PS Audio Power Plant Premier

[Yardbird]

As is the case with most audio hobbyists, my system is a work in progress, and even now I am contemplating a speaker change, and a possible future move to tubes from solid state amplification. However, before making any significant changes in my system, I decided I first needed to maximize the performance of my system as it is currently configured. I reasoned that only when I know what I have, will I be in a position to know what I want, and a fully optimized system would be the best vantage point to assess any change. So, this year I have invested in a MEN220 to optimize room/system synergy, and concentrated on my A/C delivery by adding additional upgraded power cords for the remaining system components to match cords purchased last year for my MC501's, and now, a PS Audio Power Plant Premier.

I have long resisted the idea that power feeding audio components could make a significant difference. My rationale was that it was only the energy that enabled the audio component to process the signal, and that the signal formed the basis of what I heard, not the energy that powered the component! So, while I was willing to make significant investments in interconnects, and speaker cabling, I just thought that power enhancements must be another clever industry ploy to seperate the audiophile from his money. Over time, however, the many positive posts of trusted members have led me to reconsider my ideas on the subject. And since I was committed to pursuing all remaining paths to system optimization, I decided to take the plunge.

Since I was powering my system with two dedicatd 20-amp circuits, I was concerned whether I would need two PPP's to do the job. So I purchased a P3 power consumpion moniter at the same time I purchased the PPP. When connecting the PPP to my system, I also installed the P3, so it would moniter all system consumption - including the PPP. After some initial listening, I put my favorite system punisher on, Donald Fagen's "Morph The Cat". This well-known recording features a strong, well-defined synthsizer bass line, with a prominent, dry bass drum. I played my system at my typical top level, 90-92 Db - measured with my trusty Radio Shak sound level meter - and the highest power peak I noted was 725 watts! This is only 1/2 of the rated continous output rating of 1525 watts for the PPP, and remember guys, there is considerable headroom available above that continous rating for peak power demands. Now, obviously my conclusions don't apply to everyone, but since most of my listening is done at the 75-85db listening level, I don't see why I would need a second PPP.

Sound - Other very talented members have written eloquently about the sonic impact PPP has on one's system, and I can't imagine I can add much to their words - but I too heard shocking levels of quiet. I never thought of my system as noisy, but its not until the noise is removed that you realize what you (are not) hearing! Then, there is what you DO hear - the small instrumental details, spatial cues, improved dynamics and harmonic details - that emerge from those oh so black, blacks!! Highs are the sweetest I've ever heard from my system, and some of the best I have heard anywhere! The quieter backgrounds allow for slower instrumental decay, the sound stage has grown - again, with still greater stereo seperation than I enjoyed when I added the MEN220.

Unlike many of the members of this forum, who understandably concentrate on the latest audiophlie recordings because of their superior sonics, much of my collection is comprised of great performances by landmark 20th century artists, and while capably remastered, are often well short of the audio quality of the best modern recordings. I have accepted this tradeoff in order to enjoy these great performances. I have a favorite Tchaikovsky 1st piano concerto, played by Van Cliburn, that was recorded early in his career, in 1958, by RCA. I have always heard a degree of hash in some of the orchestral climaxes, which has seemed to become more prominant as I have improved my system over time. I was listening to this with a guy from my local McIntosh dealership, who was there to perform the initial MEN220 setup earlier this summer. He also heard this and thought it was an artifact, or flaw in a 50+ year-old recording, and one that I would likely have to live with. Well, when I played this same recording with my new PPP installed, I heard NONE of that hash. For the first time, those peak orchestral passages were clear and sweet!! Chalk one up for the reduction in A/C distortion by the PPP!

I have made significant improvements in my system this year with the addition of the MEN220, Wireworld Silver Electra 2.0 power cord upgrades and now, the PS Audio Power Plant Premier. While all of these changes have, by themselves, yeilded significant improvements, I have to believe my system was poised for this final "icing on the cake" enhancement, because the improvement has been truly astonishing - there certainly must be a synergy between the PPP and the Silver Electra power cords.

My thanks goes out to Dan, Ivan and all the other members of this fine website. Hardly a visit goes by where I don't learn something new around here.

Meanwhile, I'll have to get back to everyone later about those speakers and amps. Right now, I'm too busy enjoying what I already have!