Continuing the discussion from Your Next Upgrade? (Part 1) - #10093 by Stier2704. Previous discussions: Your Next Upgrade? (Part 1)

With the volume control on the MU2, i have it set to be quiet when first turning on (-42) and for changing sources. For listening, I keep the volume of the MU2 at 0. The volume on the Roon app is set to 92. They say to not set that higher. The MU2 is extremely neutral sounding, so it is designed so that it can be used both as a preamp and with a preamp.

The magic that the PZ does puts it in a class by itself. The PZ is not a power conditioner, it is not a power regenerator, it is not active. It is described as a power optimizer. The powerplants and the conditioner you mentioned have been compared, with the powerplants winning. The PZ improves what we’re hearing even more than the powerplants, but the cost is high, so I’m keeping my powerplant. If I do get a powerzone, I’m still keeping my powerplant, as the powerplants are still fantastic.

@dchang05 Notice how no-one is suggesting that you need to upgrade your excellent FR30 speakers? :slight_smile:

I prefer using the 333 as preamp with the MU2 DAC and streaming; using analog output from MU2 into the 333. No problems experienced with volume control.

[image] adifferentpaul: The powerplants and the conditioner you mentioned have been compared, with the powerplants winning. What models & comparisons are you referring to?

There is already an extensive thread regarding this: [image] Audioquest Niagara or other brands vs. PS Audio AC Regenerators Power Components Hello fellow forum members, Has anyone compared Audioquest Niagara 5000/7000 to any PS Audio AC REGENERATORS? If so I’d love to hear what you prefer and what you have heard. I know their is a comparison on positive feedback between the P20 and the AQ 5000 but I’d like to read about what you the forum member has experienced with your power products. If you have other power devices like Shunyata or any other brand power conditioner/regenerator I’d love to read about those comparisons also!

Not a direct comparison, but the best I can offer. A friend had the Niagra 7000 on loan with a consideration for purchase with a Sim Audio based system. He borrowed my P15 for better than a week. The Niagra sounded a bit gray in the top end and slightly restricted in the dynamics; fortes didn’t fair well. The Niagra went back and he ultimately is running without any power treatment. Moving on, I recently added the PowerZone 3.10. Having a P15, and a Puritan PSM 156. Going into it, after hearing the PZ at Axpona, my bias was and remains that the PZ betters both. The P15 and PSM 156 have since found new homes. The PZ offers the ability for all of my components to perform at their best with no editorializing. Surprisingly, my amps preferred to run straight into a 20 amp dedicated feed versus the P15. For now the PZ stays, no regrets.

Look forward to your comments once they settle in.

[image] Chas Foley: My only concern is where to get service. Is it certain the Valparaiso service center is no more? Rumors have been circulating since Axpona 2024 that the tech will be retiring soon.

I still have all three, and I couldn’t agree more.

Your Next Upgrade? (Part 2)

Everything Else

adifferentpaul December 17, 2024, 6:13pm 5743

There is already an extensive thread regarding this:

Topic		Replies	Views
Your Next Upgrade? (Part 3) Everything Else	1379	23160	November 8, 2026
Your Next Upgrade? (Part 1) Everything Else	9999	154350	June 11, 2023
P20 and P15 Impressions & Review Power Components	172	11681	May 31, 2022
MSB S202 Stereo Amp Audio Components	210	3701	September 10, 2023
P20--arrival and installation Power Components	253	6715	November 8, 2022

Your Next Upgrade? (Part 2)

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