Venom PS8|Defender|HC as a Foundation

[G8YU]

The Defender isn't just for surge protection, it reduces power line noise too.

[rjryan]

Originally Posted by G8YU

The Defender isn't just for surge protection, it reduces power line noise too.

My apologies...should have mentioned that I'm running a dedicated circuit to my system. It's pretty quiet, but your point is well taken.

[rjryan]

Just thought I'd give and update on the PS8 after a few hundred hours: It is nothing short of wonderful! It was slightly "glassy" out of the box, but has settled in really nicely. My system has a very warm, spacious sound without lacking punch. Very nice improvement over my APC H-10 on all my source components IMHO. GREAT product!

[Venere]

Originally Posted by rjryan

Just thought I'd give and update on the PS8 after a few hundred hours: It is nothing short of wonderful! It was slightly "glassy" out of the box, but has settled in really nicely. My system has a very warm, spacious sound without lacking punch. Very nice improvement over my APC H-10 on all my source components IMHO. GREAT product!

are you using a Defender also or just the PS8? Have you tried it both ways and noticed a difference?

[rjryan]

Originally Posted by Venere

are you using a Defender also or just the PS8? Have you tried it both ways and noticed a difference?

I am just using the PS8 without the Defender. I was thinking about auditioning a Defender at some point, however.

[Venere]

Originally Posted by rjryan

I am just using the PS8 without the Defender. I was thinking about auditioning a Defender at some point, however.

Thanks for the reply. Will likely order one. I like the modular approach of being able to add surge protection and filtering separately from just the power distribution. Will probably try it without the Defender first as you did.

[rjryan]

Originally Posted by Venere

Thanks for the reply. Will likely order one. I like the modular approach of being able to add surge protection and filtering separately from just the power distribution. Will probably try it without the Defender first as you did.

I think you'll be pleased. It's also worth noting that I'm running a dedicated circuit to my PS8, so the defender may or may not make a huge difference. I will very likely give it a shot, though. As you say- The modular approach is appealing.

Can't wait to hear about your experience!

[rjryan]

Quick update/review on the PS8 w/Defender:

As I've mentioned in this thread, my system is on a dedicated 10 gauge line with whole house surge suppression, so the power is already pretty clean and everything is already protected.

That said, the digital filtering in the Defender DOES make a difference. It's slight, but noticeable. There is just a little less digital hash as a result of having my Mac Mini plugged into the same circuit as everything else. While I didn't really notice a plethora of noise in my system before, I certainly noticed it when it was gone. Sibilance in certain voices has calmed down and reverb tails in general are more pronounced. Is it a huge difference? No. Is it noticeable to me? Yes.

All things considered, I will be keeping it. The price/performance ratio on this seems spot on to me, especially if you buy the bundle.

Just my 2 cents.