Running Springs Maxim vs Dmitri
JLeeMD -- Mon, 02/08/2010 - 21:30
I'm in need of a SOTA power conditioner and was all set to order the Dmitri based on RH's review. Now I understand that Running Springs has a better unit, the Maxim, albeit with only 4 outlets.
My system includes the Mark Levinson No.383 integrated amplifier, Esoteric X-05 SACD/CD player, and Dynaudio Confidence C1 speakers. Thus I only need 2 outlets now and perhaps 3 if I add an Esoteric Master Clock.
Does anyone know if the Maxim improves on the Dmitri's performance? I'm guessing the answer is yes as it costs the same despite having 6 fewer outlets.
My understanding is that the Maxium has additional components that optimize its performance with power amplifiers as well as with source components.
I have Dimitri/Mongoose on demo. I wonder if it is wise for me to try out several other conditioners before making my mind up. I am NEW to power conditioners.
My system: I have Spendor SP1 speakers, transparent super speaker cables and interconnect (1994), Levinson 27.5 amp, Audio Research SP9 mark 3 preamp, Linn LP12/Ittok/Shure cartridge V15type V MR, Simaudio Eclipse and Andromeda CD players, Panamax Max 1000 surge protector, now replaced at least temporarily with Dimitri/Mongoose powercord.
I attended "Music Matters" at local dealer (Definitive Audio Seattle), Transparent had great demo of with and without power cables and conditioner, amazing night and day difference. This was on Feb 3, 2010.
Status before Dimitri (prior to 2/22/1020). Lately I noticed that system seems tight and tonally skewed to the bright side. But system has slam, and good detail. I had my system in current configuration excluding conditioner since Jan 2008. My dealer mentioned Panamax may have negative influence on music.
Here is my issue. You see I want my cake and eat it too. I want positive effects of conditioner and no negatives. I don't know if Dimitri is doing that. Boy Dimitri/Mongoose sure changed the sound of my system. see below. Its dramatic. Dan B at RSA thinks I am hearing my stereo for the first time. Could that be?
Impressions with Dimitri/Mongoose. Installed Dimitri 2/22/2010. I warmed Dimitri up for a few days by playing Andromeda thru it. At first it sounded soft and pure 2/26. Negatives: It still has softness. Where did my midrange go? Does sound a little better 3/1/2010. I want my slam back. I like my sound to have some substance to it (thickness? or mystery?) Dan B at RSA says the slam will return when broken in. He is very helpful to me, unusual for mfgr to call me up.
Positives: Nice relaxed sound. I think I can hear more detail. Purity, yes much!
I have seen on audiogon boards that Dimitri is praised much and is a top unit. No negatives. I did read and enjoyed your review of Dimitri which influenced me considering this.
Dan at RSA and he said more breaking in needs to happen.
I wonder if I need to demo Transparent PowerIsolator 8? Transparent says that power factor is very important. And its easy to get rid of noise, but harder to preserve dynamic range and original tonal quality.
Anybody in their right mind needs to at least demo 2 or 3 of them prior to committment to keep it. Fortunately I live in an area with some dealers. Thanks for listening!
Bill
Bill Eames
Mr. Harley: do you have any experience with the Maxim? This is the unit I'll probably buy but would find it reassuring to know you've heard it and feel it is nothing less than everything you stated about the Dmitri...any improvement would be a bonus.
I have not hear the Maxim. It's a brand new product with only a few units out in the field.
I own 2 Dmitris and 1 Maxim. The Dmitris feed my source components and the Maxim handles 2 Pass XA-100.5's and 1 Pass X-3 for home theater center and surrounds. If you only need 4 outlets, the Maxim is definitely worth going for. I would also recommend going with one of their dedicated power cords, either the Mongoose or the more expensive High Zoot. Since this is a 20 amp unit, you could use another power cord but you would need to have an adapter. I tried this but it did not fit as well nor did my power cords sound as good as the RSAs. If you want to read a recent review, you can find one online (www.tonepublications.com). This is the website for ToneAudio a high end e-zine. It sounds like you have no-compromise equipment which will benefit audibly from this unit. I have used a lot of PLCs beginning with the original PS Audio black box. Most recently I replaced 4 Nordost Thors with the Running Springs Audio units. You will get unencumbered, unlimited, and uncompromised sound that will make you smile. If you need any further advice, you could call Dan Babineau directly at Running Springs Audio. The number is on their website. Hope this helps.
ldevoe, I enjoyed reading your comments on power conditioners. Have you listened to the Shunyata V-Ray II, and if so, how would you compare with the RSA units? Also, do you feel the Dmitri and Maxim are sonically the same, differing only by the number of AC outlets? Thank you.
I have not had the chance to compare the top of the line Shunyata V-Ray II which I think is priced comparably to the Dmitri or Maxim. I have not compared the Dmitri to the Maxim since the former is designed for source components primarily while the Maxim is dedicated to large power amplifiers. They are physically the same size but the Maxim has only 4 outlets compared with 10 for the Dmitri. In talking with Dan Babineau, CEO of Running Springs Audio, the intent in design was to come up with a no-compromise unit which did not limit current or performance of power amps which is a major criticism of many PLCs, a phenomenon described as "sucking" the air out of the sound. I can tell you that I heard a significant improvement when using the RSA units as intended. Perhaps others can put in their dime on the Shunyata or Audience PLCs.
I too am interested in the V-ray II as I use Shunyata's Python CX power cords with superb results. Recently, Soundstage reviewed the V-ray II and felt it rolled off the high frequencies- a kiss of death for power conditioners in my book.
Thank you for your response. Do you use RSA power cords from the wall to your Dmitri and Maxim, and CX cords from the conditioners to the equipment?
I don't buy the "systems thinking" the marketers are trying to propagate. You can't blame them for trying though. I do believe in focusing on what one does best. Interconnect is not the same as a power conditioner, whixh is not the same as a power cord. I tried many powecords with Running Springs, and Shunyata cx was my favorite - BY FAR, because the cords do not roll off anything. Shunyata excels at cords. RS excels at power conditioning. RS + Shunyata CX is a match made in heaven.
I think Tone Audio may have a review of the Maxim.
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