Interesting PPP Experiment

hkval · #1 (**permalink**) 04-22-2009, 03:33 PM

I just disconnected both the 1.2KW's from the PPP's and plugged them directly into the 2 dedicated 20amp outlets leaving all my front end still connected to the PPP's. I listened for about 1 hour then I replaced them back into the PPP's, set the volume control exactly as it was and played the same tracks I was just listening to.
Was there a difference? Most definitely. When I first introduced the PPP's to the system last week my socks were totally knocked off and I still cannot find them. Today's experiment proved to me that in my particular system, with absolutely no doubt, everything that you plug into the PPP benefits. Definition, clarity, depth and width of soundstage, naturalness of the human voice, musical bass, smooth beauty of the highest frequencies are all enhanced with this product. Just plugging in the front is 50% of the way there and adding the Amps is 100%. I totally agree with Dan that you should buy one at a time and see if that is what you are looking for. One will be a dramatic improvement. Caviat: Do not take a 2nd one home so you can add your amps to it unless you have the money in the bank.

jdandy · #2 (**permalink**) 04-22-2009, 03:38 PM

Howard.......You are costing me money.

PHC1 · #3 (**permalink**) 04-22-2009, 03:40 PM

I'll second the amp benefits. I did find the Lamm's just a bit more dynamic sounding without PPP but the benefit of the silkier highs is too hard to pass up by not having my Lamm's plugged into the PPP. I think I may need a second unit as well eventually.

Still-One · #4 (**permalink**) 04-22-2009, 03:41 PM

Dan and Howard, Did you purchase WW power cords for the PPP's too?

Masterlu · #5 (**permalink**) 04-22-2009, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdandy

Howard.......You are costing me money.

Me too, do you know how many amps I have.

uzzled-6:

jdandy · #6 (**permalink**) 04-22-2009, 03:51 PM

Yes, my PPP is using the Wireworld Silver Electra power cord, as is everything on my main system except the MR85, and the Sonos ZP90. The ZP90 would look crazy with a Silver Electra power cord coming out of the back if it.

I may have to try the MC501's in the other two receptacles this afternoon just to find out how it impacts my system.

Masterlu · #7 (**permalink**) 04-22-2009, 04:09 PM

Wireworld Silver Electra on my PPP also, but I'm sure you all knew that.

hkval · #8 (**permalink**) 04-22-2009, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stillone

Dan and Howard, Did you purchase WW power cords for the PPP's too?

I did not, but I think the Master may be about to contact me. My logic tells me that the PPP takes the dedicated line AC, totally converts it to DC and then re-converts it back into almost completely pure AC. How much difference could the power cord before this process make? I would not run out to purchase the power cords but PS Audio does specifically recommend the use of a better cord than the one supplied. I will let the Master and Dan test with/without the Wireworld power cords before I make a decision.

jdandy · #9 (**permalink**) 04-22-2009, 09:57 PM

Howard.......I plugged my two MC501's into the back of the Power Plant Premier this evening at the encouragement of this thread. WOW is right. I now agree with your comment, "Just plugging in the front is 50% of the way there and adding the Amps is 100%." It is amazing to me, and eye opening, how each incremental advance that is made on a high-end sound system can yield audible improvements, when only moments before you were asking yourself how could it get any better than this. I was truly skeptical that adding the two power amps to the PPP would actually produce an additional improvement over what has already been delivered from the sources being plugged into the PPP. Then the music began, Yellowjackets - Blue Hats, "Capetown". The drum snaps and skin vibrations were noticeably more gripping and detailed, the bass was thicker, warmer, and richer without becoming bloated. The horns were stage center, crisp and dynamic. Everything about the entire musical experience glistened with life, breath, impact, imaging, and details conformed to the highest standards. Very, very impressive, indeed. I am thankful I did not miss your thread.

After I plugged the MC501's into the PPP, I installed the Kill-A-Watt meter into the dedicated wall outlet, then plugged the Power Plant Premier's power cord, a Wireworld Silver Electra, into the meter, setting the meter to read amps. After being thoroughly blown away by the first two tracks on the Yellowjackets CD, I began watching the amp meter. The meter's readings rise and fall based on two events, the volume setting, and the intensity of the dynamics at any given moment. I raised the C1000P volume to read 50 on the display, the MC501's meters were peaking at 50 watts output, and the volume level in the room was typical of the level I enjoy when not trying to converse over music. The Kill-A-Watt meter showed 3.5 to 3.9 amperes of current demand. I raised the volume to read 60 on the preamp's display, and now the 501's meters were peaking in the area of 250 watts output. The music was still perfect, but considerably louder. The Kill-A-Watt meter was showing peaks to 7.9 amperes of current demand at that volume level. That's 948 watts of peak load demand, and well within the PPP's capacity to deliver 1500 watts continuously. Very interesting. I would have thought at that volume the current demand would have been greater, but not so, and that was with all the racks components energized.

I let the music continue to play at the increased level of 250 watt peaks on the MC501's meters for the remainder of the Yellowjacks CD, and the music was amazingly 3 dimensional, perfectly detailed, gorgeous sound stage, and dynamics that command your attention. When the CD was stopped, and all was quiet again for a few minutes, I noticed the fan on the PPP came on. The fan is variable speed, and ran at a higher rpm for about twenty seconds before slowing down to a lower rpm, then within another fifteen seconds it shut off. Now I know my PPP cooling fans work. The fan noise level was barley perceptable. I was impressed with how quiet they are, and how short a time they remained on. I put my hand on top of the PPP , and the grill felt warm to the touch, but not hot.

Once again I find myself in awe of a very well engineered audio product, designed for a very specific purpose, and delivering on its promise in spades. I still want another Power Plant Premier for the amps, even though I have measured the real current demand of the system, and know that this single PPP can handle it. I want my power amps on their own dedicated circuit, seperate from the preamplifier and sources. Call me foolish, but thats just how I like it.

1KW · #10 (**permalink**) 04-22-2009, 10:14 PM

to the poor house

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