balance or regenerate, that is the question?

[the_doc735]

balance or regenerate, that is the question?

Opinions please on AC Re-generators and balanced mains transformers; which is best?

"AC Re-generators Vs. balanced mains transformers"?

Verdict, opinions, reviews, comparisons, links etc. invited.

Could be interesting?

Cheers!
Paul.

18839

18840

[Macca]

I tried balanced mains, it wasn't an improvement in my set up, preferred it without.

Not tried regeneration but have heard some poor sounding, albeit very expensive systems, run from regenerators so clearly they are not a fix if other things are wrong.

Unless you are convinced that you have an issue with your mains supply I wouldn't bother if I were you.

[CageyH]

My system sounds more consistent with a mains generator, and I no longer need my DC Blocker.
I did not like the potential safety issues of some of the balanced mains transformers.

[Gazjam]

Heard both in different systems and I think the benefit depends on how clean and consistent your mains supply is?

Run all my kit from a balanced mains unit, big improvement for me.
Wouldn't have one if there was any electrical safety concerns, but they DO need sufficient protection.

Theres a reason music studios use them.

[Pieoftheday]

At the risk of sounding a bit dumb, what does a regenerator do?

[Wakefield Turntables]

At the risk of sounding a bit dumb, what does a regenerator do?

A regenerator does what it says. It rebuilds the sine wave of the electric current. Electricity goes into a regenerator usually not a perfect sine wave. The regenerator dismantles the sine wave, rebuilds it, and then pumps out a regenerated sine wave. I have a PSAudio P10 and it's wonders on my system.

[the_doc735]

found these:

http://hifiwigwam.com/forum/topic/56382-ac-regenerator/

http://www.head-fi.org/t/672988/power-inspired-ag500-power-regenerator-review

http://www.audiochews.com/discussion/870/ac-regeneration

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f8-general-forum/power-inspired-ac-regenerator-22934/

https://headmania.org/2013/09/02/power-inspired-ag500-power-regenerator-review/

http://sunriseconsulting.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/power-inspired-ag1500-regenerator.html

:cool:

[the_doc735]

At the risk of sounding a bit dumb, what does a regenerator do?

Power Inspired's AG500 AC ReGenerator is a true online double conversion system providing the highest degrees of power protection, with a stable unwavering high quality power waveform for sensitive and critical loads.

Unlike other online units the AG500 is practically inaudible making it suitable for where high quality power is required but without the noise, and unlike other systems the bypass is disabled by default ensuring that raw mains power never reaches your equipment, only clean pure power at all times.

This model is fitted with adjustable PWM fan speed controller allowing practically zero noise at minimal loading!

Features
Pure Sinewave Output
Stable 230V Output
Low Noise - Virtually Silent
Rack Mountable
Lightweight & Small Footprint
LCD Display
Adjustable Fan Speed (Manual)

http://www.powerinspired.com/ag500-ac-regenerator-500w-with-pwm-fan-control-p-1811.html

[sq225917]

Or you could just buy an amp with a properly designed psu and a circuit topology that makes such things moot.

My muse amp hums and whines like a bugger on some days, my modulus amps don't make a peep, ever.

[the_doc735]

Or you could just buy an amp with a properly designed psu and a circuit topology that makes such things moot.

My muse amp hums and whines like a bugger on some days, my modulus amps don't make a peep, ever.

psu's and amp circuit topology can't change the dirty/contaminated mains signal that probably contains all your (anybodies) domestic junk (appliances) interference; that's what the balanced tranny and AC Re-generators are for. There's a reason professional recording studios use them ;)

[CageyH]

I assume that you have seen this? http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?48237-Power-Inspired-Ltd-AG-Series-AC-ReGenerator-Reviews

I bought the AG1500.
If I am honest I was not expecting it to make a difference, and to have to send it back.
It is still sat in my system. It gives me a consistent sound now, and as mentioned earlier, I have no need for the DC blocker on my amplifier.

I went for the AG1500 to have more power headroom available. If you order one from Power Inspired, I believe that there is a trial period, so if you are not happy you can send it back.

I tested mine for electrical safety using a socket tester, and the main distribution board RCD tripped.
Have a read up on balanced mains device safety, and make up your own mind about if you would be happy without sufficient protection in the rare case of a component failure.

[Gazjam]

Regarding balanced mains electrical safety, good discussion thread here.
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?26471-Balanced-Mains-Transformer-WOW!-Hardwired-Installation-log-(Pic-Heavy!)&highlight=Balanced+mains+install

another good discussion here, mainly on mains regenerators
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?25085-Power-Inspired-AG500&highlight=Balanced+mains+install

[the_doc735]

I assume that you have seen this? http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?48237-Power-Inspired-Ltd-AG-Series-AC-ReGenerator-Reviews

I bought the AG1500.
If I am honest I was not expecting it to make a difference, and to have to send it back.
It is still sat in my system. It gives me a consistent sound now, and as mentioned earlier, I have no need for the DC blocker on my amplifier.

I went for the AG1500 to have more power headroom available. If you order one from Power Inspired, I believe that there is a trial period, so if you are not happy you can send it back.

I tested mine for electrical safety using a socket tester, and the main distribution board RCD tripped.
Have a read up on balanced mains device safety, and make up your own mind about if you would be happy without sufficient protection in the rare case of a component failure.

thanks for the link - is this also a surge protector?

[the_doc735]

Regarding balanced mains electrical safety, good discussion thread here.
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?26471-Balanced-Mains-Transformer-WOW!-Hardwired-Installation-log-(Pic-Heavy!)&highlight=Balanced+mains+install

another good discussion here, mainly on mains regenerators
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?25085-Power-Inspired-AG500&highlight=Balanced+mains+install

many thanks for the links! - appreciated!

[Sovereign]

Gazjam's thread is probably the reference thread. Here is my thread, shame I didn't add pictures of the finished product, but hopefully there is some interesting posts.
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?34309-New-Balanced-Power-supply