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| Model: | Power Enhancers |
| Category: | Power Conditioner/Surge Protector |
| Suggested Retail Price: | $75.00 |
| Description: | AC line filters |
| Manufacturer URL: | Not Available |
| Review by cdc on July 05, 2007 at 17:05:49 IP Address: 71.139.1.180 | Add Your Review for the Power Enhancers |
BACKGROUND:
My system is used for both music and HT. System usage is now approx. 60% music and 40% HT. I have been fortunate enough to be able to experience in my system many different products marketed to the audiophile in the last 7 years. I have spent tens of thousands on audio accessories and upgrades. Mainly with cables (power, interconnects and speaker), tweaks of all kinds (isolation, coupling, component mods) and power conditioning. The quest to obtain more from my audio system is my main hobby, as I suspect it is with anyone reading this review. I write very few product reviews. Most of the products I have experienced that I like, have kept in my system or have recommended to a friend or fellow audiophile usually has a questionable value (performance to cost) ratio. So the reason for this review is the PE by Alan Maher Designs IMHO represents a very high value, or performance to cost ratio.
Below in the associated equipment you will notice that I own other products by Alan Maher (Studio Reference Power cords) or was a brainchild of Alan Maher (Hammond 193L chokes). On Alan's recommendation and with my permission Alan sent me one PE and one PE II. I have not evaluated the PE II yet. I will try to cover the info that I wanted to know and think you may want to know when contemplating a purchase of this kind of product. As always, the results I received were in my system, my home, YMMV, etc. So here is my experience with the Power Enhancer...
What is a PE and how to install it?:
The PE is an acronym for "Power Enhancer". It looks like a large black plastic Walwart without a ground pin. Weighs ounces and feels fairly solid. Instructions from Alan were for me to plug it into a spare wall outlet in my A/V system's circuit that provided the most pronounced HF tilt. Or, plug the PE into the duplex outlet that my video gear is plugged into. I have a 20amp-dedicated line to my A/V system. This dedicated line consists of 5 duplex outlets wired star clustered (I have no idea how the builders did this). Two of the duplex outlets are not used and have those child safety caps plugged into them. I use Chesky's Critical Listening disk when evaluating any mod, tweak or changes I do to the system. I polished and buffed the blade contacts with 100% ProGold solution. Then as instructed, while the system was playing the above-mentioned Chesky CD, I plugged the PE into all available outlets in the A/V circuit until I found the one that produced the most pronounced HF tilt. This outlet happened to be the same $1 AC duplex outlet that my video gear is plugged into. The main system duplex currently is a Furutech FP-20 and the sub duplex is a P&S cryoed 5262-A.
Is there a break-in or settling-in time?
Yep. After 7 days most of the settling in occurred. It took my system 10 days to fully settle in. As with everything I try that is from Alan, there is a roller coaster ride. From extreme HF glare, to bloated and exaggerated bass, to next to no bass. Then finally it all snaps or gels into place... a very weird experience to say the least. Then again I am used to this roller coaster ride. I experienced a similar roller coaster ride with his power cords and the Hammond chokes. You know the swings and shifts that the system goes through when adding a high-end AC duplex or high-end power cord? To give you a frame of reference of the roller coaster mentioned, the PE settling-in is similar just a bit more dramatic.
What does this PE do to the Sonics of the system?:
To pre-frame, I am an "it is what it is" kind of person. Either I hear and feel (emotionally, how musical it sounds) or I do not. I could care less what is claimed by the manufacturer. At the end of evaluating an audio product there is a pass or fail. I do not like products that take away and provide benefit (which is typical in high-end audio). At this stage with my system, I am less tolorant of compromises.
Anywhos...I did not critically listen to the system until the 2 week period of having the PE in the system. My system before the PE install tilts a tad to the warm side of neutral. This is what I experienced:
* Within minutes I noticed that the system got a tad warmer, a bit more organic without the HF rolling off. This got my attention! When I mention warmer and organic, think a shade more like tube gear. The presentation sounded a bit more musical and involving. More of a harmonic completeness, if you will.
* The presentation from above midbass frequencies is more relaxed, without any detriment to transients or dynamics. Sounds a bit more natural.
* Watched a DVD (Black Snake Moan) last night. Video is improved. Object depth (3-D) is clearer and more pronounced. Close up detail is improved, like a layer of detail is now more apparent. An example would be more depth to the detail on the pores of a close up on an actors face.
* Vocal clarity. I am quite happy with the system before the PE in this area. I have oodles of detail with vocals. After installing the PE the vocals just sounded a bit more real and relaxed. Hard for me to express with words. Even my wife commented in this area.
* Lastly, instruments within the full frequency spectrum sounded a bit more real. A bit more like a live performance vs a good reproduction of the same performance. Timbre is truer.
* No other positive or negative effects to the system.
To summarize:
The effects noted above are very noticeable. Even when I listen to other recordings I am very familiar with. From my experience, the effects of the PE is on a level of a superb interconnect, speaker cable or power cord upgrade. Here is the kicker, $75! I could not find any fault with the PE, needless to say it stays in my system. Actually there is one more in the mail coming my way. :o) The PE is very well received and appreciated by this frugal audiophile. Kudos and congrats on an excellent product Alan!
If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask.
Chris
| Product Weakness: | None that I can detect. |
| Product Strengths: | Performance to cost value is supurb. Easy to install and integrate into the system. |
| Amplifier: | (3) Proceed AMP2 - slightly modded |
| Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): | modded Proceed AVP |
| Sources (CDP/Turntable): | modded Proceed CDD Transport |
| Speakers: | Infinity MTS Prelude and 5 other custom built speakers (3 used for center channel) using Infinity MTS Prelude drivers. Custom crossover and enclosure mods by Jeff Glowaki at Sonic Craft, Sunfire True Subwoofer Signature sub |
| Cables/Interconnects: | DIY active Alumiloy interconnects. (5) Alan Maher Designs Studio Reference power cords, Electraglide Fatman 2000 Gold, VH Audio Flavor 4, Electraglide Mini Kahn Plus |
| Music Used (Genre/Selections): | All Chesky Recordings. Jazz and Classical, with most of the review based on Chesky's Critical Listening disk. |
| Room Size (LxWxH): | 19' x 16' x 10' |
| Room Comments/Treatments: | Very live room. No professional room treatments as of this review. All marble flooring with a large thick rectangular rug in the center, wood blinds, large leather sofa with large leather ottoman and chase lounge. |
| Time Period/Length of Audition: | a little over two weeks |
| Other (Power Conditioner etc.): | (8) Hammond 193L Chokes, 2 Transformer PLCs for video, Most gear modded, many accessories and tweaks, different types of high end component footers, Symposium clone platforms, etc., etc. |
| Type of Audition/Review: | Product Owner |
Does PE provide same effect like Hammond 193L? or even better? If so, PE is a great product and looks nicer.
I'm interested in trying it out since i already have 2 chokes connected to UPC-200. And I plan to get two more chokes to the wall outlet (one is Oyaide SWO-XXX and one is Furu 15A cu). But if PE is working the same way as 193L , then PE is a winner.
Also, i assume PE won't limit the current.
Thanks.
Hi Alan
Have you made any of these suitable for 240V?
Hello Dave....a standard 120v/240v a/c adapter is all that is needed to convert the PE. The PE works with all voltages (100v to 250v).
Alan
Since I asked the same question, here is Alan's answer. Yes the stock units are rated for 110V-240V, without modification.The only thing to consider is that they have a US plug, which means you need an adapter, or better still if you understand the risks - upgrade your wall socket to a good quality US socket.
Use the adapter....the local code will not appreciate the US mod.
Alan
I did in fact miss both the question and answer previously.
As someone who has in the past directly wired things into the mains circuit I would prefer to use an adapter.
To save me the reading of all posts as I am clearly not that good at it, is there an advantage to using a lot of these or one per system, one for the house, etc?
The effect is compounded as you continue to add them to all your home electrical circuits. I recommend 3 for the a/v circuit and 1 to 3 for the other circuits.
I have installed up to 20 in some set up's with excellent results.
Alan
Did you try taking one apart to show the inside? That will be great.
I actually did look inside before installing :o) Alan either has eagle vision or is a master solderer. Looked like about $50+ in parts to me. And you cannot see all the values of the parts and they can not be dissasembled without busting it all up. Besides, Alan provides to much value (in info, guidance and products) to me, for me to show the inside of one. Sorry, but I am going to have to pass...
Chris
Why would that be great?
Alan
Tweak it more. This is tweaker asylum right?
I think the design is just fine the way it is...
Alan Maher
I thought You always said that parallel caps on the line and the Hammond choke tweak sounded bad together . Now your making a parallel filter and it sounds good with the choke ?
I'm planning on doing the Hammond choke tweak at a later date (don't have the cash together yet :(( ) . I also own a cpcc model 11 power cord . I took the IEC end apart one time because the blades needed to be tightened and discovered part of the (Magic?) was a .47uf x-cap in parallel across L-N . Before doing the Hammond Tweak I had planned on taking the PC apart and removing the parallel cap to get maximum effect from the Choke . Should this still be part of my plan ?
Still Confused
Joe
Joe...what I said was single valued parallel caps could cause an overlap in frequencies and sound bad. The PE and choke have worked sucessful in my commercial design for the past couple of years. The PE was voiced to gel with the choke. The same goes for the power cord design...it is voiced to work with the choke and PE.
Many moons ago under the Perfect Cable line I built a cable (PC-312) that used a .1uf across the load inside the iec connector...it's an old trick. Hopefully my tricks have advanced since then :)
Try the choke with and without. I don't happen to like .47uf (others do...it's an opinion / set up thing) used with the choke, which is why I tell folks to yank out the Auri's. When I threw the Auri tweak out years ago it was a cheap way to clean up a narrow band of frequencies, I never thought in my wildest dreams it would gain this level of popularity that it has today in the DIY market. The idea was spawned out of a conversation between Rich Smith and myself...who knew...Dick was just trying to push his favorite sounding cap that he was using in the mods. The thing I find funny are the ones who cried wolf about the use of the cap now throw it out as a cure all...ya got to love it...it's not. The .47uf tweak has very limited use.
Hope this helps.
Alan
Hi Alan,
Does the PE dynamically load the cable? I've read posts by Al in which he recommends using multiple RC networks in parallel, with the caps a decade apart...each with a resistor that matches the impedance of the cable to dissipate RF noise. Oh, and not seeking any divulgence of "what's inside" just curious if it is the same principle.
My understanding is that just using a single 0.47 cap will not effectively couple high frequency noise on the line to the resistor.
I for one am grateful that there are folks with commercial offerings such as yourself who openly share diy ideas like the 193 choke tweak in addition to offering value-oriented products that make an audible difference.
Cheers ~ Mike
Mike
I don't bother with RC designs. Our unit is a multi-stage parallel design...no need for resistors.
Alan
These replaced the PS Audio Noise Harvesters in my system and I have found the same benefits as you in terms of performance. A great product and very affordable. I will be experimenting soon by putting an Oyaide R1 on my circuit and then removing the RSA Haley PLC to see how the PEs perform on their own. According to Alan one of his customers did this and never went back to the RSA PLC
Sweet. What model RSA PLC do you have?
Chris
nt
I have four of them in my two systems, with a fifth on the way. They really do make a nice difference—certainly more than the PS Audio Noise Harvesters that were my previous favorite: blacker backgrounds, better bass, and increased dynamics being the most obvious improvements. I’m curious when someone will do a comparo against the new Hi-Fi Tuning Noise Destroyers. At least spec-wise, the PEs seem quite a bit superior.
Does your experience mimic mine with the PEs?
I am curious, when you added more (you mentioned you have five PEs), what were the changes as you added more PEs?
Thanks,
Chris
Yes, my results did generally mirror yours.
By adding more PEs, the results I mentioned simply increased with each PE added. The biggest difference was by insereting the first, but subsequent ones did help. With Alan's money-back guarantee, it's a pretty safe thing to try, IMO.
...
Where can I get one, or look through his other products?
A-gon.
I should have the July ad up and running before the end of the day. You will find the ad in the conditioner section. If you want more info just e-mail me direct.
Alan
I have six PE's and have five more on the way. I experience the same effects that you guys just reported. Wouldn't you know that we had thunder storms and I did my routine unplugging trick :-(....Back to the beginning with the PE's, but it is well worth the hassle :-) On my video, two PE's equaled the effect of a PAD 20th Anniversary Purist PC.....$150 or $2500....take your pick....LOL
Thanx Alan for a great product :-)
Wow, you must like these PEs like I like the Hammond chokes and Alan's Studio Reference power cords. Would you please post or let me know how the added PEs turn out? I am assuming that you are adding PEs to other then your audio AC circuit.
I am noticing that my fridge operates quiter then before. I have noticed this after plugging in the PE II. This would make #2 in my A/V AC circuit. So would love to know what you experience on other circuits in the home...
Chris
It was meant to be a review but Audiogon rejected it and for some reason I kept getting a server error when trying to post it here. In any case it details my home circuits and how I use my PEs.
I have a musician friend that is looking to clean up his AC when he does
a gig. This product sounds like it my not work for someone that moves from one gig to another. How long can it be unplugged before it looses its "Break-in"?
Comments from Alan Maher?
RW....the filter was originally designed for that purpose. Once the filter is fully charged it will hold it for a few days. Your friend is not going to be interested in long term effects like the typical audiophile...so this type of design is perfect for him...very compact, strong, and easy to use. All he will have to do is plug it in 10 or 15 minutes before his gig. The filter will neutralize harmonics on the line within that time. The audiophile benefits described in the review is a magnetic reaction between the filter and the house wiring over time...his standard stage PLC has the same interaction.
Alan
I also am using the PE's in my system and my experience with them is very similar to yours.
They were recommended by an audiophile friend whom I respect and they have made a nice enhancement in my system.
I had to laugh at your description of the "settling in" or "break in" process as I used almost the exact same words to Alan as they went through the process. I think my first comment to him was "My system is getting tube-ier". Sound was very warm and flabby and took all of 7 days to snap back. If you take it out for any length of time, it has to re-break in by the way.Anyway-would agree(in my system at least):
1) Lower noise floor which reveals more information (system was already dead quiet)
2) More depth in image front to back
3) More organic sound with no roll off or loss of detail (I have a tube preamp and SS monoblock amps)I got one and added two more later.
I am not using any other power filter tweaks.
I do have dedicated line and 2 Furutch FP 15 N1 outlets, 1 Furutech FP (Cu) 15 original outlet, as well as two P&S spec grade outlets.Excellent product from a knowledgeable and creative audio product engineer/designer.
My system can be viewed in my profile. I am 90% audio and 10% HT.
You should try his Studio Reference power cords, they are worse. During the settling in period of the first 10 days, you will even lose sub base. The system will go from bright glaring highs to next to zero bass. Serious roller coaster ride. Not listenable for most of that period. Then all of a sudden everything snaps together, really trippy.
Per Alan's recommendation, next week I am going to hardwire three Studio Reference power cords directly to the wall. I will be removing the Furutech FP-20. This should be real interesting.
Alan recommended 3 of the PE for my system. I have one PE and just plugged in a PE II. And one more PE on the way. I am curious, what did 3 PEs in your system do vs the one?
Chris
The first one had the most pronounced impact. The next two increased the effects more subtly but not as pronounced as adding the first.
This was on a dedicated line.I think someone w/o a dedicated line would have a different experience as they are fighting more line noise from the start.
...
"Per Alan's recommendation, next week I am going to hardwire three Studio Reference power cords directly to the wall. I will be removing the Furutech FP-20. This should be real interesting."
I have done this very thing in the past and what U will hear when the AC plug/receptacle are removed and the power cords are soldered directly to the house wiring is VERY profound and will show U just how much the AC plug/receptable effect the sound of your system....in a bad way!!!
I ran my balanced power conditioner directly from the wall sans AC plug/receptacle for a few months but I could not resign myself to the fact that if I needed to quickly disconnect the unit from the wall, say in case of an emergency, I could not and that was what triggered my fouray into the world of Oyaide products as these came the closest to sounding like no AC plug/receptacle at all.
Don't let me disuade U by any means but please be careful. I would luv to hear your feedback when U do it :-)
Cheers,
~kenster
I will not have the four power cords until early next week. Which fortunately for me is during a one week vacation. What I plan to do is remove the Furutech FP-20 and P&S duplexes. Hardwire via wirenuts (I believe soldering will be a no-no for insurance purposes) directly to the wall. To assist in the voicing I will be using Purple Heart wall covers.
Very simple really. Polish the conductors, wire nuts to make the direct contact, then use electrical tape to secure the wire nuts to the wire. Four main connections to the wall:
* where there was one duplex, there will be a hardwire from the sub (modified to accept a new Studio Reference power cord) and a 193L choke. Both the sub and choke will be detachable from the wall via Neutrik Powercons.
* where there was the other duplex, there will be a hardwire from two new Studio Reference power cords terminating with IEC plugs. At this time they will be powering a hotbox (for the amps) and a Chang 6400 (for the front end gear). Eventually the two hardwired Studio Reference power cords will be powering a full floor standing tower PLC. A custom Studio Washer system by Alan Maher. I am trying to duplicate most of the Washer system now, so I can see the effects. So far I am extremely happy.
I am hoping the hardwiring will take the setup up a few notches. And from what I am hearing from Alan and your experience, it sounds like I will be very happy with it. Everything will be detachable and I am actually planning to stay in my current home for at least the next few years. Once the hardwiring is done and settled in, I will post my experiences and pics of the setup.
Thanks for sharing your experiences regarding this topic, much appreciated.
Best Regards,
Chris
This sounds like a parallel line filter from your external appearance description. Have you compared the "Power Enhancer" to a device such as a QuietLines filter?
PG....the PE is actually a multi-stage parallel PLC packed into a small package.
Alan
Alan,
I have a VH Audio Hotbox w/ the Auricaps .47uf to both outlets. I have my monoblocks plugged into this Hotbox. I was wondering. If I put in one of your PE units into an unused outlet in my system, would I be better off by taking the Auricaps out of my Hotbox? Thanks.
Yes...the PE will provide a much larger bandwidth for noise suppression. A single valued Auri works in a narrow band.
Regards
Alan
Thanks Alan. I've sent you a private e-mail through your Audiogon ad.
Below is link to a thread at AudioCircle where Alan made some comments about his product and how it was unique according to him to other like filters.
The comments begin on page 4 of the thread and he answers questions on page 5 of it.
It is a parallel line filter. I have not tried nor experienced the Audioprism QuietLines filter. Have you tried the Audioprism QuietLines filter in your system?
Chris
I do have some Stetzer parallel line filters in my home. I admit that I've not had the opportunity to compare them with similar devices. Be that as it may, I've had a very positive experience with them and would suggest that if you can get a 30- or 60-day trial period on a similar device,fire up the Visa card and take a chance.
The noise floor dropped, imaging improved, clarity increased, blah, blah, blah, and the other cliches too. It makes sense in that the great majority of manufacturers are using good AC power to develop and measure their latest and greatest efforts. Why not improve the AC in your home too and find out if you got your money's worth from the gear in your system?
I've got a total of eight line filters in use, so far.
Here's my irrational application scheme: one on the outlet that is dropped from the circuit breaker box, two in the bedroom to counter the junk put out by one TV, one VCR, a cordless phone and two digital clocks, one filter for the outlet that my computer-and the assorted accessories-uses, a filter for the living room TV and DVD player, and finally, three filters in the room where my two-channel system resides.
If I had more disposable funds, I'd buy some filters for the circuits that the refrigerators and microwave are plugged into.
Improving the AC quality and delivery is exactly what I am doing. And yes it does make a very substantial difference. I wish it didn't, my wallet would be much bigger! I think they are using lab grade AC power during the design phase.
Chris
I have to agree. Alan has really got a very very good product here.
It is insanely cheap $$ wise for what it does. Depending on the postion. I find it better than my hammond choke, but it is a little unfair to say that as I am experimenting with placement.Alan certainly knows his way with AC.
I highly recommend his AC Power Enhancer.
Alan what is different between the PE + PE II ?
Thanks for the review!!
I am not sure the PE II will see the light of day yet. Right now I am testing it to see how it responds with multiple voltages. I sent the filters out to clients to try and send back feedback on the results. Once I receive all that back I will post the differences in the ad.
Right now the next product to be released will be the Limited Edition PE. It will be ready for mid-August. The Studio Ref that Chris is talking about will be available Sept 1. I have a few sent out to customers right now and everyone seems to love the cable...only time will tell.
Alan
Yep, I would agree that Alan certainly knows his way with AC. I really like the Hammond chokes also. Guess it is pretty obvious since I have 8 in my system...lol Placement is important with the chokes. The only time that it did not matter where I placed a choke was for video. At seven chokes the video enhancement stopped. In my system, the PE, Alan's Studio Reference Power cords, the Hammond Chokes, and Shakti products all work well together. I recently plugged in a PE II, so in 10 days we will see what that bad boy does.
I also noticed a slightly lower noise floor. This is more of what I sense while listening to music, then the system having audible noise. My system is dead silent and has a very low noise floor as it is. When the noise floor is lowered I can sense and hear more layers and shading of detail. Think of there being more color to the detail.
Chris
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