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REVIEW: Welbourne Labs Gatekeeper III/Softstart Power Conditioner/Surge Protector Review by Julien M. at Audio Asylum

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Dear fellow inmates,

The Gatekeeper works!

I bought a Gatekeeper with the Softstart feature mainly out of concern for tube life. I wasn't expecting much from its AC filtration and was actually ready to disable it if I thought it was degrading the sound. I got the two outlet version because of space consideration and the fact that I just wanted to power my integrated amp with it.

I haven't modified the unit much. Stock parts are of high quality. I replaced the stock power cord with an XLO Ref 2 Type 10A (12ga shielded). The Gatekeeper chassis can accept power cords up to 0.5" in diameter without modification. I've used Cardas solder and EAR chassis damping material. I also got the Hospital grade outlet option.

I already have a good investment in power conditioners/enhancers in my system: Dedicated 20A AC line, Richard Gray Power Company, Blue Circle BC-86, Bybee/Curl Signature (for digital gear), 3 Bybee Quantum Chargers (Amp, DAC & RGPC), Audiprism QuietLines around the apartment, good power cords (most DIY), etc...

Well what can I say, the filtration works extremely well in my system. It's like a veil had being removed. Big time! I know that this sounds all too common, but this was the first time I could really feel that a curtain had been lifted.The Gatekeeper doesn't seem to add much of its own sonic signature, it just makes everything sound more transparent and revealing. The (subjective) background noise is gone, pure silence and absolute clarity.

By the way, the softstart feature works very well too. At maximum setting, it takes about 25 sec for the relay to switch and bypass the softstart circuit. And the LED's are very cool. To bad my gatekeeper is in a closed cabinet.

Well, the unit is just a few days old so the sound will probably change a bit after full break in but its filtration effect in my system is very effective and positive.

Julien


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Topic - REVIEW: Welbourne Labs Gatekeeper III/Softstart Power Conditioner/Surge Protector Review by Julien M. at Audio Asylum - Julien M. 12:15:16 01/30/01 ( 0)