Cable Asylum: REVIEW: Foundation Research LC1 and LC2 Power Conditioner/Surge Protector by mikeg

Model:	LC1 and LC2
Category:	Power Conditioner/Surge Protector
Suggested Retail Price:	$695/$895
Description:	Integrated powercord line conditioner
Manufacturer URL:	Foundation Research
Manufacturer URL:	Foundation Research

Review by mikeg ( A ) on March 29, 2003 at 06:58:16
IP Address: 207.251.222.211

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for the LC1 and LC2

I have recently upgraded my power conditioning system on all of my
stereo electronic components to Foundation Research LC1s and LC2s. My
system consists of an Audio Note CDT-2 Transport which feeds digital
directly into a TacT RCS2.0 and TacT Millennium MKII. I'm using the
original Talon Khorus for speakers. The Foundation Research power
conditioners are Canadian-made devices that are actually integrated
power conditioner/power cords ($695 for the LC1 and $895 for the LC2)
and are designed to be used on single components. While the LCs'
integrated conditioner/power cord design was chosen primarily for
reasons of maximizing shielding and current delivery, it also results
in exceptional value when compared to conditioning solutions that
require separate conditioners and power cords. They employ a two-way
noise rejection design, not only preventing existing line noise from
reaching the component, but also keeping component generated noise
from returning to the rest of the system. They have replaced Mega
$components such as the Ensemble Isolink and Shunyata power cords in
my system. When I put the LC2 on the Millenium, the sound became
significantly more detailed, relaxed and natural allowing me to relax
and enjoy the music more. The transient response and dynamics were
also improved by the LC2. Later, when I put the LC1 components on the
Audio Note and the TacT RCS2.0, the noise floor dropped significantly
with improved image bloom and separation of instruments. The amazing
thing is that all the above improvements were achieved without any of
the trade-offs commonly seen with other power conditioners I've used.
This is probably due to the fact that the LCs have tremendous current
capability, with the LC1 capable of delivering 6 amps RMS (720 watts
at 120 volts A/C) and 8 amps peak and the LC2 rated at 20 amps RMS
(2400 watts at 120 volts A/C) and 28 amps peak. One thing that I did
do was play with was the grounding scheme by lifting the ground on the
RSC2.0 and Millennium. I visited the Analog Shop in Victor, NY (www.analogshop.com) to hear these components. The US Distributor:
Music First Distribution
Kerry Legeard B. A. Sc. P. Eng
President
klegeard@idirect.com
P 905-765-7878
F 905-765-3637

Product Weakness: none
Product Strengths: cost effective solution to ac line/component generated noise, significant improvements without trade-offs

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	TacT Millennium MKII
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	TacT RCS2.0
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Audio Note CDT-2
Speakers:	Talon Audio Khorus X MKII
Cables/Interconnects:	Stealth MLT speaker cables, Stealth AES/EBU digital interconnects
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz and Classical
Time Period/Length of Audition:	8 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Stillpoints
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	none
Product Strengths:	cost effective solution to ac line/component generated noise, significant improvements without trade-offs