[rw@cn]

I was asked to post my impressions of my Power Cell 4. Here it goes.

Caveats

• It doesn't do surges or spikes, I have an whole house unit that does that. If you own, I would advise you to install one regardless of the types of power conditioners you have.
• Although the factory included power cord is quite good, you should upgrade it to get the best sound.

Ted at Synergistic states that this unit is so good that they removed the PowerCell 6 and 10 from the market. They also had to modify the 10SE and gave it a MK 2 designation. I had no way to make that comparision, but it is simply the best power conditioner I have ever owned (and I have been through quite a few).

It took about a week (with the original PC) for the unit to really shine. I noticed that the background is much quieter then my Shunyata Guardian 4's and that my system has never sounded as good. Yes, you have read all of the high end jargon so I won't repeat it. The unit is GREAT. Especially when coupled with the Precision AC (Which are on sale, while they last). The original power cord sounded a bit light in the lower end. Which was accentuated because I am now using Magnepan 1.7 speakers. With the new power cord, the entire spectrum is fantastic.

System

Esoteric DV 50s player.
Pathos InControl preamp
Mark Levinson 335 amp
DH Lab interconnects
Various high power cords
ClearAudio Emotion TT
Basic Phono Pre.
Magnepan 1.7 speakers.

[minimus]

I used to own a SR Power Cell 10 and did not like it.  Very "hyped" sounding, as if an equalizer had turned up the treble and bass to maximum.  A $400 BPT conditioner sounded better in my system.  I am glad I sold my Power Cell when I did, since SR seems to regularly "discover" innovations that make their older state of the art models obsolete. I guess that partly explains why so many used Power Cell 10s are now for sale at huge discounts compared to a year or two ago.  A cynic might say Ted is trying to churn his sales like a stock broker.  Strange that BPT and Running Springs don't make new discoveries that force them to discontinue old models...but then again, they are not "physicists" like Ted.

[kingdeezie]

I used to own a SR Power Cell 10 and did not like it.  Very "hyped" sounding, as if an equalizer had turned up the treble and bass to maximum.  A $400 BPT conditioner sounded better in my system.  I am glad I sold my Power Cell when I did, since SR seems to regularly "discover" innovations that make their older state of the art models obsolete. I guess that partly explains why so many used Power Cell 10s are now for sale at huge discounts compared to a year or two ago.  A cynic might say Ted is trying to churn his sales like a stock broker.  Strange that BPT and Running Springs don't make new discoveries that force them to discontinue old models...but then again, they are not "physicists" like Ted.

Quite odd that this is your experience with the Powercell; being as everyone who I know who has heard one or has one has described it doing the complete opposite of what you describe.

When I added the Powercell 10SE to my system it really relaxed the presentation more then anything else. Of course, the bass did get boosted, but this was likely a result of the increased performance from the conditioned power.

After moving my speakers around a little more, I would say I had really used the room to boost the bass before the Powercell, and afterwards, was getting a truer perspective on the performance of the equipment I owned.

I don't see what the animosity is towards Synergistic for releasing a new product. The original Powercells were 2-3 years old by the time he released the Mk2 versions.

TVs are updated every year, receivers are updated every year, Ipods, computers, etc, etc, etc; why is it a crime that a company released an updated model 2 years after their original?

It doesn't make the previous models obsolete; my Powercell 10SE still makes my system sound awesome.     

[rw@cn]

I used to own a SR Power Cell 10 and did not like it.  Very "hyped" sounding, as if an equalizer had turned up the treble and bass to maximum.  A $400 BPT conditioner sounded better in my system.  I am glad I sold my Power Cell when I did, since SR seems to regularly "discover" innovations that make their older state of the art models obsolete. I guess that partly explains why so many used Power Cell 10s are now for sale at huge discounts compared to a year or two ago.  A cynic might say Ted is trying to churn his sales like a stock broker.  Strange that BPT and Running Springs don't make new discoveries that force them to discontinue old models...but then again, they are not "physicists" like Ted.

Running Springs has over the years continually added to their lineup AND offers upgrades that improve their products.

I for one, am very happy that the technology improved to make the PowerCell 4 more affordable and convenient for my use. To my ears, it is a great unit.

[minimus]

I guess if Ted Denney says the PowerCell 10 is now obsolete, my impressions of that unit are shared by its manufacturer...Yes, updating audio products is standard practice.  However, it is unusual for any manufacturer to claim that a previous product is so obsolete it needs to be discontinued and replaced by a new product.  This is a great way to drum up new press coverage and reviews, which keeps your product line in the spotlight and boosts sales. (Read Arthur Salvatore's web site for an inside look at the corrupt relationship between reviewers and audio manufacturers...)  But people who forked out $5K for a PowerCell 10 a few years ago, when it was supposedly "state-of-the-art", will be dismayed to find that the manufacturer now says it is obsolete.  Would you be happy if Ted releases a new PowerCell in two or three years and states your PowerCell 4 has become obsolete? 

[rw@cn]

I guess when you are dealing with a new technology (as the power cells supposedly are), you have to expect that there are going to be some changes. I get the idea from talking to Ted and others (at SR) that they just found a way to make the product so much better that felt it necessary to take drastic action and remove some of the models from the market. This does take a good degree of integrity and courage (IMO) since it meant opening themselves to criticism such as yours and others. They could have continued to sell the original models while quietly offering a Mk II. I am sure many other companies would have done so.

Given the rapid advances in technology, one comes to expect a cutting edge product having a short life span. Look at computers, hdtv's (think 3-D) and cell phones. Indeed look at the audio market, there are a number of products introduced a few years ago that are now obsolete or have been superseded by new markets. Most of us just shrug it off and continue to enjoy the products we have. So if there is a new PowerCell 4 introduced in two or three year, I'll just have to pout a bit and continue to enjoy what I have now.

rw

[rw@cn]

Well it has been awhile so here is an update. I now have two PC 4s and both are connected using Precision AC power cords. I must say that I really like these things, even with my previous interconnects and power cords the sound was smooth without any of the small amounts of hash or stridency previously existing in my rig.

I recently took advantage of the Synergistic special sale and upgraded all of my power cords to Precison AC's and a used Hologram A for the power amp. I also upgraded the player-to-amp IC's and speaker cables to the Synergistic Accelerator line. I am very happy with my system. The sound is liquid yet detailed and precise. All of the little details can be heard, cymbals are just right and my soundstage is finally as it should be.

[duguyisheng]

Thanks to rw for the input. I have one coming

[rw@cn]

Let them burn-in and tell us what you think. Will you upgrade the power cord as well?

[Big Red Machine]

It's an interesting unit in that is supercharges your sound but it is not the epitome of noise reduction.  But a fun unit nevertheless.  It will be interesting to hear what you think. 

[tarquineous]

I guess when you are dealing with a new technology (as the power cells supposedly are), you have to expect that there are going to be some changes. I get the idea from talking to Ted and others (at SR) that they just found a way to make the product so much better that felt it necessary to take drastic action and remove some of the models from the market. This does take a good degree of integrity and courage (IMO) since it meant opening themselves to criticism such as yours and others. They could have continued to sell the original models while quietly offering a Mk II. I am sure many other companies would have done so.

It would make sense, and for customer support for Synergistic to offer internal upgrades to to earlier units. The newer units are the same size or smaller, so it would not be a problem of internal space.

Given the rapid advances in technology, one comes to expect a cutting edge product having a short life span. Look at computers, hdtv's (think 3-D) and cell phones. Indeed look at the audio market, there are a number of products introduced a few years ago that are now obsolete or have been superseded by new markets. Most of us just shrug it off and continue to enjoy the products we have. So if there is a new PowerCell 4 introduced in two or three year, I'll just have to pout a bit and continue to enjoy what I have now.

rw