Mains regeneration

[CRACKIE]

Has anyone got experience of using mains regeneration on their Audio or Video systems ? For example Accuphase or PS Audio power products.

The PS Audio Power Plant Premier received some great press reviews last year but I'm hoping to hear from people who have used one at home or possibly for broadcast.

Thanks ~ Dave.

[CRACKIE]

Cheers for the feedback ~ the benefit of regeneration is very dependant on the quality of mains coming in. Mains quality here in Huntingdon changes a lot over a 24 hour period and I'm trying to get my system to sound as good during the "noisy" daytime hours as it does in the "cleaner" early hours.

Reviews of the PS Audio PPP ( £1800 ) suggest it can halve mains distortion but I'd love to hear some complements from a PH user before I take the plunge. I know my car wouldn't object to having me splashing the cash on it instead

Edited by CRACKIE on Thursday 22 January 22:18

[CRACKIE]

Cheers Justin ~ I have an background in audio engineering too and am also very sceptical about some of the "snake oil" products where there is no measurable benefit. Products from companies such as Vertex AQ do appear to work very well subjectively.

As you suggest ~ I'll try to find a dealer who offers a home trial on PS Audio products. Any ideas ???

[CRACKIE]

SJobson said:

Can't you fit a dedicated mains spur for the stereo for less than £1800?

Like the idea of that ~ I'll get some quotes. In principle the PPP is a pure sinewave generator feeding a huge 1.5KW class D power amp. The reviews ( Martin Colloms in Hi-Fi News ) imply that this is better than a dedicated spur !!

[CRACKIE]

I am sceptical, bordering on cynical, about many of the claims made manufacturers so hopefully I will not fall for placebo effects. The gear I use at home sounds, IMHO, 15% better in the early hours ( 2~6 am ) than it does during the rest of the day and that sound quality is what I'm looking to achieve during the day too.

I guess, in recent years, most homes have the big increase in the number of products using switch mode power supplies and this has had a big factor in how much grunge there is in the system.

Have any of you guys tried listening to your systems after unplugging other gear around the house ? Sad to say I have ~ Energy saving lightbulbs are not your friend

[CRACKIE]

SJobson said:

I doubt I could sensibly compare the sound of my system in the wee small hours to the daytime. My mood and mind will be totally different, so my perception will be suitably different too.

I appreciate that there are significant psychoacoustic effects and that perception changes according to mood, tiredness etc but the changes I've noticed are not subtle ie sound pre 11.30 ~ midnight is merely OK but is much much better post 1.00am. I've put this down to most people having turned in for the night so kettles, lights, boilers, and all manor of switch mode gear ( PC's, TVs, PVRs, DVDs )is dormant. This is guesswork on my part and I'm sure it would be possible to see what was going on with a suitable oscilloscope however the subjective improvements are big enough for a sceptic like me to consider spending the best part of £2000 to achieve.