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AC Line Filtration Update
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One of our core Cable Company specialties
is the area of AC line conditioning.
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In the last decade we have seen substantial development in this segment of the audiophile market, and there is no question that the best designs are all of recent vintage. There are no "classic line filters."
In the current state-of-the-art category we would include the best designs from Accuphase, Audience (AdeptResponse), Audio Magic, Equitech, ExactPower, Nordost (Thor), and Shunyata. (Still waiting for PS Audio to catch up on their shipments of the new to-line Premier line conditioner so that we can hook one up ourselves and put it through it's paces.)
This listing contains a wide range of varying approaches to the whole issue of line conditioning, but one thing that all of these top line conditioners have in common is cost: the least of these will set you back upwards of $2000. But is this the entry level cost for a state-of-the-art line filter? Read on because in this article we will be adding a new name to the "A list": Running Springs Audio.
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First some background. What do you need from a line conditioner?
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Along with the practical issue of protecting your components from spikes and surges, a line filter has several important sonic functions including:
1. filtering noise from the power lines (e.g. stopping the refrigerator talking to your components over the AC lines);
2. filtering noise generated by the components themselves (e.g. stopping the amplifier from talking to the CD player over the AC lines);
3. smoothing voltage fluctuations on the power lines.
Each of these can have a profound effect on the sound of the system, which is amplifying all this noise at the same time it is amplifying the music. Some of the super-conditioners referenced above are designed with one or two of these three problem areas as specific priorities, while other designers focus on other of these issues. For example the Accuphase and PS Audio Premier are most notable for their "regeneration" of the AC sine wave (addressing point #3 above). Other designs, e.g. from Equitech and ExactPower, use transformers to generate "balanced power," which will have a primary impact on cleaning up line noise (point #1 above). Other models incorporate neither "regeneration" nor "balanced power" to accomplish their design objectives.
So which type of filter is better for your application? If you want to talk to us about your system and where you live, we can give you some suggestions on the priorities for your AC products. And also - very important - we do make line filters available for in-home audition through our Library. Just like cables!
But is $2000+ the entry level cost for a state-of-the-art line filter?
A couple of years ago we started to hear about a new little company called Running Springs Audio. These devices are quite plain-looking: black boxes with no gauges or meters, no half inch thick faceplates, or even on/off switches. They don't regenerate the sine wave, but they do address "ripple currents," which are short term voltage sags. They don't generate balanced power, but they do address line noise and distortion, both the type which is generated by the audio/video system itself, and also that which is external to the system.
All well and good. But how does it sound?
To cut to the chase: Running Springs Audio is definitely a contender for state-of-the-art. It doesn't take a lot of listening with one of these units in your system to realize that someone on the design end has a good ear. In fact the principals at RSA are musicians as well as engineers, and a whole lot of what is right about these filters comes from the musician side of that equation.
As with all good line filters, the noise floor is lower. As with (only) the very best line filters this is achieved without restricting dynamic contrasts, or robbing the system of its "color." The worst mistake you can make with a line conditioner is to lower the noise floor, but at the same time losing the life that keeps it interesting. Better an exciting system with a higher noise floor, than a boring system with low noise. And the extent to which the best filters, such as these, can enhance the musicality of the system (think in terms of the phrase "glorious midrange"), as well as the image size and palpability, sound stage layering and depth, and extension at the frequency extremes, can be a revelation.
But the reason we are calling Running Springs Audio to the front of this elite class of top filters relates to value. The most affordable ticket to this state-of-the-art performance category is Running Springs' 15 amp, 6 outlet model called "Haley." At a list price of $1199 this is about half the cost of the least expensive of the other "contenders."
Note: The Haley is the only model in the RSA line which ships without their "house" AC cable called "Mongoose." But this may not be such a bad thing. Remember we talked about the musician/engineers at RSA. If you listen to one of their units with the Mongoose AC cable you will hear - guaranteed - a midrange presentation from your system you have never imagined. And then if we told you that one of the top two listeners at RSA is a professional oboist, you would say, "Ah yes, of course, no wonder..." But this extraordinary midrange comes at a cost, namely air and extension at the frequency extremes. For this reason we strongly encourage our customers interested in listening to the RSA products (e.g.. through our Library) to listen both with the RSA Mongoose AC, but also with other AC cables we can recommend for your system that may not draw the air out of the system to quite this extent. Let your ears be the guide.
Whatever your ultimate AC cable preference, the RSA line gets our highest recommendation for performance and value in state-of-the-art line filters.
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Here is the full Running Springs lineup:
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Haley: 6 outlet, 15 amp, $1399.99
Haley Kit: special price including a 5 ft Mongoose Power Cord, $1899.99
Duke: 2 outlet, 20 amp, $1899.99
JACO: 8 outlet, 20 amp, $2499.99
Danielle: 12 outlet, 20 amp, $3099.99
Duke, Jaco and Danielle include the 20 amp Mongoose Power cords.
Mongoose Power Cords
5ft: 15amp $600
6.5ft: 15amp $650
8ft: 15amp $680
10ft: 15amp $750
Special offer through March 2007: save $100 on Running Springs Audio purchases over $1000, or $200 on models costing over $2000.
Audiophile FAQ:
If I have a dedicated 20 amp line,
do I need a line filter?
As you enhance your AC environment this effectively "raises the bar" with respect to AC enhancement products. Furthermore your components themselves are dumping noise onto the line and polluting each other. Inter-component isolation is a big deal! With a dedicated line the importance of a high quality line conditioner (and the importance of good AC cables) will be more apparent, not less important.
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For additional information on these offers and frequent updates speak with your Cable Company consultant, or visit our websites: www.fatwyre.com and www.ultrasystem.com. For hundreds of specials on used and demo cables, visit www.usedcable.com.
Or call us Mon.- Fri. 10 -6; Sat. 11-5 Eastern time on 800-328-9973 (or 215-862-4870). Fax: 215-862-4871
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