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#1
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Power Plant Premier Arrived
Well after waiting for more than 2 months my Power Plant Premier arrived yesterday courtesy of the Master.
This was basically the last piece of the puzzle necessary to complete a recent system re-design. Waiting is never fun, but the end result was well worth the wait. I know we often discuss how one component can have a large impact on the overall performance, but I will have to say that this may be more significant than I was expecting. I have of course read numerous professional reviews and have been influenced by the success that everyone on this forum has experienced with this product, but there is nothing like having one (or in Ivan's case many) in your own system. So what is the outcome?........ Basically everything is improved. The system went from reproducing sound to making beautiful music. The soundstage is so much more coherant and complete. The bass is much more defined with better transient response resulting in more snap and control. The midrange now has a wonderful presence and vocals are sounding so full and lifelike. The high frequencies are smoother and more natural sounding, but yet detailed and without any glare. There is no question that with reduced distortion comes a more enjoyable listening experience. You can listen without any fatigue at any volume level and not want to stop. The PPP definitely creates a black background of which beautiful music emerges. Thanks to Ivan and everyone on the forum for all of the positive feedback and input on this piece that has put a very nice finishing touch on my system Buddy |
#2
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Great review Buddy
It always puts a smile on my face when I can help improve someones system.
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Ivan FLORIDA MX136, MC1.2KW(10) MC2KW(2), MCD1100, MS750(2) MVP881, C1000C/P/T, MPC1500, HT-2 SUBS(2) HT3F(2) WS350(2) XRT2K, XCS2K, XR27(2) XCS350(2) JL GOTHAM v2 SUBS(2) SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, LUMAGEN RADIANCE SCALER, SONY VPH-G90U 4K PROJECTOR, STEWART 120" MOTORIZED SCREEN, CINEMA-TECH SEATING, WW PLATINUM CABLES Reference System: ACCUPHASE A300 AMPS, C3900 PRE-AMP, DP1000 CD/SACD TRANSPORT, DC1000 DIGITAL PROCESSOR, DG-68 DIGITAL EQUALIZER, T1200 FM STEREO TUNER, PS1230 POWER SUPPLY, HRS-SXR CUSTOM RACK w/ M3X SHELVES, TAD REFERENCE ONE MK2 LOUDSPEAKERS, WW PLATINUM CABLES CAPE COD MX150, MC501(2) MC1.2KW(10) MC2301(2) MR88, MVP881, MCD1100, MDA1000, C1000C/P/T, MPC1500, ESOTERIC K-01X 30th ANNIVERSARY (BLACK) SACD/CD PLAYER, G02-X CLOCK, HT3F(2) XRT2K, XCS2K, XR27(2) JL GOTHAM v2 SUBS(2) JL FATHOM F113v2 SUBS(4) SOUND ANCHOR STANDS(2) KALEIDESCAPE STRATO & TERRA SERVERS 80-TB, LUMAGEN RADIANCE SCALER, SONY VPH-G90U 4K PROJECTOR, STEWART 120" SCREEN, SONUS FABER STRADIVARI, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, FORTRESS SEATING, WW PLATINUM CABLES Analog Rig: CLEARAUDIO INNOVATION WOOD, UNIVERSAL ARM w/ Da VINCI' CART, 2nd UNIVERSAL ARM w/ GOLDFINGER STATEMENT CART, HRS-MXR REFERENCE RACK-GLOSS BLACK w/ M3X SHELVES, AESTHETIX RHEA SIG PHONO-PRE, BRYSTON BHA-1 HEADPHONE AMP, WW PLATINUM CABLES Reference System: BURMESTER 911MK3 AMP(3), 088 PRE-AMP, 089 CD PLAYER, 100 PHONO PRE-AMP, 948 POWER CONDITIONER, ACCUPHASE DG-68 VOICING EQUALIZER, AVID ACUTUS REFERENCE SP TT, GRAHAM PHANTOM II SUPREME ARM, BENZ MICRO LP-S CART, GRANDIOSO P1X/D1X STACK, G1X RUBIDIUM MASTER CLOCK, N05 NETWORK PLAYER, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, HRS-SXR CUSTOM RACK w/ M3X SHELVES, SONUS FABER AIDA SPEAKERS, JL FATHOM F113v2 SUBS(2) SOUND ANCHOR STANDS(2) WW PLATINUM CABLES Library System: GRANDIOSO M1 MONOBLOCK AMPS, C1 LINESTAGE PRE-AMP, K1X CD/SACD PLAYER, G1 MASTER RUBIDIUM CLOCK, E02 PHONO-PRE, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, AERIAL ACOUSTICS 20T V2, AERIAL SW12 SUBS(2), CANTON REF K1’s, VPI HRX TT w/ SDS POWER SUPPLY, ORTOFON CADENZA BLACK CART, KLAUDIO RCM, SHUNYATA DENALI 6000/S v2, SHUNYATA OMEGA QR’s, WW PLATINUM CABLES Esoteric/Bryston System: ESOTERIC C02-X PRE-AMP, P-02X TRANSPORT, D02-X DAC, G02-X CLOCK, BRYSTON 28B3 CUBED MONOBLOCK AMPS(4), BRYSTON BHA-1 HEADPHONE AMP, SHUNYATA DENALI 6000/S v2(2) EVEREST 8000 POWER CONDITIONER(2) ALTAIRA CG & SG HUBS, AMR-DP777-SE DAC, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, TAD REFERENCE ONE MK2 LOUDSPEAKERS, QUADRASPIRE RACK, WW PLATINUM CABLES Accuphase/Canton System: ACCUPHASE E800 INTEGRATED, DP570 CD/SACD PLAYER, T1200 FM STEREO TUNER, DG-68 VOICING EQUALIZER, PS530 POWER SUPPLY, CANTON REF K3’s, CANTON REF K5’s, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, HRS MXR REFERENCE MAHOGHANY RACK w/ M3X2 SHELVES, WW GOLD CABLES |
#3
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Living with the PPP is knowing you would never again want to live without it. Sophisticated components desire the best food to perform at their peak and PPP is the "Chef of Perfection". - Great Review!!
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#4
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Well HK you know that seeing and experiencing yours did not make my wait any easier
Even after owning a much more expensive conditioner I think that this one really does help to optimize everything.
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Buddy Boulder 1160 Amp, 1110 Pre-Amp Audio Research Ref. 3 Phono-Pre Vivid Audio Giya G2S2 Speakers MSB Reference DAC Innuos Statement w/Next Gen. PS B & W DB1D Subwoofer X2 Audioquest Niagara 5000 Power Conditioner Kronos Pro Turntable w/Kronoscope RS tonearm + SCPS-1 PS + MSL Platinum Cart. VPI HW-40 Turntable w/ Lyra Etna cartridge Jay's Audio CDT3-MK3 CD Transport Schiit Mjolnir 2 HPA + Audeze LCD X headphones Adona Equipment Rack and Amp Stands Furutech Outlets and Plates + NCF Booster Shunyata Cables Synergistic Research Galileo SX Ground Block, FEQ 4, Black Box + Room Acoustic treatments |
#5
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That pretty much sums it up for me. Me thinks it was worth the wait for you. Danny
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MX136, MC501s, MC402, MCD500 RtR 300Ds, JL Fathom F112, Mirage OM-C3, JBL 2600s Dual CS 606, Ortofon 2M Black Tandberg TD20A, Harmon Kardon HK 400xM PPP, Power Port, WW Ag Eclipse IC's & Speaker Cables, WW Ag Electra PC's |
#6
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I was talking with Ivan Wednesday evening. We had exchanged some PM correspondence about the PPPs. You know the "you had me at hello" line from the movie? Ivan didn't know it, but it was kind of like that for me. Even so, we talked about several important audiophile matters and the conversation culminated in my ordering two new black Premiers. I understood the wait would be at least a month -- maybe six weeks, something like that. I got a call from Ivan the next day, Thursday. He followed up so quickly and professionally with me and his sources that, gasp, the PPPs would be turned around quickly. Early afternoon Friday, the next day, Fed Ex is knocking at my door. Less than 48 hours from the order to delivery at my doorstep. Discounting the remainder of Wednesday evening after the "close of business," it was essentially delivery the next day! On two new black Premiers? Wow! I don't suppose at any time in my life and career have I enjoyed that kind of dedication, commitment and customer service. Thank you Ivan! I was expecting a laborious burn-in period. I don't really know about that. I plugged them in and was knocked out from the beginning. I played them for about 12 hours Friday. And fired the system back up this morning. I am insatiable. Everything is so great. One thing that I anticipate is even better dynamics with more playing time. But the micro dynamics? Oh man! I am literally hearing things I have never heard before. Lyrics that were put in the file as indiscernible to me are coming through with clarity. Oh, is that what she's singing? Oh, is that what those words are? I mean, it is incredible. So that's a palpable difference right there. I don't have any other upgrades in electricity so to speak and my THD coming in is as high as 5.2%; the THD output is sitting around .5-.6%, which is still pretty high perhaps to what some of you guys are achieving; but wow -- what a difference. To say I am floored is so wildly understated. You need a spatula to get me off the floor. My thinking is there is so much improvement that the THD level, while conducive to measurement and reporting, is just one level of the many aspects of sonic improvement. There was a post that described the addition of the PPP as "icing on the cake." I realize this is just an expression. But my experience and description is that this is the most essential foundation I could imagine. Actually, it is way beyond what I might have imagined. Besides echoing the sonic improvements others have made -- and I might underscore them in my situation -- the PPP did something for me for which am shall be forever in gratitude. While I am not crazy about a lot of the imaging that recording engineers hang their hats on. You know, a drum set that's spread clear across the stage -- that sort of thing I can do without. But I suppose it would fall categorically under the "imaging" description. Here's what the PPP does for me that just tickles me to death. It makes the instruments coherent and palpable. I will stop shy of using adjectives like warm, lush, buttery. Those might imply that the sound is not right, that it has been exaggerated. But the thing is, the PPP is not putting a coloration on the sound that is not on the master tape. It just makes everything so much richer. It is like the difference between a stale cookie and one that's fresh out of the oven, warm and buttery (okay, I did say buttery). I am experiencing the instruments much more lifelike. It is a trumpet -- not a representation of a trumpet. Man, this PPP really scratches my itch. I absolutely adore the improvements and cannot get enough. The texture, the timbre, the air around the instruments -- it is just flooring me. Others have described the MC501s as being very tube-like in their presentation. I wasn't really getting that. Now I am. And I love the McIntosh tube sound. Now, I am enjoying my cake and eating it too. I think I can put the MC2301s further back on my wish list now. In fact, if I had experienced this as a blindfold test and the PPP'd 501s were told to me that they were the MC2301s, I would have said they exceed my expectations. This is getting right at the kind of sound I like. Best upgrade I can imagine. On an even more personal note or observation, I have listened to every type of music with the PPP. But the one that I would recommend as a demonstration disc is Kraftwerk's "Autobahn." I am very familiar with this piece. Very familiar. And I am literally hearing things I have never heard before. It is so three-dimensional and the timbre (can you use that word to describe electronic sounds?) is flooring me. Flooring me! Love it, love it, love it. Last edited by MisterBritt; 10-03-2010 at 01:14 AM. |
#7
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Britt, it's reviews like this that fuel my passion! Thanks for all the kind words...
As a consumer myself; albeit a demanding one, I always expect to be treated well. This has been my Mantra in business, to always exceed expectations. I guess I could have gotten the PPP's delivered to you the day before you called... Special thanks to Mayoura at PS Audio! Enjoy!
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Ivan FLORIDA MX136, MC1.2KW(10) MC2KW(2), MCD1100, MS750(2) MVP881, C1000C/P/T, MPC1500, HT-2 SUBS(2) HT3F(2) WS350(2) XRT2K, XCS2K, XR27(2) XCS350(2) JL GOTHAM v2 SUBS(2) SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, LUMAGEN RADIANCE SCALER, SONY VPH-G90U 4K PROJECTOR, STEWART 120" MOTORIZED SCREEN, CINEMA-TECH SEATING, WW PLATINUM CABLES Reference System: ACCUPHASE A300 AMPS, C3900 PRE-AMP, DP1000 CD/SACD TRANSPORT, DC1000 DIGITAL PROCESSOR, DG-68 DIGITAL EQUALIZER, T1200 FM STEREO TUNER, PS1230 POWER SUPPLY, HRS-SXR CUSTOM RACK w/ M3X SHELVES, TAD REFERENCE ONE MK2 LOUDSPEAKERS, WW PLATINUM CABLES CAPE COD MX150, MC501(2) MC1.2KW(10) MC2301(2) MR88, MVP881, MCD1100, MDA1000, C1000C/P/T, MPC1500, ESOTERIC K-01X 30th ANNIVERSARY (BLACK) SACD/CD PLAYER, G02-X CLOCK, HT3F(2) XRT2K, XCS2K, XR27(2) JL GOTHAM v2 SUBS(2) JL FATHOM F113v2 SUBS(4) SOUND ANCHOR STANDS(2) KALEIDESCAPE STRATO & TERRA SERVERS 80-TB, LUMAGEN RADIANCE SCALER, SONY VPH-G90U 4K PROJECTOR, STEWART 120" SCREEN, SONUS FABER STRADIVARI, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, FORTRESS SEATING, WW PLATINUM CABLES Analog Rig: CLEARAUDIO INNOVATION WOOD, UNIVERSAL ARM w/ Da VINCI' CART, 2nd UNIVERSAL ARM w/ GOLDFINGER STATEMENT CART, HRS-MXR REFERENCE RACK-GLOSS BLACK w/ M3X SHELVES, AESTHETIX RHEA SIG PHONO-PRE, BRYSTON BHA-1 HEADPHONE AMP, WW PLATINUM CABLES Reference System: BURMESTER 911MK3 AMP(3), 088 PRE-AMP, 089 CD PLAYER, 100 PHONO PRE-AMP, 948 POWER CONDITIONER, ACCUPHASE DG-68 VOICING EQUALIZER, AVID ACUTUS REFERENCE SP TT, GRAHAM PHANTOM II SUPREME ARM, BENZ MICRO LP-S CART, GRANDIOSO P1X/D1X STACK, G1X RUBIDIUM MASTER CLOCK, N05 NETWORK PLAYER, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, HRS-SXR CUSTOM RACK w/ M3X SHELVES, SONUS FABER AIDA SPEAKERS, JL FATHOM F113v2 SUBS(2) SOUND ANCHOR STANDS(2) WW PLATINUM CABLES Library System: GRANDIOSO M1 MONOBLOCK AMPS, C1 LINESTAGE PRE-AMP, K1X CD/SACD PLAYER, G1 MASTER RUBIDIUM CLOCK, E02 PHONO-PRE, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, AERIAL ACOUSTICS 20T V2, AERIAL SW12 SUBS(2), CANTON REF K1’s, VPI HRX TT w/ SDS POWER SUPPLY, ORTOFON CADENZA BLACK CART, KLAUDIO RCM, SHUNYATA DENALI 6000/S v2, SHUNYATA OMEGA QR’s, WW PLATINUM CABLES Esoteric/Bryston System: ESOTERIC C02-X PRE-AMP, P-02X TRANSPORT, D02-X DAC, G02-X CLOCK, BRYSTON 28B3 CUBED MONOBLOCK AMPS(4), BRYSTON BHA-1 HEADPHONE AMP, SHUNYATA DENALI 6000/S v2(2) EVEREST 8000 POWER CONDITIONER(2) ALTAIRA CG & SG HUBS, AMR-DP777-SE DAC, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, TAD REFERENCE ONE MK2 LOUDSPEAKERS, QUADRASPIRE RACK, WW PLATINUM CABLES Accuphase/Canton System: ACCUPHASE E800 INTEGRATED, DP570 CD/SACD PLAYER, T1200 FM STEREO TUNER, DG-68 VOICING EQUALIZER, PS530 POWER SUPPLY, CANTON REF K3’s, CANTON REF K5’s, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, HRS MXR REFERENCE MAHOGHANY RACK w/ M3X2 SHELVES, WW GOLD CABLES |
#8
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Britt.......I hear you! I experienced the same phenomenon myself, and enjoyed the same great customer service from Ivan on each of my four Power Plant Premier purchases. Congratulations on a wise addition to your very nice sound system.
Your review was very entertaining, too. I enjoyed it.
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Dan STUDIO - McIntosh C1000C/P, MC2301 (2), MR88, Aurender N10, Esoteric K-01X, Shunyata Sigma spdif digital cable, Sonos Connect, PurePower 2000, Stillpoints, Furutech Flux 50, Michell Gyro SE, Michell HR Power Supply, SME 309, Ortofon Cadenza Black, Wireworld, Sonus faber Amati Anniversario LIVING ROOM - McIntosh C2300, MC75 (2), MR85, Magnum Dynalab 205, Simaudio MOON Neo 260D-T, Schiit Audio Yggdrasil, Aurender N100H, Shunyata Sigma USB cable, Micro Seiki DD40, Ortofon Cadenza Blue, Nakamichi BX-300, Sony 60ES DAT, PS Audio P10, Furutech Flux 50, Sonos Connect, Stillpoints, Wireworld, Kimber, PMC EB1i, JL Audio f113 VINTAGE - McIntosh MA230, Tandberg 3011A tuner, Olive 04HD, Sony DTC-59ES DAT, McIntosh 4300V, JBL 4312A Last edited by jdandy; 10-02-2010 at 09:06 PM. |
#9
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The THD coming in is now around 4.5%. So that's a reduction, okay. But here's the weird thing: the THD output at the same time has increased to about 1%. It's actually bouncing around .9% to 1.1% or so in the blink of an eye. Is this normal? I mean, I would expect the input THD to increase at night -- but it hasn't. So why should the input THD go down while the output THD doubled from my initial readings? The only variable is I installed my C2200 in the meantime between the initial post and this more recent update. But the recent readings do not change when the preamp is turned off. Or when all the equipment is turned off except the PPP. This is weirding me out. Should I be concerned? Last edited by MisterBritt; 10-10-2010 at 01:46 AM. |
#10
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Unlike adjusting the input and output voltages with readily available voltage meters, trying to properly set the readings for THD is not within the realm of possibility for most of us. |
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