Tweakers' Asylum: REVIEW: DIY by Jon Risch AC filter according to JR Power Conditioner/Surge Protector by DaveT

Model:	AC filter according to JR
Category:	Power Conditioner/Surge Protector
Suggested Retail Price:	60 $
Description:	Low cost high performance AC conditioner
Manufacturer URL:	Not Available
Manufacturer URL:	Not Available

Review by DaveT ( A ) on February 14, 2002 at 07:34:55
IP Address: 12.78.120.149

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for the AC filter according to JR

I completed the first of two JR PLC/SPs. This first unit was built with generic off the shelf AC parts from Home Depot. The components specified from Jon were ordered from Allied.
The primary concern for building this unit was to overcome power problems that have burnt out 2 PC motherboards and one PC power supply in a College owned apartment in in upstate New York.
This unit was built in a 3-gang plastic box and has a single pole AC switch, 2 AC outlets and a male IEC connector. Once the unit was completed every thing was checked for continuity. I also checked to make sure the switch was wired properly. I connected a non-shielded computer 18-guage AC cord to the completed unit (because it was on hand).
I listened to a broad array of music with my system in its normal configuration. I then plugged in the JR PLC/SR and into this I only connected my CD Player. I heard something different, but could not put my finger on it. I let the system play for about an hour and then settled in to listen to the same selections.
The JR PLC/SP is one of the most rewarding tweaks I have applied to my system. With no burn in there was definately a lifting of a gossomer veil from my system. The bass seemed fuller and had more impact. The musicians were more focused/localized. The performers seemed to be more life like. The drum kit was confined to a the area of the drum kit and not 15 feet across. The location of the musicians were more defined front to back and from side to side. Nuances of the recordings were crystal clear. i.e. the sounds in the studio that are picked up but not necessarily meant to be on the recording were easily heard.
Post on the Asylum had me concerned about the highs being compromised. I must say that this was not the case in my system. I discerned no difference in the highs with the JR PLC/SP or without it. Overall the recordings sounded more life like ith the PLC/SP. The impact of the bass drum; the breathiness of reed players; vibration of rivets on cymbals; the sustained vipration of a note on the piano; all life like and in context.
All of this without the boutique AC outlets or wire, minimal soldered connections, an unshielded AC cord, and no serious burn in. I will complete this unit with a wooden box and ship it to my son for use on his college apartment computer.
I will build another unit for my stereo system in a metal chassis, with a hard wired shielded Belden 14-guage Teflon clad power cord. I really look forward to experimenting with the Boutique AC outlets. This generic JR PLC/Sp far exceeded my expectations. I am really curious to see if the boutique AC components "dramatically" improve the sound. The JR PLC/SP did!!!.
The Jon Risch Power Line Conditioner and Surge Protector is an excellent design that is well worth the time and money. For those not wanting to ferret out the parts themselves can get a kit or assembeld unit from DIY Cables.
I would like to thank John for a great design; Bob Crump for the Crump Power cord; Badman and Audio Engineer for there PC cord and IC postings; and any and all Inmates that have offered there suggestions and posted their findings at the Asylum.

Product Weakness: None
Product Strengths: DIY .Exceeded expectations.
Cost and time to build well worth it.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Hafler DH200 (Pooged)
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Bottlehead Foreplay (tweaked)
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Sony CDP (tweaked)
Speakers:	Bottlehead Superwhamodynes
Cables/Interconnects:	JR 89259 CD to Pre/ 30-guage DIY Mag wire from Pre to Power-amp
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, Classical, Rock, Latin, Vocals
Room Size (LxWxH):	60 x 2 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	Concrete walls covered with 6" fiberglass battens. Concrete floor, Bare floor joist above
Time Period/Length of Audition:	3-4 hours
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Jon Risch PLC/SP on CD player only
Type of Audition/Review:	Home Audition

Product Weakness:	None
Product Strengths:	DIY .Exceeded expectations. Cost and time to build well worth it.