Greetings,
This is my first post, glad to be here.
I would consider myself an entry level audiophile. It started a couple of years ago when I re-foamed my JBLlt83 speakers that were purchased in 1989 and survived many attempts to be sent to the junk heap by my wife.
The re-foaming process was enjoyable and very satisfying as I couldn't believe the sound I had been missing for so many years. This started a process where I purchased a Cambridge DAC magic DAC to hook up to my CD player and I was on my way. In the last couple of years I've purchased a tube integrated amp (Line Magnetic) and Rega Planar 3 turntable with a HEED phono stage. I enjoy being able to hear the subtleties in music, not room shaking bass.
I am now developing audio nervosa big time.
As I have mentioned on other sites, I fight a battle of inconsistent sound. Some days are great, others mediocre. At times my CDs sound better than vinyl. Through a process of elimination and experimentation, I believe a lot of the inconsistencies are due to electrical issues. Although I have since installed what I believe is an dedicated line, the influence of dehumidifiers and central air conditioning is hard to ignore and makes a big difference being that my listening area (I hesitate to call it a room) is in the basement. The hot summer in the northeast does not help with all of the inconsistencies in the electrical supply.
So the nervosa involves looking into a power conditioner, possibly a cartridge upgrade, new racks, anti vibration pucks and pods, new CD/DAC and streaming devices. Maybe an upgrade in turntable too. I have been lucky to have saved all of my old albums through several moves and recently found my original copy of the Beatles White Album, which is in decent shape, when my childhood home was sold.
I purchased a new pair of B&W 683 S2s in April, which are still in the box. My wife decided my basement area needed some improvement and so after repainting the basement floor and emptying the room, I now have an echo chamber. Have added an 8x10 rug and some furniture, so everything is a work in progress. Am nervous about the new speakers and am actually afraid to try them for fear that in the environment other than a dealer's room, they might not sound as good.
So, I guess my first question to the group is: "What experience have you had with power conditioners or similar products influencing sound" and do you have any recommendations.
As I mentioned earlier, I consider myself an entry level audiophile. I haven't spent 5k on an amp or 2k on a turntable...yet. What should I expect to spend for decent power conditioning? I have found a product for $1000, but not sure if that's enough.
I look forward to your help and assistance.