Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Anybody here using power conditioners?

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

PP600 been in use here for many years now on the front end. The PP300 lacked enough reserve so is not recommended. I'm pleased with its function although feel there is too much hype about their multiwave options - snake oil IMO.

John

Not really, but it helps me to get rid of some mechanical transformer noise in the 558 endamps

Jaco

I agree with Rod. I had a PS Audio PowerPlant 600 with Multiwave I. It was better than nothing but far short of a significant improvement. Plus, I was able to shut it down on many occassions with my EAD PowerMaster 5x400WPC amp.

I then switched to the Shunyata Hydra (original version) and was very impressed. The noise level dropped far lower than the PP600 and the transient attack was improved because the Hydra doesn't current limit like the PP600 does. The sound stage was dramtically improved, both width and depth.

I don't use a Hydra any longer and have not auditioned the Hydra-8, but I am sure it is better than the original.

If anyone has compared a PP600/300 to an ExactPower, please tell me your thoughts.

Damon

FYI - I spoke with Meridian and, even though they never endorsed any power conditioner, they were less than enthusiastic on the PS Audio - it had to do with the mechanical noise.

MJC

I use an Equitech 5 Q with digital filters and all options. It also has 2 X 20 amp and 1 X 10 amp for a total of 50 amp with a dedicated 60 amp circuit installed. Equitech claim to have started the balanced power concept.
This is a BEAST of a unit. Handles 5000 watts of headroom for amplifiers, etc... I used to run my Mark Levinson 336 amp with Salons at full blast without any problems.
I now run my entire Meridian system with 8000 fronts, 5500HC and DSP 33's as well as G Series front end through the Equitech. Very clean, very quiet.

can someone explain what the hydra does? is it science or something fuzzy?

i'm aware of all the other products discussed here, but not that one.

doody.

MJC - I'm puzzled by the "mechanical noise" comment by Meridian. The PP600 is dead quiet here (no cooling fan is used) and gives a dead quiet background to the music.

Perhaps they were refering to the PP300. There was a fan option for it which I had on mine but it never bothered me when I had that unit as it was put in the adjacent room.

The PP600 is no use on amplifiers as it cannot handle the power supply. However I found it not only improved the clarity of the audio signal in the front end but was similarly effective for video. Not sure I'd plug it too hard though as it is expensive and this thread has other good products described.

john

Science is the pursuit of knowledge. For that reason I question 'Is it science or something fuzzy'. We know how to measure what we know. If we don't know something exists doesn't make it any less real or observable. -sorry, end of rant.

Here is something that includes a bit a description of the FeSi-1000 compound which is the primary reason for the Hydra's abilities.
http://www.lifelike-hifi.de/kabel/shunyata/python.pdf

finally received b-p-t 3.5: substantially improved clarity of G68

Hi Wrightman, any experiance with other PLCs and impressions vs. BPT?

Are all the above mentioned power conditioners and regenerators US products ? Ive never heard of them. Are there any UK users out there that can suggest how to take the first steps in the process. I suffer particularly with my 558.2 and 559 amps humming loudly at certain times of the day. At others, they are completely silent.
My dealer carries all the Isotek products but has also suggested a huge range of replacement power cables - up to the very expensive Nordost kit.