Isotek filtered etc. vs. non-filtered power board/rack (not conditioner)

[AshC90]

Afternoon, 

 

Confusing topic after many hours of reading on here and elsewhere. Some very pro for, others pro against. 

 

What's everyone's first hand experiences and recommendation for using a non-filtered power board to filtered board such as Isotek, PS audio detect - for hifi gear audible benefits  (moderate setup including rotel integrated amp, eversolo DMP-A8 etc.)?

 

Currently have everything running through a Thor A12BF filtered board, and toying with the idea of a change up - funds sub 1K, probably seek via classifieds, noting a proper conditiner unit is out of the question for budget and space reasons. 

 

1. Any general benefits moving up to an Isotek Polaris, PS Audio detect, Audiolab DC Blocker etc. or otherwise? Or not worth it stay with that I have.

 

2. The other option and camp saying the filtered boards impact amp dynamics, is getting a proper server power rack/non-filtereded board for the hifi gear e.g. power link elsafe board recommended on here. 

 

I played with the amp being in bank 1 unfiltered and then the filtered banks in the Thor and couldn't hear a notable difference. Maybe slightly more high frequencies using the unfilktered slot. 

 

Thanks

[muon*]

If you have the amplifier plugged into that Thor board, try it plugged straight into the wall.

 

I found it works well for low power stuff like source equipment but reduced the dynamics of the amplifier.

[MrBurns84]

I had both the Isotek Polaris and PS Audio Dectet years ago, i dont use them anymore these days because its not needed. I felt they had an impact to how my active speaker sounded, and not for the better.  Had an AC regenerator years ago and again, same effect.  IMO especially with your budget and use, i'd just stick with the Thor unit. 

[AshC90]

Great feedback, thank you both! 

 

Funny when you go down a hole and don’t look at all options… I hadn’t really thought of a proper power cable from the wall due to length certainly worth a test and maybe direct funds there instead. Thanks

Edited October 5, 2024 by AshC90

[grammefriday]

as advised above, better to plug the amp directly into the wall. You can buy tailor made power cable lengths from a number of reputable Australian makers such as EGM, Audio Principe and Robertson Audio Cables. 

[AshC90]

46 minutes ago, grammefriday said:

as advised above, better to plug the amp directly into the wall. You can buy tailor made power cable lengths from a number of reputable Australian makers such as EGM, Audio Principe and Robertson Audio Cables. 

Thank you, have been looking at them, good to know what the consensus is now 

[AshC90]

What’s the opinion on arrangements for source equipment e.g streamer/dac, plugged in the wall as well and cable benefit, or filter board and stock cable fine? 

[grammefriday]

I'd stick with the Thor you already have for the source components. Get a shielded power cable for the amp first and see how everything sounds at that stage. No point paying for what you probably can't hear anyway .....

[muon*]

As above use the Thor for source components, I have two Thor Duo's daisy chained for my sources.

[POV]

If the power supply in your hifi equipment is of such a low quality that so called filtering power boards helps it, then you should send it back, and demand a refund from the retailer/manufacturer on the grounds of the equipment sold not being fit for purpose.