Looking to get a used PSA Regenerator for the digital devices in my system (Stellar Gold Dac, Airlens, etc). This will run on a dedicated 20 amp circuit.
I have an opportunity to get a few years old Stellar PowerPlant 3 or an older PS Audio PerfectWave Powerplant 5. Basically both are the same price.
Which would you buy and why?
Thank You
Neither as they are long in tooth and active components . Better to get something current ir lightly used. There is a P15 available on the marketplace that would provide significant benefit over those you mention.
In general a power regenerator puts out a fair amount of heat. The combination of time and heat is no friend to such devices.
If a used P15 is beyond your budget I’d recommend a passive device such as a Puritan PSM 156.
I had one as well as the P15, for digital devices I found the Puritan to be most effective. It will come down to your local power quality and your components.
I have since moved in to a Gryphon Power Zone 3.10. Could not be happier.
I would generally recommend whichever has the most “capacity” and ability to lower impedance.
I would also give some consideration to the fact that the P5 has a cooling fan. I like to avoid kit with fans that can potentially be heard at the listening position and/or add noise to the signal path.
I don’t know what the price you are being offered is, but you might want to see if you can find a used P10 on Audiogon, US Audiomart, TMR, etc. I have a P10 that I purchased used and it has performed flawlessly. I think you will get better performance for your money with a P10.
FWIW, I also own a Stellar PowerPlant 3 regenerator, which is great for sources. But please note that it does not handle kit with a higher current draw or current inrush upon powering up in my experience. For example, I cannot use it with my Panasonic Plasma TV. It just won’t stay out of protection mode.
Good luck to you.