Richard Gray 1200S Power Conditioner [Archive]

wingnut4772

09-12-2006, 12:47 AM

I am thinking about getting THIS 1200S (http://www.richardgrayspowercompany.com/products/index.html) for my system and was wondering if anyone here has one or knows anything about them. I would be replacing my Monster HTS 2500.

Sherardp

09-12-2006, 03:21 AM

F1nut

09-12-2006, 04:11 AM

Darla, check out the new units from PS Audio. They seem to have come up with something special.

wingnut4772

09-12-2006, 12:29 PM

looks awesome, however the site doesnt mention switched outlets, filtration of any sort. How does this unit go for. Have you looking into the higher end monster, Panamax, Belkins? Maybe this unit is the shit, no personal experience from myself. Good Luck, if you dont mind me asking why are you getting rid of the 2500?

Not sure if you seen this but here is a review of the product.http://www.audaud.com/audaud/MAY01/EQUIP/equip1MAY01.html

I was interested in the 1200 because it is supposedly non-current limiting and made for a 20 amp circuit ( I have one).

I have no complaints with the 2500 but I am always looking to improve the HT performance and I have read sopme good stuff about these. The 1200 also has 2 more outlets.

The 1200 reatails new for about 2k (list) but it is going for about 1K - 1200 used on the Bay and the Gon.

Just wondering if 13k work of pre and amps might be better served hooked up to this rather than the $300.00 Monster.

Thanks for the review link. I read all I could find and they are all positive with the excepton of Stereophile's. They are actually downright negative.

I will take a look at the PS Audio.

Emlyn

09-12-2006, 12:35 PM

Most of the things I've read about the Richard Gray products have not been all that complimentary. I haven't owned one myself though. Stereophile said this about the 400S:

If you have an early-CD-sound solid-state system and you want to smooth off its rough edges, be my guest. The 400S would probably work well in that context. But if you have anything resembling a carefully set-up, high-resolution system, I suggest you spend your money elsewhere.

I'll second the PS Audio suggestion. The Richard Gray products seem to me to be little more than a surge suppressor in a fancy box. The logo doesn't look very appealing to me.

The new PS Audio line looks promising. I can recommend any of the three older products of theirs I use without hesitation. They replaced Monster HTS5100 units and made a big difference.

faster100

09-12-2006, 12:49 PM

well hurry up so i can get that monster unit from ya :D I kid i kid :)

jm1

09-12-2006, 03:08 PM

A few years back, I tried several conditioners. Among them was a Richard Gray unit. In my trials, I could not find any benefit using this product in my system.

I will also suggest you have a look at the new PS Audio Premier Power Plant (http://www.psaudio.com/products/premier_power_plant.asp)or the ExactPower EP15A and SP15A (http://www.exactpower.com/) combination. If you have problems with noise or voltage fluctuations in your area, one of the above two would be a primary candidate for your next purchase.

As I do not have any problems with voltage flucations or too much line noise, I decided on using a BP-2.5 Ultra (http://www.b-p-t.com/products.shtml) with Bybee Quantum Purifiers and a differential noise filter (now the HFC-30) (http://www.b-p-t.com/upgrades.shtml). This has made a huge difference in my system. My next acquisition will be a black EP15A to complete the power management portion of my system.

I would suggest trying anything you can get your hands on in your system to determine the net results. What I or others experience may not be what you would experience in your system.

wingnut4772

09-12-2006, 03:51 PM

Ok, I picked up the Richard Gray 1200s AND I got the PS Audio Premier Power Plant (http://www.psaudio.com/products/premier_power_plant.asp). I am going to try them both and see which I prefer. The PS Audio has a 30 day return policy and I can re-sell the RGPC on the GON depending on the winner.

Emlyn

09-12-2006, 03:56 PM

wingnut4772

09-12-2006, 04:58 PM

Did you get the $200 off special deal on the PS Audio unit? It's valid for September.

If you have one available, use a PS Audio Statement power cord (current or previous design cord) from the unit to the wall.

I think that is only from local dealers. I ordered it online but I did not have tp pay tax so it worked out pretty much.

I don't have a PS cord...um...I guess it doesn't come with one...?:o

Emlyn

09-12-2006, 05:27 PM

The stock cords with PS Audio power conditioners are usually generic 14 AWG or 12 AWG cords. Any aftermarket cord will work better than the stock cord. The previous generation Statement cords are still available on the used market for around $200.

Early B.

09-12-2006, 05:57 PM

Kinda tough to beat a great deal like this...

http://www.audioadvisor.com/store/productdetail.asp?sku=PSAPRPC1%2E5&product_name=Prelude%20Power%20Cable

madmax

09-12-2006, 06:29 PM

I had the tripplite LCR-2400 power conditioner for quite some time. Never really noticed what it did until I sold it. The sound became somewhat rougher, less smooth. Overall a cheapening of the sound quality. I'm guessing most conditioners are like this. Pretty much you have to get used to it being in line and then if removed it is quite noticeable. I will probably try a Richard Gray unit at some point but as of now I have not so my comments are useless. As a matter of fact I don't even know why I'm writing this... :)
madmax

wingnut4772

09-19-2006, 11:02 AM

I got it in in and hooked it up last night. So far all I can say is that everything that is reported about the video image is abolutely true. Even my partner commented that the PQ was 'clearer'. My HD images which I thought were terrific before are almost stunning now - and I don't even get my set calibrated until Oct. The jury is still out on the audio side.

okiepolkie

09-19-2006, 11:09 AM

Are you planning to get your set ISF calibrated?

faster100

09-19-2006, 11:30 AM

shit it better make me breakfast for that price.. and if i bought it, id be making my own breakfast anyways :D If it makes a notable difference that's great!!!!!

But that is alot of cash even if i had it, to throw in a PC...... however now it works out for ya, send that monster this way :D ;)

Emlyn

09-19-2006, 11:44 AM

I got it in in and hooked it up last night.

Which one?

wingnut4772

09-19-2006, 02:34 PM

Are you planning to get your set ISF calibrated?

Yep. Eliab from Avical will be here in Oct.

wingnut4772

09-19-2006, 02:35 PM

Which one?

Oh Yes:o The Richard Gray. I am considering canceling the PS Audio order. That may be too rich for me for something so new right now. I will see.

jm1

09-19-2006, 03:13 PM

Oh Yes:o The Richard Gray. I am considering canceling the PS Audio order. That may be too rich for me for something so new right now. I will see.

You have 30 days to trial the product. Just the balanced power output capabilities of the unit may provide the same benefits as the RG unit. You also get clean regulated power as well as many other features that should benefit your entire system.

Just some food for thought.

univera

09-19-2006, 04:45 PM

Kinda tough to beat a great deal like this...

http://www.audioadvisor.com/store/productdetail.asp?sku=PSAPRPC1%2E5&product_name=Prelude%20Power%20Cable

EB, have you used this cable in particular? I need another high end cable to match up with my other anthem which is just the stock version. The Power 3 that came with one amp doesn't have a snug fit, so you have to kind of rig it in place. This one claims to be a tight fit.

Early B.

09-19-2006, 05:13 PM

EB, have you used this cable in particular? I need another high end cable to match up with my other anthem which is just the stock version. The Power 3 that came with one amp doesn't have a snug fit, so you have to kind of rig it in place. This one claims to be a tight fit.

The PS Audio power cords fit as tight as a virgin's panties. Just buy it.

Oops. No offense to virgins. I should have said, "...as tight as a fat girl in spandex."

F1nut

09-19-2006, 09:47 PM

I second the virgin's panties. Just buy it.

audiobliss

09-25-2006, 07:15 AM

So, has the PSAudio unit unveiled its head yet?

wingnut4772

09-25-2006, 09:56 AM

audiobliss

09-25-2006, 11:41 AM

Well, that's a bummer. My eye has just been drawn to some new UPC-200's going on a-gon for $238.

Midnite Mick

09-25-2006, 12:04 PM

I have been thinking of the UPC 200 as well. I have read a couple of sources regarding the improvement on the Nuforce ref 8's with the unit. I am wondering if it could offer the ref 9's the same. The cheapest I have seen it up here was 385.00 on CanuckAudioMart.

Mike

audiobliss

09-25-2006, 12:13 PM

jm1

09-25-2006, 12:45 PM

No. They don't ship until late Oct. After participating and reading the PS Audio forums I think I will wait until some other user feedback comes in on them. I seem to be getting some conflicting info.

Interesting read; based on prior experience with a P300, actual current draws are somewhat less than you would expect.

There are devices that can measue current draw. This (http://www.repairclinic.com/0081.asp?RccPartID=1012487) one is rated for 15A. If I recall correctly, this may not work for your amp as it has a 20A plug, but you could look for a 20 to 15A adaptor or build a cheap power cord from parts found at Home Depot. This way you could measure actual values and make an informed decision.

Midnite Mick

09-25-2006, 01:32 PM

Here's (http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?accspowr&1162641856) one on agon for $295 that will ship to Canada. Here's (http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?accspowr&1162196042) a modded one for $309 that will ship worldwide.

Thanks Bliss. I have never bought anything used from the US. I am not sure how bringing it across the boarder works. Not sure if there are similiar fees, etc.?

Mike

audiobliss

09-25-2006, 01:34 PM

Unfortunatley, all I can say is 'ditto'. As I'm sure you have, I've read of a lot of troubles with shipping across the border. But I don't really know how it works. :confused:

Good luck with your search, though!

Midnite Mick

09-25-2006, 01:44 PM

Thanks for the help. I like to keep an eye on the local market for stuff like this. I found my cd player a 5 minute drive away from me.

Mike

pearsall001

09-25-2006, 07:59 PM

I can't comment on the RG or PC Audio gear because I never gave them a try. But I can comment on Equitech Balanced Power units because I do own one. The founder of Equitech has the patent on the whole balanced power technology. It's too technical for me but I can say that it does work & works damn good. I won't run any of my gear without one. I wouldn't hesitate on trying any of these type of products. Don't forget about Shunyata products, they receive a lot of high marks also.

wingnut4772

09-26-2006, 04:21 PM

Ok. This may be an embarrasingly stupid question but what the heck...Which components are analog and which are the digital? I am supposed to separate the two. I am guessing the amps are analog....is there anything else?

Emlyn

09-26-2006, 04:34 PM

Amp, two channel preamp, turntable=analog
CD, DVD, Audio/Video receiver or preamp/processor (anything with digital to analog conversion capability)=digital

wingnut4772

09-26-2006, 04:36 PM

Thanks. TV is digital too, right? My 1200s is kinda one sided. I only have my Big amp and my two mono blocks for analog stuff.

Early B.

09-26-2006, 10:03 PM

I just ordered a PS Audio UPC-200 to replace my $40 Tripplite. Hope it works.

Emlyn

09-26-2006, 10:11 PM

Thanks. TV is digital too, right? My 1200s is kinda one sided. I only have my Big amp and my two mono blocks for analog stuff.

The TV would normally go on a separate zone in the power conditioner from the other gear, but if you only have the choice of digital/analog, I'd put it with the analog side because of the relatively high current draw from the TV and possible interference with the digital equipment.

wingnut4772

09-26-2006, 10:12 PM

The TV would normally go on a separate zone in the power conditioner from the other gear, but if you only have the choice of digital/analog, I'd put it with the analog side because of the relatively high current draw from the TV and possible interference with the digital equipment.

Thanks. I'll try that.

wingnut4772

09-26-2006, 10:45 PM

That worked nicely. The PQ looks even better with the TV hanging out with the analog crowd.

Midnite Mick

09-26-2006, 11:06 PM

I just ordered a PS Audio UPC-200 to replace my $40 Tripplite. Hope it works.

What kind timeframe are we looking at. Be sure to keep us posted. I apologize to Darla if we kind of hijacked.

Mike

wingnut4772

09-26-2006, 11:07 PM

What kind timeframe are we looking at. Be sure to keep us posted. I apologize to Darla if we kind of hijacked.

Mike
No apologies necessary. Please carry on:p

Early B.

09-27-2006, 12:03 AM

What kind timeframe are we looking at. Be sure to keep us posted. Mike

It's gonna be the middle of next week. The item is shipping from the wrong (i.e., west) coast.

wingnut4772

10-02-2006, 04:33 PM

Ok. Like I said, I did not order the Premier because I just felt it was a little shaky science until proven right now BUT I did order a pair of the DUET Power Centers (http://www.psaudio.com/products/duet_power_center.asp) one of which I received today. I figured it was more of a budget approach to hearing this nano whatchamacallit technology's effect on my rig..

So anyhoo.... I plug in my Earthquake Cinenova Amp ( The Duet is non-current limiting) , plugged in my Charo acoustic guitar cd and let her rip. Let me just say..... Oh My Goodness!:eek: was I floored at the difference.:D I want 100 of these things! I could not freakin' believe my ears at how much better my system sounded. Everything was just so much more 3 dimensional and the sound just seemed to fill the room. Mind you , my sytem sounds pretty damn good but Jeez! What an improvement.

I have not tried the video quality yet but that is next. The Richard Gray is now officially on Ebay. PS Audio also offers a Quintet which is a 5 outlet version. I am still going to do some critical listening and film viewing but for $300.00 so far this has been one of the best things Introduce in my system. I believe that they are $400.00 now though as the introductory offer is over.

okiepolkie

10-02-2006, 04:38 PM

Again, I would suggest looking at the Shunyata Hydra series. The Guardian series may be on par, as I have noticed a difference with the Guardian 4, but I know the Hydra series is a solid unit.

wingnut4772

10-02-2006, 04:44 PM

Again, I would suggest looking at the Shunyata Hydra series. The Guardian series may be on par, as I have noticed a difference with the Guardian 4, but I know the Hydra series is a solid unit.

How much do those go for, Olkie?

okiepolkie

10-02-2006, 04:46 PM

Take a look at www.musicdirect.com for Shunyata's only authorized internet distributor. Just remember that each one needs its own power cable to function.

Early B.

10-02-2006, 05:07 PM

Ok. Like I said, I did not order the Premier because I just felt it was a little shaky science until proven right now BUT I did order a pair of the DUET Power Centers (http://www.psaudio.com/products/duet_power_center.asp) one of which I received today. I figured it was more of a budget approach to hearing this nano whatchamacallit technology's effect on my rig..

So anyhoo.... I plug in my Earthquake Cinenova Amp ( The Duet is non-current limiting) , plugged in my Charo acoustic guitar cd and let her rip. Let me just say..... Oh My Goodness!:eek: was I floored at the difference.:D I want 100 of these things! I could not freakin' believe my ears at how much better my system sounded. Everything was just so much more 3 dimensional and the sound just seemed to fill the room. Mind you , my sytem sounds pretty damn good but Jeez! What an improvement.

That's great.

Wing -- are you using the stock power cord with the DUET? If so, consider upgrading the cord for perhaps an improved effect. Try going with a PS Audio Super Power Punch. You can find them on ebay or audiogon for about $33. IMO, it works just as well as the PS Audio Prelude Plus that retails for $300.

Midnite Mick

10-02-2006, 05:13 PM

Congrats on the new piece of the puzzle Darla. Do you or anybody else know why the PSAudio outperforms the RG unit. This little "suge protector outlet" outperforming the bigger RG unit is impressive. Just wondering what one does that the other does not.

Do you or anybody else know of any link that explains the different types of conditioners and exactly what they do. On the surface one would expect them to be pretty similiar. Just looking for some education.

Thanks,
Mike

audiobliss

10-02-2006, 05:45 PM

Wow, that's quite amazing, wing! I guess I'm definitely looking for something from PSAudio, then.

Early - Can't wait to hear your thoughts on the UPC-200!

F1nut

10-02-2006, 08:26 PM

Mike, I believe Paul (PS Audio) has a comparision of his products vs others such as RG on his site.

AB, I own two UPC-200's. I can't say I noticed a huge difference, but the bass did tighten up a bit and more importantly, no adverse effects while having peace of mind. I'm waiting for reviews/feedback on the new units before I consider them.

Emlyn

10-02-2006, 08:56 PM

Here's an explanatory link about power conditioners, not updated for the new line of power regenerators, but the principle of power regeneration is similar between the old and new lines (the new line is more efficient and lighter in weight). Wingnut4772 is now using a non-regenerating line conditioner/surge protector product that uses a technology unique to PS Audio as far as I know.

http://www.psaudio.com/articles/power_conditioners.asp

Here's a product comparison pull-down menu (not updated for the new line though):

http://www.psaudio.com/articles/power_comparisons.asp

Midnite Mick

10-02-2006, 09:23 PM

Thanks Jessie and Emlyn.

I read those links but just don't really know how much stock to put in it given that it comes from the manufacturer and all. Not to say they would be dishonest necessarily but it is still marketing.

I don't know if it is just my perception but sometimes the music sounds cleaner in comparison to other times and thought that I may benefit from some kind of conditioner. However, I don't know much about it.

What got me interested in the UPC 200 was someone reporting on the AC improvement in their Nuforce ref 8's and wondered if it could improve my ref 9's as well. Given your feedback of the UPC 200 Jesse (an opinion I highly regard) and Darla's feedback regarding this nano technology (seems to be the marketing word lately) makes me want to further investigate. The "reviewer" of the UPC 200 felt that this product did a very good job on said amplifier but I also believe he stated that a balanced conditioner was better. He also states some pretty wacky things following, which makes me take his comments with a grain. I am sure that most of you don't care as you do not have these amps but here is the link anyway.

http://www.magnancables.com/pages/tweaks/nuforce.html

Thanks again everybody. Keep the reviews coming.

Mike

F1nut

10-02-2006, 10:11 PM

I don't know if it is just my perception but sometimes the music sounds cleaner in comparison to other times....

Hell, that happens to all of us even with power conditioners and dedicated lines.

wingnut4772

10-02-2006, 10:57 PM

I don't know why the Duet would sound better than the RGPS but I will say that the Richard Gray seems to be better for video quality so far. Go figure.

wingnut4772

10-06-2006, 01:20 AM

Ok. I may have spoke too soon. As awesome as the PS Audio Duet sounds, I can't seem to keep the dang things from turning off!:mad: I told Paul at PS Audio what was going on at this PS Audio Forum (http://www.psaudio.com/account/forum/view.asp?catID=1&forumID=1&topicID=3993) and he told me that the voltage in my house was probably too low and tripping the Duets. Does that sound possible? How the heck does someone fix something like that. I have never had a power issue before - to my knowledge anyhoo.

Early B.

10-06-2006, 01:38 AM

wingnut4772

10-06-2006, 01:39 AM

Paul gave you the wrong answer. Try the UPC-200. There's no microprocessor with voltage control to be concerned about.

But I love the way these new things sound...Waaaah!:(

Early B.

10-06-2006, 01:54 AM

I'm so impressed with PS Audio power gear that I'm contemplating the purchase of a noise harvester to see if the damn thing actually works. Am I insane?

wingnut4772

10-06-2006, 02:32 AM

I think I am going to look at the Shunyata Gaurdians now. The Hydras are out of my budget for sure. Okie, have you had a chance to compare the two?

F1nut

10-06-2006, 03:14 AM

Darla, at what voltage are they designed to shut down? Having too low a voltage is just as bad as having too high a voltage, maybe they are doing you a favor if that is what is really going on.

wingnut4772

10-06-2006, 10:24 AM

Darla, at what voltage are they designed to shut down? Having too low a voltage is just as bad as having too high a voltage, maybe they are doing you a favor if that is what is really going on.

I think at 103...? If it's too low how do I fix it?

Early B.

10-06-2006, 10:57 AM

wingnut4772

10-06-2006, 11:08 AM

If the unit is designed to cut off at 103, I think you would notice it in your home. Your lights would dim, AC and heat would be reduced, etc.

Paul should have told you how to check it. If it's not your home, then you have a defective product.

The lights do dim when the ac turns on come to think of it...or a pump or even my amp. I called FPL and they are sending someone out to check the voltage coming into the house. Hopefully that fixes everything because I really want these Duets. They sound soooooooooo good.

The Ac also seems not to cool as nicely as I would like it to but it does run. How would low voltage affect it's cooloing ability?

F1nut

10-06-2006, 12:02 PM

Have you noticed if the units shut down only when the AC kicks in? If the lights dim when you power up the amp, you should consider running a dedicated line to the amp.

Low voltage will cause motors (AC fan, etc.) to run slower than normal.

Early B.

10-06-2006, 12:02 PM

Cool. Please let us know what FPL has to say.

Think of it this way -- if you have a low voltage issue, just imagine how much better your system is gonna sound when they fix it!!

Early B.

10-08-2006, 12:18 AM

I'm so impressed with PS Audio power gear that I'm contemplating the purchase of a noise harvester to see if the damn thing actually works. Am I insane?

The insanity continues.... Purchased the noise harvester today. Should be here in the middle of next week. I'll post my results in a separate thread.

wingnut4772

10-08-2006, 12:18 PM

Cool. Please let us know what FPL has to say.

Think of it this way -- if you have a low voltage issue, just imagine how much better your system is gonna sound when they fix it!!

FPL guy came out and said that he really could not tell with the equipment he had and another guy was coming out next week to put some kind of measurement device that would record the voltage over a couple of days and we could see the readout on the computer. That is good because it seems that I am having the shut off problem at night mostly.

I also asked the FPL guy to check the house ground ......and he said that there wasn't any!:eek: and I needed an electrician to come put it in. Can you believe that?

pearsall001

10-08-2006, 04:19 PM

The insanity continues.... Purchased the noise harvester today. Should be here in the middle of next week. I'll post my results in a separate thread.

I beat you to it. I got my PS NH last week. I plugged it in & the thing started to blink like hell. I then put it on the outlet that controls my dimmer switches. I'll be damned if this thing didn't kill most of the audible noise coming from the switch. Will be testing it out some more on my sysyem. Will report back later.

Early B.

10-08-2006, 05:11 PM

I beat you to it. I got my PS NH last week. I plugged it in & the thing started to blink like hell. I then put it on the outlet that controls my dimmer switches. I'll be damned if this thing didn't kill most of the audible noise coming from the switch. Will be testing it out some more on my sysyem. Will report back later.

OK, that's encouraging. I don't want to waste my money.

Let us know how it translates into better SQ.

Early B.

10-11-2006, 12:37 AM

Wing -- are you using the stock power cord with the DUET? If so, consider upgrading the cord for perhaps an improved effect. Try going with a PS Audio Super Power Punch. You can find them on ebay or audiogon for about $33. IMO, it works just as well as the PS Audio Prelude Plus that retails for $300.

Well, here's a surprise -- I installed the power punch cord and definitely noticed a difference. Without going into a lot of explanation, let's just say that I re-installed the stock power cord. The power punch did it's thing, but I don't want my system to sound too clinical.

F1nut

10-11-2006, 02:03 AM

Did you let it burn in? I haven't used the Power Punch cords, but the Statement cords sound great in my set ups.

Early B.

10-11-2006, 09:13 AM

Did you let it burn in? I haven't used the Power Punch cords, but the Statement cords sound great in my set ups.

I use the PS Audio Prelude power cords on my amp and CDP, and they work very well for me, and I know what to expect from PS Audio's cords. I've also owned a couple of Power Punch cords in the past. In my case, I think it's too much of a good thing.

In terms of burn-in, that's a controversial subject that requires a new thread. I'll start it off...