Tweakers' Asylum: REVIEW: DIY by Jon Risch SQ & D isolation coditioner Power Conditioner/Surge Protector by pmkap

Model:	SQ & D isolation coditioner
Category:	Power Conditioner/Surge Protector
Suggested Retail Price:	$unkown
Description:	a cascade isolation transformer/conditioner with balancing extentions
Manufacturer URL:	DIY by Jon Risch
Model Picture:	View

Review by pmkap ( A ) on June 30, 2005 at 08:01:45
IP Address: 69.201.136.182

Add Your Review
for the SQ & D isolation coditioner

This is a review of Jon's QS & D iso trans which Jon discussed on the Tweaks board in 2001.
http://db.audioasylum.com/cgi/t.mpl?f=tweaks&m=43988
My implementation of 'Felicia' uses different transformers, Signal A41-175-28s and 15uf polyprop in oil motor run caps, and was extended to balanced operation as suggested by Jon.
http://db.audioasylum.com/cgi/t.mpl?f=tweaks&m=44439
My latest version is 3 separate balacing conditioners housed in an Ikea wooden box, with each conditioner powering a separate source component. No IECs inlet or NEMA outlets, but a Volex 17604 hardwired with plug as input with 3 Volexs terminated with their molded IECs hardwired as outputs.
Simply put, it ROCKS! One simply isn't aware of the crap coming through your system until its not there anymore. (I'm in NYC). Its in another leauge from those other low cost alternatives like the Powervars or OneACs, dedicated line or not. The same can be said of a comparison to the Transcendant balancing conditioner. Its amazingly effective on tube preamps such as the Modwright 9se and Transcendant Grounded Grid, and works a treat on CD players. I was stunned by the improvement it brought to CD transports. A comparison to the $3,800 Audience Adept is less clear cut, and boils down to system synergy and subjective preferences. I prefer Felicia (what a surprise!)
Its tremendously responsive to bypass caps (I'm using Auricaps) and physical isolation like Mi-Rollers. But these tweeks IMO, although raising the cost substantially, are well worth it.
For the cost of one bespoke powercord and some personal effort, you can provide major improvements.
Build it, you'll like it.
YMMV
Kudos to Jon Risch!

Product Weakness: power limitations, cost of components if bought non surplus, responsiveness to parts selection leading to endless tweaking. Weight and bulk.
Product Strengths: Low cost for perfomance with proper sourcing. Resolution, lowering of noise floor, 'musicality', cohesiveness. Responsiveness to parts selection.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	AKSA N+ 100, 55s, Mac240, Llano
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Melos, AKSA, Nakamichi 5II
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	AR, LH1000 transport, modded DI/O
Speakers:	Alon IVs
Cables/Interconnects:	Black Orpheus, Tara PhaseII, diy interconnects
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	World Music, Ella, 60s Rock, Boef sur le Trois
Room Size (LxWxH):	34 x 18 x 13
Room Comments/Treatments:	Oriental rugs and hangings, drapes
Time Period/Length of Audition:	6mo
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	power limitations, cost of components if bought non surplus, responsiveness to parts selection leading to endless tweaking. Weight and bulk.
Product Strengths:	Low cost for perfomance with proper sourcing. Resolution, lowering of noise floor, 'musicality', cohesiveness. Responsiveness to parts selection.