PS Audio Power Delivery/Conditioning Equipment

Power to the People

November 1st, 2008 -- by Chris Martens
Source: Playback

PS Audio Noise Harvestor ($100 each, or $399 for five)

What it is: The Noise Harvester is a small (roughly matchbox-sized) device that plugs in to unused AC outlets and that converts electrical noise on your AC lines into a different form of energy: light. Note that the Harvester provides noise reduction, but does not provide spike or surge projection of any kind.

Practical benefits: The Noise Harvester yields a relatively small but noticeable reduction in background noise. PS suggests even greater benefits can be achieved by using multiple Harvesters in parallel (or by placing them on the same AC circuits with known noise sources)—something I was not able to test since I only had one Harvester on hand. PS offers a price break if you buy a five-pack of Harvesters.

PS Audio xStream Statement SC Power Cord ($499 and up)

What it is and does: The xStream Statement SC is a “power cord of the Gods” built from premium materials with maximum performance as its only goal. No detail has been overlooked. The Statement SC delivers maximum available AC power while significantly reducing induced noise.

Practical benefits: Used with higher- end A/V components this power cord helps reduce background noise, promotes deeper and more solid bass, and fosters a smoother, more three-dimensional presentation overall. I can’t comment on how or if the cord affects displays, since the reference HDTV in the Playback A/V lab doesn’t fit a standard three-prong cord like this one.

Is this (or any) power cord worth nearly $500? Well, value is in the eye or ear of the beholder, and this cord can meet or beat the performance of others I’ve tried that are more than twice its price. But, if you are starting out from scratch with $500 to invest in power delivery/conditioning equipment, there is no question that a better and more broadly beneficial starting point would be to get a power conditioner such as the Quintet. Power cords, in my view, make great icing” on the high-end A/V “cake,” provided that they fit your budget.

But in an absolute sense, the benefits that power cords offer are rarely as dramatic as those that come with adding a good power conditioner (and normally they affect only one component at a time). But note: it’s a smart idea to use a high performance power cord to connect your power conditioner to its AC outlet, because that way the benefits of the cord will affect all the components connected to the conditioner.

Caveat: The xStream Statement SC power cords can be difficult to use because they are dauntingly thick and stiff and feature connectors/plugs that are extremely bulky and tight fitting (so tight fitting that they can be hard to remove from components after they are installed). While there’s no arguing with the Statement SC’s exemplary performance, I’d like to see PS Audio make these cords more flexible and compact, and to offer right-angle adapters to make them easier to use in tight spaces.

Comments

audiofan845 (not verified) -- Mon, 01/26/2009 - 12:32

I used to be a big PS Audio fan and owned a a PS 300 for the better part of 8 years, without a hickup. I also own a large number of their power cords and I feel they represent good value. In search of an upgrade and reduce my electricity bill, I recently ordered a factory refurbished PS Premier Power conditioner.
Upon opening the box, I was disappointed of the quality, as it looked more like a used unit and I realized that now their equipment is made in China. Even the instruction manual looked used. Plugging my audio equipment into it improved my mood decidedly, but lasted less than a day when it broke. I contacted Audio Advisor, told them I was really disappointed of the refurbished quality and paid the extra money to get a brand new one. To their credit, they were very courteous about it. A few days later I received the new one. 2 days later, it looked like the plug coming from the wall sagged a little in the rear socket of the PS. I tried to re-seat it a little and with a big bang and a spark the PS bid itself goodbye for good.
At this point I've had enough and returned it to AA for a refund. I mentioned this to a friend who is a high-end retailer in Florida, also representing PS Audio. His response; "Why do you think we don't have any of their power conditioners in the store?" Apparently the unreliability of their equipment is well known and there is tons of their stuff on the used market.
In the "good old days", magazines with high standards used to report on these issues, especially when Harry was still in charge at TAS. Now, companies are handed advertising trophies in the form of Product of the Year, with zero mention of these issues. I feel very disappointed that apparently even old stars of the industry, like Stereophile and TAS, have joined the ranks of magazines who recommend products based on how much free stuff is given to reviewers and their advertising budget.
It's very sad to come to this realization.
Peter in NY

Samuel Jones (not verified) -- Tue, 01/27/2009 - 12:21

I find your comments interesting, especially the former ones complaining about a "reconditioned" piece of equipment looking used, with a used manual. The last time I checked, reconditioned does not mean new. That aside, I've used PS Audio equipment on and off for over 20 years now. I had a Power Director 4.7 for 5 years and loved it. I currently own a Power Plant Premiere and I've had no problems with it (looks great too). I know PS Audio did have some issues with early contractors at the beginning of their China production, but those problems have been resolved from what I hear. One thing I can tell you about them, when you have a problem now or years down the road when the unit is out of warranty, they will go out of their way to continue to support it. I had a Monster Power AVS2000 power conditioner that failed a year out of warranty and Monster would not repair it or provide me with a service manual so I could repair it myself. Now the AVS2000 is just a really expensive piece of junk. Think about that for a while. As for PS Audio, all I can say is "highly recommended".

rossop -- Wed, 01/06/2010 - 18:42

I use two duets in my system. One for digital, the other for analog. I run my 4 power amps from their own line to a PS Audio juice bar.I dont think the power amps need conditioning.I have surge protection at the power board.
I've found them to be good value units.I woldn't care if they were made on Mars as long as they worked.
I had trouble with a PS Audio phono stage once and they replaced it,no worries.
If I could afford something better I would but you would have to spend big bucks to get something much better.
PS Audio are good value and they treated me very well so for the time being I'll stick with them.
'Factory Refurbished' sounds like second hand to me!

plandau -- Tue, 03/17/2009 - 12:31

My experience to date is not impressive. First unit simply ceased functioning, 2nd unit dropped output voltage to 87 volts, repaired, it now puts puts out steady 122 volts. All it will run is my signal source equipment and the pre-amp, it will not handle my plasma TV, amplifiers or subwoofers. Would have to own about 6 of these to protect all my equipment. The repair service is beyond reproach, always prompt, but the unit itself is not going to be incorporated into my HT room, have opted for a 60 amp on wall unit from Torus, cheaper than 6 pieces of PS Audio equipment. PL.

Robert Goodell (not verified) -- Mon, 03/23/2009 - 13:27

For the second time my P1000 melted (no exaggeration) the input fuse. This unit, 100 pounds of sharp metal, is a pain to ship. PS fixed the first time and offered to do it again for $100--200 plus shipping, but also offered a $1000 tradein on a Premier. I said, and am now having buyer's remorse.