power conditioner

[MCBrennan]

I KNEW I could count on you for an in-depth, perfectly understandable answer and description of the RGPC approach.

I am sold. Search is over.

The 600s/Pole Pig combination is without a doubt the answer that I will use for our electrical line sags as you defined them - and we certainly have our share in this rural setting.

Thanks PHC1!

 

[masterlu]

Ivan,
I apoligize for my lack of knowledge on this subject, and I appreciate you sharing your expertise. That being said, as I understand it you plug each amp into a rgpc1200, and then plug that rgpc1200 into another one, and that into another rgpc1200 and that one into the wall? Would there be any benefit to have more than a dedicated 20 amp circuit, say a 30 amp?
Thanks
Richard

No advantage, 15 amp dedicated lines is all you need. Lots of them!

 

[masterlu]

I am bouncing back and forth between the RGPC website and the PS Audio website as I compare the 600s/Pole Pig combination against the Power Plant Premier.

They each have impressive claims and apparent success in their performance.

The RGPC components use MOV's for surge and spike protection. I was under the impression that MOV's deteriorate after being hit. And, in time, will be less effective. The RGPC design [as described on their website and further clarified perfectly by PHC1] offers superb AC power [in reserve] via their magnetic field approach.

The Power Plant Premier only claims to offer 85% efficiency totaling 1500 watts of power capability. I gather that's based on a 15amp circuit. I cannot determine from their website if it can be used with a 20amp circuit. If so, is that now 85% of approximately 2300 watts thus totaling 1955 watts of power capability? 1500 watts [maybe 1955 watts as well] would seem potentially problematic under certain system demands as described by PHC1. Yet, other aspects such as their protection scheme and their replaceable cartridge design are appealing 'on the surface' as you read their site.

Talk about being confused. They both seem impressive.

I'm not ready to audition either option, but I certainly like each for different reasons. Is this a win win? Push comes to shove, I would air on the findings of PHC1 and Ivan and go with the 600s/Pole Pig w/o question.

PHC1 and/or Ivan, can you please comment on the MOV approach. Am I wrong in these being a long term concern?

Many Thanks!
Matt

I got rid of all my PS Audio gear for RGPC, nuf said?

 

[McGlentosh]

Since money IS an object for me, what one piece of RGPC gear would do the trick? I am confused by what a Pole Pig does that a 1200 doesn't, etc. Can an amp be plugged into a Pole Pig? Help!

Thanks.

Glen
(MC352, MC206, MX135, MVP861)

 

[PHC1]

"Featuring six Hubbell outlets, the Pole Pig is perfect for isolating the front-end components (preamp, DVD player, music server, etc.) of a home theater system, or can power a complete audiophile-grade audio system. The Pole Pig can be coupled with existing RGPC parallel inductor models resulting in the RGPC IsoGray System. The Pole Pig within the IsoGray System completely isolates the front-end components while the patented parallel technology of the 400 Pro, 600S or 1200 Custom provides the rest of the system with instantaneous, high current on demand with no limitations and eliminates inter-component crosstalk.

The Pole Pig also offers surge suppression by way of an onboard MOV (metal oxide varistor). Combining the Pole Pig with other RGPC products mounts an even stronger, triple-stage surge defense for complete system protection.

Coupling a SubStation or Pole Pig with an
RGPC parallel inductor (400 MK II, 600S,
or 1200S) results in the IsoGray system. It
provides isolated power with no crosstalk
or ground loops, yet supplies high-currenton-
demand to satisfy even the most demanding
transients, with no limitations. The resulting IsoGray performance
exceeds anything previously experienced."


I really liked the effects of the Pole Pig when coupled with my 600s. My all digital front end really benefited from being isolated from the rest of the house, since I use the Iso-Gray setup, the amps are also isolated. Now, since the 600s is plugged into the Pole Pig, the whole system is NOT isolated from each other. I have tried it both ways, Iso-Gray and Pole Pig for front end and 600s for the 501s separately, I like the Iso-Gray setup best so far.

While having both is the way to go, if I had to choose only 1, I would go with the Pole Pig. Why? Because I feel the front end benefits the most from having clean/noise free AC, you can hear it right away, the details are increased, you can hear deeper into the soundstage, subtle acoustic space highlighting from instruments is improved, at least on good quality recordings.

 

[JohnThomas]

PHC1,

Sorry but I differ. I get the best sound , extra reserve power as well as blacker black levels on my LCD TV using 1200C(which is cheaper then a Pig and 600S). I've tried and sold the pole pig Unless you have ground loops I would get the 1200C. It does 3 things compare to 1 thing the Pig does. But it personal preference. I'm running 1200C plugged into 20A dedicated line, 600S plugged into the 1200C. 2 501's MDA1000/MCD1000 plugged into 1200C. On the other side of my LCD I have 1200C plugged into another 20A dedicated line and 1 501, 1 402, MX135,MVP861. Just my experience.

John

MDA1000/MCD1000
3 501's
1 402
MX135,MVP861, MA 6900
B&W 802D's,HTM2D,SCM1,ASW800
Richard Gray 2 1200C, 1 600S
Synergistic Research APEX interconnects, Precision Reference speaker wire,
Dream State power cords

 

[McGlentosh]

Thanks, John. I do have ground loop hum. Doesn't the 1200 cure that? How much does the Pole Pig cost? Can my power amps (352, 206) be plugged into the Pig? Or can you only plug them into a 600/1200? ARGHHHH!

Glen

 

[JohnThomas]

Glen,

The 1200C is not going to cure ground loops. Pole pig is $1595 new. If you get the pole pig and 1200C. Plug the 1200C into the wall. The amp into the 1200C the pole pig into the 1200C and the front end into the Pig. It's the opposite of what the website says but Masterlu says it sounds better to do it this way. Never argue with the Master!

John

MDA1000/MCD1000
3 501's
1 402
MX135,MVP861, MA 6900
B&W 802D's,HTM2D,SCM1,ASW800
Richard Gray 2 1200C, 1 600S
Synergistic Research APEX interconnects, Precision Reference speaker wire,
Dream State power cords

 

[PHC1]

The amp into the 1200C the pole pig into the 1200C and the front end into the Pig. It's the opposite of what the website says but Masterlu says it sounds better to do it this way.

I've tried it before, just tried it again to be sure, 2 times. I guess that would depend on the quality of your AC and the demands of your system, sounds better in the Iso-Gray to me, better bass definition, smoother midrange/highs. The only explanation is that evidently my 501s are benefiting from the isolation transformer. I did have a nasty ground loop by the way that I could never get rid of other than floating the ground on each and every pre-amp I ever had in my system. Not anymore.

 

[centralflori]

John, thanks for your explanation of how you plug this equipment in, and your results in very understandable terms. This is tremendously helpful.
Richard

Glen,

The 1200C is not going to cure ground loops. Pole pig is $1595 new. If you get the pole pig and 1200C. Plug the 1200C into the wall. The amp into the 1200C the pole pig into the 1200C and the front end into the Pig. It's the opposite of what the website says but Masterlu says it sounds better to do it this way. Never argue with the Master!

John

MDA1000/MCD1000
3 501's
1 402
MX135,MVP861, MA 6900
B&W 802D's,HTM2D,SCM1,ASW800
Richard Gray 2 1200C, 1 600S
Synergistic Research APEX interconnects, Precision Reference speaker wire,
Dream State power cords

 

[McGlentosh]

Thanks for all your advice, guys. Another question...

What's the difference between the Pole Pig and the Sub Station? They both seem to do the same thing (ground loop isolation).

Glen
MC352 MC206 MX135 MVP861

 

[centralflori]

Thanks for all your advice, guys. Another question...

What's the difference between the Pole Pig and the Sub Station? They both seem to do the same thing (ground loop isolation).

Glen
MC352 MC206 MX135 MVP861

I'm sure you will get more feedback on this from others, Masterlu was kind enough to provide this link that you can look at in the meantime.

http://www.richardgrayspowercompany.com/index2.html

Also try this page.
http://www.richardgrayspowercompany.com/rgpc/NEWBROCHURE.pdf

 

[Indy]

I have owned or used countless power conditioners, virtually every high end brand out there.

RGPC units are completely in a class by themselves. To compare it to names like Furman, PS Audio, & Tice (to name a few) is simply unfair.

Years ago, I thought Voltage regulation was the way to go which led me to some very expensive Furman devices.

What I learned was it is all about Current. RGPC addesses this with my "Best in Class" vote.

Just go to their website for more info:

http://www.richardgrayspowercompany.com/index2.html

l also concur, I was dissapointed with their power cords, but everything else in the product line is a keeper. I have well over 30 RGPC units in my main System alone. Most of them are 1200 Customs, daisy chained to the max.

I basically kept adding them until there was no further gain to be had. Richard Gray & Dick McCarthy both awarded me the Most units ever used in a single System.

Try them, they are Magical & Addictive. :yes:

JohnThomas/Masterlu,

What did you guys not like about the RGP power cords? price per foot, sound quality (top end air, bottom end clarity), etc.

What other cords can be recommeded that do not dampen or alter the sound of an amp or transport?

Indy

 

[masterlu]

JohnThomas/Masterlu,

What did you guys not like about the RGP power cords? price per foot, sound quality (top end air, bottom end clarity), etc.

What other cords can be recommeded that do not dampen or alter the sound of an amp or transport?

Indy

For me, price is not an issue. What I didn't like was, there was simply no improvement whatsoever.

I use Wireword Silver Electra Power Cords exclusively, they are pricey if you can't buy them right (about $400 per meter retail)

IMO, they are the best sounding power cords period.

P.S. Longer lengths add to sound quality, even if not needed (just don't coil the excess wire).

Ivan

 

[JohnThomas]

The Richard Gray power cords just sound dead. No top end at all. There strength is there power conditioning. You need to find what's right for your ears. I listen to alot of cables via the cable.com fatwyre.com . I tried alot of different interrconnects,speaker wire, cords.I found from my testing I liked Synergistic Research cables. A close second is Pursist Audio cables. As we speak I'm drifting away from Synergistic Research power cords since I've been using their AC Master coupler cords (8 gauge). Now I'm testing out some Dreamstate power cords the new kid on the block. I'm using the Dream Catcher on 2 501' (The Dream Catcher has 4 10 gauge copper runs, 4 18 gauge hand braided silver foils, 4 14 gauge hand braided silver foils, Oyaide Paladium and gold connectors.It is basically a 0 gauge cord. If there such a thing.) On their website the dream catcher is recommended for power conditoner but I want to see how they work on 501's.
I have Lucid cord on MDA1000 and Veridical cord on the MCD1000. I'm still in ah so I will hold off on the report for awhile. http://www.dreamstateaudio.com/products.htm
My personal advise is to get all of the hardware(Mac gear) first and worry about the cables last. Just use whatever cables you have now until you have enough money to by the best cables your ears like.

John

MDA1000/MCD1000
3 501's
1 402
MX135,MVP861, MA 6900
B&W 802D's,HTM2D,SCM1,ASW800
Richard Gray 2 1200C, 1 600S
Synergistic Research APEX interconnects, Precision Reference speaker wire,
Dream State power cords

 

[Indy]

For me, price is not an issue. What I didn't like was, there was simply no improvement whatsoever.

I use Wireword Silver Electra Power Cords exclusively, they are pricey if you can't buy them right (about $400 per meter retail)

IMO, they are the best sounding power cords period.

P.S. Longer lengths add to sound quality, even if not needed (just don't coil the excess wire).

Ivan

Ivan,

Then it is safe to assume with no improvement there was no loss, basically the same as your existing.

Indy

 

[Indy]

The Richard Gray power cords just sound dead. No top end at all. There strength is there power conditioning. You need to find what's right for your ears. I listen to alot of cables via the cable.com fatwyre.com . I tried alot of different interrconnects,speaker wire, cords.I found from my testing I liked Synergistic Research cables. A close second is Pursist Audio cables. As we speak I'm drifting away from Synergistic Research power cords since I've been using their AC Master coupler cords (8 gauge). Now I'm testing out some Dreamstate power cords the new kid on the block. I'm using the Dream Catcher on 2 501' (The Dream Catcher has 4 10 gauge copper runs, 4 18 gauge hand braided silver foils, 4 14 gauge hand braided silver foils, Oyaide Paladium and gold connectors.It is basically a 0 gauge cord. If there such a thing.) On their website the dream catcher is recommended for power conditoner but I want to see how they work on 501's.
I have Lucid cord on MDA1000 and Veridical cord on the MCD1000. I'm still in ah so I will hold off on the report for awhile. http://www.dreamstateaudio.com/products.htm
My personal advise is to get all of the hardware(Mac gear) first and worry about the cables last. Just use whatever cables you have now until you have enough money to by the best cables your ears like.

John

MDA1000/MCD1000
3 501's
1 402
MX135,MVP861, MA 6900
B&W 802D's,HTM2D,SCM1,ASW800
Richard Gray 2 1200C, 1 600S
Synergistic Research APEX interconnects, Precision Reference speaker wire,
Dream State power cords

John,

I'm not sure what's going on, but I'm running the following with very good top end air, bass extension, clarity, wide stage, etc.


BW 800D
MC501's
C220
MCD 201
Acoustic Zen Silver balanced interconects
RGP 400P
RGP Power Cords

There's all kinds of sparkle from the speakers.

What do you mean by dead?

Sounds like the WireWorld cables are at the same price point.

What other power cables might be at the $400/ meter that sound superb?

Indy

 

[salm]

Has anyone done a comparison of the RGPC products vs Shunyata? Many of you speak favorably of both companies and their products. Just wondering if one is inherently better than the other (I know, that's a loaded statement) or is it system and power source quality dependent? For example, Ivan and a lot of you have dedicated circuits for your rooms. In my case I have a simple 15 amp circuit supplying my room. RGPC or Shunyata? Or would money be better spent running a dedicated 20 amp line to the room? I guess the ultimate would be to run a 240V line and use the Powerstation transformer. A pricey proposition.

All that said, I am really loving the C45 and MC402:thmbsp: . The Beatles Love CD was last nights listen. I find myself watching less and less TV. I go through the channel guide mainly to see if there's a movie on that I want to watch, or to check which NHL game is on in HD.

 

[mike175gr]

Salm,

The product are actually different. I use both and am quite pleased..

The RGPC products seem to have a solution where they "store" isolated and clean power so it is available for transients. The Shunyata products seem to do a great job of rejecting noise in the power supply and providing super clean and quiet power.

As I said earlier, I use both and am very happy with the results. I also have dedicated circuits for my front end, for my amps, and for my HDTV.

 

[MCBrennan]

The product are actually different. I use both and am quite pleased.

Can you please elaborate on exactly what components from each company you are using in combination, and how the RGPC and Shunyata are integrated into your system.

After reading through this thread and exchanging PM's with a couple of posters, I settled on two RGPC components: the Pole Pig with either a 1200C or a 600s plugged into the Pole Pig.

I hadn't explored Shunyata, but your post has caught my interest.

Thanks!
Matt