MJC,

My upgrade path for PLC has been as follows:
1) Ultimate Outlet (High Current 20 amp)& Juice Bar
2) Added PS Audio Lab PC to UO
3) Added PS Audio P300 (source only) through UO
4) Added 2nd UO & Lab PC (amplification) & Mini-lab to P300
5) Demoed Hydra
6) Ordered Hydra-8 & sold P300
7) Put in dedicated lines while waiting for Hydra-8
8) Got Hydra-8 & using it with Lab PC
9) Selling UO & Lab PC & Juice Bar

Steps 1 through 4 were try before buy steps. Each one resulted in a better quality sound system. The UO with stock PC is okay but a better PC makes a significant difference. The P300 *is* affected by power-line conditions and *does* sound better with the UO in front.

Step 5 outclassed the PS audio stuff totally. It replaced both UO & Lab PCs during the demo and was vastly (in high end audio terms) better! It was also less expensive, generated no heat, was silent, and consumed no electricity.

Step 6 was premature as the Hydra-8 was delayed for over year as Shunyata tooled up. Memories of what could be haunted me <grin>.

Step 7 was a nice improvement. Not as great as the Hydra even with the UO in use.

Step 8 wow! The ease is back.

I haven`t tried the EP stuff but Soundstage has reviewed both with different reviewers and equipment http://www.audiovideoreviews.com/power.shtml

If in the market again, I would also try Balanced Power Technology as reviewed by 6moons http://www.6moons.com/archivelibrary/audioreviews_2.html

As for step 9 - I`m keeping one UO for a plasma panel that has a better picture quality when plugged into the UO which is plugged into the Hydra-8 - also keeps the plasma`s digital noise from feeding back into the Hydra-8 (not that I noticed any). Know of anyone interested in a high current 20amp UO and 6` Lab PC <grin>?
http://db.audioasylum.com/cgi/m.mpl?forum=systems&n=4302

Rod