR 10 SE power conditioner.

YMMW; but I wouldn't go back to not using a PC.

In your price range, the uberBUSS and MagikBUSS are supposed to be excellent. Danny from GR Research circle has the info.

[Kwebb]

Kingdeezie,

Thanks for your input, I have a Balanced Power Tech BP-1 Ultra (7.5 amp) unit.  I use it for all of my digital stuff (CD, SACD, Digital suround processor).  I am drifting toward an AVA 2 channel system.  If the AVA componetry does not benefit from this pure balanced power conditioning then I could sell it and use the funds for the 2 channel system.  That's the deal.

Kyle

[Wayner]

If you are looking for voltage spike protection, I recommend Tripp-lite brand. Inexspensive and will protect the equipment if the local utility sends the wrong power to your house. May help with lightning strikes, if not direct. It's better then nothing.

Wayner

[jtwrace]

If you are looking for surge protection you may find this thread a worthwhile read.  You can get 20% off Zero Surge units.

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=80997.0

[martyo]

If you are looking for surge protection you may find this thread a worthwhile read.  You can get 20% off Zero Surge units.

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=80997.0

But the Zero Surge is current limiting. JUST KIDDING

(I'm a little playful today with the Hawks winning the Cup last night)

[Kwebb]

Back to the original question:  Is there an audible difference when using good quality power conditioning vs. no power condition with AVA preamps and amps.  That is what I am hoping to find out before I make a decision.

Kyle

[WGH]

Back to the original question:  Is there an audible difference when using good quality power conditioning vs. no power condition with AVA preamps and amps.

My answer would be a qualified maybe. My AVA electronics are plugged into a Panamax 5410 power conditioner and I don't hear a difference. Lately I put together a bunch of Felix filters and these little boxes made a big difference in sound quality. Read more here:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=76773.0

Wayne

[Kwebb]

WGA,

Thanks for your inputs.  I am waiting for my HT2-TL base 5.1 system to be delivered (next week, its been a long wait without speakers) and I will do the with and without conditioner test to see if I hear a difference.  If there is no audible difference I may sell my Balance Power Tech power conditioner.  We shall see.

Kyle

[boycephoto]

I have a Richard Gray Pro 400.  I can't say it sounds much different than not having it there at all but, I will say the only thing I notice is the background sounds blacker.   I have it for protection also, I hope I never need to find out if that part works, maybe I will never know if it does.  I like it and would buy it again.  $800 new, $400 used on Audiogon. 

[floresjc]

I have my 240's plugged into their own circuit (with like 1 or 2 light bulbs on it) and its about as quiet as can be. I used to plug one into my Panamax, but I can't say I noticed much difference. I would say it depends on the electrical environment, some people have ground issues or dirty power or whatever, and the resultant accessories are going to depend.

[Kwebb]

Thanks everyone, starting to get the consensus going.  I have a dedicated 120v, 15amp line along with another line that is shared with lights and other outlets.  I will do the with and without test on the HT2-TL system once I get it in and setup and see if it makes a difference.

Thanks again
Kyle