I see an advert for a used P12 for sale at what seems like a good price.
If I was to buy it, I would use it with sources( Airlens, Mk 2 DAC, Audio Research Reference CD 8) and my preamplifier (ARC Ref 6).
Not sure if this would be the best bang for system improvement for 3k CAD.
I have AudioQuest Tornado and Hurricane power cables on all components.
I have noticed that the reviewers of audio gear don’t list PS Audio Powerplants
in their associated equipment. Just an observation that may be irrelevant.
Appreciate thoughts/ suggestions based on your lived experience with a Powerplant in your system.
You will likely get a wide variety of answers. I have had two, but it was quite a few years back. They made little if any difference on my systems. I think a good power center (I use Audience) makes sense but im not sure its audible either.
My final decision was made as I was moving up in amps and multiple mfgs were adamant about not using them. Plug into the wall. So I did and still do.
If there is a use case, my guess is its a smaller size regen on source components. Maybe there. If a cable can help, you would think regeneration of clean power can only help as well.
I have a P12 with a CJ GAT-S2 preamp, MU2 DAC/streamer, 4k blu-ray player and an LG OLED TV. And yes, everything sounds better and looks better with the P12 in the system. At some point I will upgrade to a Gryphon PowerZone, and when I do that, I will move the P12 to another system.
From Paul’s videos my understanding of the primary benefits of any PP is reforming flattop voltage waveforms and reducing electrical output impedance.
I’m not a EE and I’m always prepared for sparks to fly when testing anything so I can only imagine that cap charge rates and peak voltages are the main electrical benefits. I suppose the downstream benefit would be ensuring component power supplies can meet instantaneous current demands? The audible differences would include cleaner dynamics/less smearing?
So the benefit to an individual system is entirely dependent on the quality of the incoming power which is entirely dependent on variables effecting your position in your grid?
Having had a P15, and since moved on to the Gryphon PowerZone, I’d say the P15 reduces source impedance to the components. In general allowing better power flow and recovery. My Pass Labs XA-25 preferred a power feed direct from a dedicated 20 amp feed vice the P15. The P15 is a significant step up from the P12, and the sweet spot in the line. Should funds allow for it the P20 is the ultimate regenerator.
I’ve upgraded thru several Powerplants over the years and I can’t imagine the P12 not improving the sound output of your source components; every one did in my systems.
But there are folks who can’t hear the improvements from Powerplants, cables, etc.
Wait—I’ll bet I didn’t help one bit.
I own a P12 (upgraded a while ago from a P5). All my source components are plugged into it and I am pleased with the results. My amp (BHK250) prefers to be plugged directly into a dedicated line that fortunately sits right behind the amp. For a long time I had the amp running off the P12. A few months ago, a friend whose ears I trust suggested taking the amp off the P 12, which turned out to be a real improvement. If you look through the threads here, you’ll find that some amps like a direct connection while others work well with the P12 (or P 15/20). I confess I was surprised by this, but the audible evidence was clear. I continue to recommend the P12 for source components and some amps. Results will vary somewhat depending on the quality of your incoming power.