Why Your HiFi Audio System Sounds Worse on Some Days. Is this the Cure? What about Transformer Buzz?
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- Опубліковано 11 лис 2022
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Today I share info on something I found out about MY SYSTEM that may help YOUR SYSTEM! For years I have been plagued by sound changes within my audio system for no reason. I have also had issues with transformer buzzing with some amps, but not all.
I have tried fixing this with rewiring my electric, buying a $10k power plant regenerator and various power conditioners. While the P20 PowerPlant did make my system sound the same 24/7 it did not fix all of my issues with electricity like some amps that still had a transformer buzz. After I had my room re-wired I sold my P20 as I figured I would no longer need it. I was WRONG!
When I found and tested the Puritan Audio PSM 156 this little black box broght back all of the magic to my system as well as bringing stability. This means it sounds the same 24/7 but now there is no more transformer buzzing as well! This magic black box truly helped my system proving that it all starts with POWER. Without it, my system sounds harder, harsher, flatter and with less fullness and sweetness. With it, there is magic and all of these issues vanish.
This is one of the best, if not the best HiFi purchase I have made to date.
Enjoy!
Media Contact/Review Contact: stevehuff1@icloud.com - Навчання та стиль
The only thing I hear when I listen to my amp is my tinnitus and $10,000 is not going to fix that
😂
I'm sorry ... What did you say??
The reason some days my audio system sounds bad is that I sometimes inadvertently put on rap.
That'll do it.
On days when I'm drunk it sounds amazing. Transformer hum could also mean you need to recap the power caps.
Transformer hum can also be from laminations in the transformer being dried out and loose.
When I'm drunk it always sounds loud and distorted. Why is this?
@@yuglesstubeMy friend had the same problem and kept blowing up his amps and tweeters! 😅
😂😂😂
It's always fun when your system takes the next step towards the sound you want.
Yes indeed, it’s part of the fun :)
Don't underestimate the condition of your ears. Listen to a system after a couple of hours of driving and you'll notice how lifeless it sounds. Even worse, I once listened to my stereo after a plane ride and couldn't believe how quiet it was and how much bass it lacked. Oh and check for ear wax too.
I've found that the so-called difference in sound from one day to the next lies not in the system but in the listener. You touched on it here. Human beings are infinitely more complicated than audio systems. Moods, state-of-mind can change from day to day and that influences what we hear and how we hear it.
You are so right!
I clean out my ears for more top end. Cheaper than getting a new DAC! 😅
I eat Oatmeal (porridge) for breakfast, two days before a serious listening session.
Everything is clearer in two days !!
Correct
This was convincing. Think I'm gonna buy it. Do you recommend connecting all equipment? Especially is there any problem connecting both digital and analogue devices to it - as opposed to some power strips that have separate zone for those (perhaps the outlets here are all separated zones to some extent)?
I have this 156 with the power cord and agree it is a fantastic product at a reasonable price compared to others like SR or Shunyata or Nordost or PS Audio etc.
You seem to have researched almost everything(!). Did you ever audition or hear about Furutech star grounded power distributors? On paper they do a similar job to Puritan but without surge protection,
It's one of the best purchases I have made for my system. One of the best I have made in 30+ years.
Now please review the lesser expensive option from puritan $1600
I’ve been considering adding a puritan here.
Great review as always 🙏
It’s not just DC offset. Most AC is filled with noise of all sorts from home appliances, computers, neighbors, and commercial buildings. It’s usually the worst during peak power usage during the day. That’s why it’s best to listen late at night when everyone is asleep.
I dont really get it to be honest. Room rewired, with such a top notch system and still sounding flat and noisy. Go figure! Whole thing saved by an obscure power purifier. Another thing is when did this problem became noticable and annoying. If its quite some time now, that this is happening, lets say months now, then how many gear reviews were possibly compromised...
haha right in the kisser
Exactly
I agree and heard the same improvement after adding the Puritan to my system. I can understand the scepticism, but the difference is huge.
Thank you. Very interesting. One question : have you changed all the power cords in your system ? Or did you keep the ones you had initially(for amplifier, sub, etc) ? Thanks.
Even expensive units, are likely to have, "starter," power cords. I purchased better ones, recommended by PS Audio {the maker of the P 20 Power Rejuvenator}, specific to each piece of equipment, including more substantial ones for the power amps, & the P 20, itself. The quality power cords, and connectors, represent 15 to 20% of the cost of the system! Worth it, I feel, to try to maximize the quality of the system. It's interesting how different pieces of equipment, help in his particular situation ~
I’d be curious to know if this could help with ground loop hums between pre and power amps. I had to use an Ebtech Hum X ground line voltage filter in my preamp to eliminate a ground loop hum. Before this, I tried Niagara 1200 and AQ cables, but the hum was either loud at some times or barely noticeable other times.
Well I’ve definitely experienced this. I’m on the cheaper end of the market though as my solution was the audiolab dc blocker. My hifi now sounds consistent.
I use the Audiolab DC Blocker also and it improved the sound of my system greatly.
I’m glad you could improve your hi end system sound, although you know this is a never ending quest. I hope you can really enjoy your music for a long time with this settings, and your family too, because that’s what matters, in my opinion. I really appreciate your work, and i think it would be even better if the message is deliver in less time (my humble suggestion). Apologyze for my writing, but english is not my native language).
I am so thankful that every time either day or night I listen to my system I'm nothing but blown away. And I don't use anything but 10 gauge copper speaker cables and standard basic jacks for my preamp CD player turntable and plugged straight into the wall, how is that possible?
You have “Magic Juice” Magic Juice is extremely rare. Don’t let the electric power company know you have Magic Juice coming into your house. They will raise your electric power bill if they find out you are an Audiophile.😀
How is it possible ?
The devices you own were designed to be used exactly as you do, nothing more. No magic here.
@@kloug2006 it's the same thinking that allows martial arts masters to knock other practitioners backwards with "Chi" , the power of the mind, a power that is completely useless on untrained people.
Day to Day Ear Wax & Critical Listening...................
I use a smooth spatula with a 0.3mm wax depth indicator. Smear your ear canal evenly with the day's accumulation removing any excess. Consistent layering of aged wax can produce unique tonal air in the soundstage.
I have 5 mains filters and purifiers and have never looked back since 2002. The cost was fairly high but well worth it
Big believer of clean power. Makes a difference. :)
Glad your situation worked out.
The grid or your house power factor might be out a bit to far, causing the buzzing and also increasing your electricity bill. Do you have a lot of older 12v lighting in the house?
The DC issue you’re describing is particular to toroidal transformers. EI core transformers don’t have this susceptibility to DC. My Yamaha AS2100 has an EI core, which is the only reason I know this. Toroids are used more often because they don’t emit as much of a magnetic field as EI’s. Properly implemented EI’s require shielding and more room in the chassis.
Luxman uses EI Transformers.
yes, you are correct. Perhaps Steve’s problem isn’t DC in his power lines. When I read about the pros and cons of EI transformers the main pro was lack of sensitivity to DC.
Els sound better which is the reason YBA used them.
@@carlosoliveira-rc2xt YES !!!............Yves knew it ! We do also ..........
I’d be interested to hear how your system sounds using just the ultimate power cable without the Puritan conditioner.
You are absolutely right that some days sound is not perfect for the same system. Could it be depending on air pressure change?
Or if you have a cold that can effect the sound,plus if you sneeze and your ears pop slightly that too can change the sound.
Whenever i feel my system isn’t performing the way it is supposed to I just take a couple of Tylenol and it sounds perfect!
Your kidneys may not appreciate this, especially when taken by "couples".
I have 2 x PS Audio P10 in my system. very pleased with the result.
Have you tried the Puritan with a nornal power cable yet? Logically, if the power conditioner is doing its job, the cable between the wall and conditioner shouldn't make much difference. On the other hand, cables between the conditioner and the equipment maybe more effective to preserve the clean power and reduce interference via shielding.
Conditioners don't condition themselves.
Getting clean power for your stereo is a cumulative process. Even the power outlets (i.e. Furutech, Audience) can yield a noticeable reduction in noise if you have a revealing upper mid-end to high-end system.
Great insights! I have that problems too audioholicer, everytime i switch input or change music I have to do some balance even change geer move etc. I wish there was a purity hifi system that make all music sound great. I look for matching system more then upgrade down-grade is an other game! keep going!
Great review and recommendation! My problem is with the harshness in vocals and cymbals. I own a Linn DSM 4 connected to a pair of FyneAudio 501 speakers. At beginning it sounded very good...a bit bright, but tolerable. After a few months things started to sound too bright and harsh. Checked.the speakers and the Linn, and everything seems okay. Could this be the solution?.
Audio by Van Alstine (AVA) Humdinger also a great, simple DC Blocker. Simple, quality, high-value
Thank you. I will look into getting one. I have a buzz and hum in one of my amps.
Thing is, you've introduced a new X factor by rewiring the room. You said you just plugged your amp straight into the wall, and the peripherals went into a power strip. First thing I'd do before plopping $4k into a new toy, would be to start from scratch. I'd be really interested to see what the Niagra does as far as alleviating your issue. Sure, this is 1/3 the price of the PowerPlant, but I'm guessing with the new wiring a lot has changed with your system. When I was building my dream room with a dedicated 20amp panel just for the electronics, they installed some sort of sine wave conditioner that wasn't particularly expensive. The noise floor was non existent, and the blackest of blacks. The ex probably has her electric piano plugged into it these days. BTW, after 50 years (25 as a recovering audiophile), I know half of it is psychological. There's days I just shouldn't be listening and don't. In my current digs w/lousy wiring, a Niagra solved my minor issues.
Nope, it isn't psychological.
Interesting that I only see videos like this coming out of the USA.
I live in a 100yr old suburb in Australia, we have 240V compared to your 110V. I have never experienced your problem. Interesting topic, thanks.
My thoughts exactly - us the land of the “dirtiest” wires 😂
:) fascinating ha?
Same here n the UK.
American hifi reviewers are only promoting snakeoil!
Have you tried the skunk audio enhancer?
The big issue I have with Puritan conditioner is all the inductors it uses to filter noise. I’ve used power conditioners like this before. It lowers the noise floor at the expense of restricted dynamics and truncated soundstage. This conditioner maybe different but I doubt it.
I tried the Supra dc blocker and the audioquest 1200 in combination, they did absolutely nothing my dc dc offset/transformer hum. Moving house cured it 100% though (a more expensive soultion overall 😅)
Do you use AC power cords on your components your speakers are gorgeous is the locksman a integrative amplifier?
Thank you for your thorough test! I wasn't aware of this brand. Have you ever tried a Furman conditioner in your system? I have been using their cheapest model (AC 210) and I very glad for the purchase, because it has brought a very noticeable improvement in my system. The system became silent and I can hear the background as being totally "black" (absolute lack of any kind of noise). There is also a model (P 1400 in Europe) which does what all the other conditioners do, plus it's also a voltage regulator. I was wondering how the puritan compares to any Furman conditioner. Thank you!
i bought a furman pst-6 for my modest rig, $100 it was. Hushed up my system quite nicely! I still have dynamics issues during the day from the auotomotive shop across the street. Soon as they close, i get my vomit inducing bass back ; )
I compared the P20 with the Niagra 5000 (as 7000 not available) and the PSM 156. The 156 walked it for a FRACTION of the price.
I noticed this when I listen at 9pm and at 5am in the morning. In the afternoon, I cannot prove it but I can feel I am not into the music at much. At 9pm without thinking about the time, after I lkisten to my system...I realize that it has gotten better. I am getting the Puritan 156. But what I discovered, you need to clean up the power coming from the wall by using an isolation transformer so you feed your system clean electricity
What would happen if you use the Puritan and the PS Audio Powerplant at the same time? You get rid of the electrical issues plus massive warm soundstage? Hmmm...
You run the risk of experiencing a paradoxical reaction and your system will sound like a Bose.
My system always sounds worse after watching your video's, I'm comparing it to what you have, which is way above my system.
In my country we are 220V will Puritan 156 Purifier is safe to use please? Thanks 👍
Bad luck for everyone this problem happens to, I feel bad for you! Personally, I must be blessed; my Samsung soundbar sounds great every time!
I'm well aware of the PS audio power conditioners but can't see myself paying 10K for that! Like someone else said try the Puritan products.
the magic is back!! 👏🎉
Who would have believed it, hifi runs on electricity?
I have an audiolab dc block. Nice bit of kit
99% of the time it's down to your mood.
Most decent pieces of hifi have so much power supply regulation and PSRR that they barely care what the mains does.
Yeah, never had such hideous 'DC on my AC mains' problems like this.
Can you use a multimeter and check for dc offset of your ac line and again on a port from the power conditioner?
I had the same exact question. I'm tempted to use my Fluke meter to probe my outlets for the presence of DC voltage. Anybody know if this would prove anything?
yesterday i made a cassette recording with bands from late 80´s to early 90´s only from british bands ,when i put the recording playing i felt like if there was a problem with the cassette deck ,this morning while getting up to go to work i put the cassette playing but i felt like the sound is perfect
I use the iFi Powerstation and it has also brought consistency and low noise floor to my system. A $750 bargain in comparison.
Does it have star grounding? The CEO of PS Audio himself said that is a key ingredient.
@@connorduke4619 Paul's a great and knowledgeable guy. I'm not sure but I'm confident that the Powerstation has some form of isolation between any independent circuits/PCBs - they do design a variety of power and signal related products, in addition to their audio gear. There's also an intelligent ground function that detects whether or not a ground is needed to avoid ground loops.
@@infn Paul's a great salesman too.
Before you takeout a Bank Loan... Try the iFi Audio AC iPurifier ... Plug into wall outlet
Usually those things affect sound quality you want something that doesn't color sound.
ifi dc blocker solved my amp transformer hum.
I use the isol8 minisub axis. Solved every problem here.
Isol-7 superb. Poulson a genius
Temp and humidity levels in the room can significantly change any audio system
Yes, it can affect the sound but not anywhere near as much as clean power.
Agree
I also thought what the hell it sound bad then I switch off. Other times the music is sweet and I gett lost easily for 3 to 4 hours. Other days it is one song and I switch off the sound.
Did the enleum buzz too?
I have the psm 136, v nice
Install a voltage regulator to your side of the home electric power supply, about £300 here in the UK. Incoming electric supply always fluctuates. Installing one of these units is beneficial for all of the household electrical goods. It will also make them last longer. My HiFi system sounds so much better because of it.
Evenings and nights sounds noticable better. The quality on the electrical grid goes up and down where I live in Sweden.
Same here in the U.S. or any city. But after I bought a Audience Adept Response aR2p-T4 power conditioner, my stereo sounds the same, day or night.
I bought one of these today. It’s not cured my buzz completely on my Hegel but it sounds lovely.
Have you disassembled the outlet and made sure the wiring is properly attached? As in the screws holding the wiring to the outlet are tight? Do the same on the panel at the breaker, ground and neutral. Electricity vibrates, and will loosen connections over time. If you have the stab outlets, where the wire is stabbed into the body of the outlet, upgrade the outlet to a better quality one. Another thing you can do, is to drop a direct circuit to your electrical panel, 12/2 romex on a 20 amp breaker. If you have not done that, you should really consider doing it. It really made a difference in my system.
I had a buzz in my Hegel h390 and there well known for it. I bought a ifi dc blocker . Problem solved. $100.
Hi, I own a PS20 and quite happy, but as always, I wonder. Does it makes sense to buy this or if you had the chance to get pack to the PS20 you would? Thank you
IMHO they should have given you a discount. You bought your Luxman Turntable from them and you've mentioned their name .
I have all my audio components plugged in wall sockets, and it sounds wonderful, no transformer buzz, no nothing... just super sound...and no fairytale stories with magic dust...
Fairytale
What about surge protection? Even in the absence of a major strike, small surges can wear down electronics over time, without proper protection..
Lucky you. My old amp was humming happily in the background until I got an audio lab dc blocker thingy that brought that noise down to almost inaudible. Since then had four other apps on trial, Hegel 390, Gato Audio Amp-150, Luxman 700u and Accuphase e380. All hummed, the dc blocker worked on them all (never totally removing the transformer hum, but always at least halving) except for Luxman, which I actually bought but ultimately had to return for that reason. Luxman has an E type transformer, unlike toroids in the other three, and I read somewhere the dc blockers are not effective with those. What is puzzling a bit here is that the 595 is most likely also of the E type… Have I got a dodgy dc blocker that can’t cope with DC on my mains, i.e. lacking in that magic dust, or just unlucky with four respected brands and their expensive amplifiers?
TheMeridian, you're my darn HERO! I don't know where these cuckoo audiophiles get this stuff from. I got my electronics plugged into a surge protector, and then the wall. There's no buzz, no noise, nothing. Some people will believe ANYTHING!!!
@@Larwiz Someones gotta feed all those families, and our mate Steve's got very expensive hobby, so...
Interesting. I wonder if DC on the line adds warmth to the sound? I went through different power conditioners. Got Puritan PSM156. Great unit, big fan. My discrete power supply is running much much cooler, not even linear- still running cooler. Check the temps on your amps you may well find they are running much cooler especially as they'll have linear power supplies.
This problem occurs in bi-phase main power supply (110V-0V-110V) countries like in US, where the "neutral" lead is not so neutral... There is no problem if you use mono-phase (220V-0V-Ground) like in Europe.
I had really bad dc hum ( big monoblocks with torroidal)and the Emotiva cmx2 work extremely well. But every once and a while some dc would get through and the transformers would hum for a couple minutes……..so I tried the Puritan and it removes the same amount of dc as the CMX2, but offers much better sound…so I bought it today.. …I do have an odd issue…my transformer in my psu for my turntable buzzes on the Puritan psm156, but not when plugged into the cmx2….so….keeping both!
I use the CMX-2 and the CMX-6 units. No issues here. System sounds fantastic.
@@michaelwright1602 That’s great Michael….I used my CMX2 for about 6 months and they were great….then on occasion my transformer would hum for a minute or so….that’s when I thought I’d try the Puritan. It’s probably equipment dependant as well as how bad your power is coming from the wall…(my power is very dirty)….but on my system the Puritan provided in inky black quiet background for the music that the cmx2 didn’t quite achieve.(you can buy 20 cmx2 for the price of a Puritan). If your power isn’t too bad….I am sure the CMX2 is all you need….some peoples power is so clean they don’t need any form of power conditioner (so they say:)….Chris
That puritan line conditioner is not a regenerater u could even run it threw the p20 i usea furman pfi15 it works great
The P20 costs how much???
Puritan is legit, I’m very interested in one. They are going for $1800+ on Audiomart. Currently I’m using a PSA regen and I love it but I still get that occasional loss of dynamics phenomenon.
I own an Audience power conditioner which dramatically improved the sound of my stereo. It's also a lot more expensive than the Puritan. It would be interesting to compare the two to hear if the Audience is that much better or if the Puritan is a giant killer.
My Yamaha powered subwoofer was making my system sound noisy, with an annoying buzz every so often. I changed the male plug and all the noise dissappeared. Then I changed almost all the other male plugs and everything sounds amazing! Silver contacts, copper wire and brass coating make a huge difference.
do you have any flourescent lights in the room?
None in the entire house, so no.
Here is an ideea. Tray to buy filters for power for each appliance that is lake fridge, Ac unit, LED hub if are plugged in the soket and see or listen if you will hear anything.
I have the PSM156 with the ultimate and it is fantastic!!
Bang for the buck ❤
Would the powercord alone make the same difference!
Still makes a big difference alone.
My system always sounds fantastic. Must be my sansui AU 717. No Integrated amplifier 100 watts and under comes close.
it's not the gear. it's your ears, your mood, your blood pressure, your tinnitus your imagination...unless you are using all valve gear which is notorious.
Have you ever wondered it could be the last component in the chain? The conversion of sound waves to music in the human head? When things are going well I tend to like the sound of my system better than on days where everything is messing up. I think we should do some exercise to get in the right move before listening to the music, we should also avoid listening to the gear…. Just my 2 cents
The Puritan PSM156 is the only piece in my system I would never ever sell. It has transformed the quality of my system and fixed all of my electrical issues. System sounds the same 24/7, no noise, amps never buzz or make any hint of noise. It's a piece I would not be without at least as long as I live here.
How can DC cause buzzing? How can you pollute the mains with DC of any noticeable voltage? I must have missed a couple of days at school when I studied electronics…
It’s a thing / read up on it. If your transformer buzzes and you can hear it then usually this is caused by having DC on your line. If you read up on the top cause of transformer buzzing, it’s DC on the line. The Puritan was the first to remove nearly all DC on my line. No more buzzing, much better sound and protection for the system. All you need to do is google “dc causing transformer buzzing” and you’ll find years of articles and info about it. It’s a thing. The puritan is the best HiFi purchase I’ve made in many years.
I only learned like a week or two ago that you can run a DC & AC voltage on the same line and they won't really interfere with each other and I thought the same thing, how was this never mentioned in any electronics course??
@@HiFiHuff as the E type transformers are not susceptible to DC offset on the mains, how can the puritan possibly eliminate the transformer hum of your Luxman caused by the said DC offset?
Just because you don't understand it doesn't mean it's not true.
You are so right!
Funny in the market for PSM 156 , I just re did my room with 3 dedicated power lines , I’m not even plugging in my components until I get puritan , system stays down until I get 156
It would be nice to compare dedicated line with and without the 156.
I live in Mexico and Mains power is horrible. I had to install a large UPS for my home network media center. All my TV's and audio equipment have there own UPS. Voltage can swing 15 to 20 volts during the summer. The LED lights that I installed in my home insert horrible noise in the the Mains that I had to look for and locate better options. Power outages are not common but they happen when wind is high voltage spikes happen quite often. Rain always brings power failures but I have a power generator for outages.
I have discovered changes in Barometric Pressure makes music sound better or worse..especially bass.
If you hear the transformer hum, crank up the volume have a beer and relax 🤣
Morning ears Vs Evening ears are definitely a thing!
too many change/swap in mains power. why no change/swap in amp itself?
You NEVER mentioned what format you listened to, so I'm going to just assume it was compact cassette tape. 🙄🤭
Thanks for making your points. It sounds exactly like beeing catched by the hi-fi religion this industry strives for, and that's both fun and engaging - as long it's lasts.
Yes, hifi is great fun! The hifi reviewers allways think they have found the hifi Jesus, but they are never happy!
If you rub the power cable with extra virgin olive oil, it will sound better. I promise.
Awesome. So, how does one use the 156 with a surge protector?
It is also a surge protector ...
@@N02tradamus Thank you kindly for the reply. I appreciate it!
@@cpg8000 No problem. I just ordered one to replace the ZeroSurge surge protector. It is also rated for higher peak wattage for protection.
@@N02tradamus had you by chance considered the: AudioQuest Niagara 1200 when looking for the 156?
@@cpg8000 No I did not. I heard great things from the Puritan from multiple sources so I took a chance.
What's a bipolar HiFi system?
Barometric pressure will do it every time. Look it up. 😊
It does all that?
Where does one buy it and what does it cost?
Are you in the U.K.?
what happened to the audio quest!
Humidity, temperature, barometric pressure.
sollution power factor correction and methamphetime and or acid
This is why I stick to my zone in the vintage world and stay far away from the audiophile world. You end up dumping tens of thousands of dollars in this pursuit of "perfection" and, if any audiophile is ever honest with you, it's never ending. It's a continuous forever quest for "better" and absolutely never being happy or satisfied with what you have. It's pursuit of gear and the "sound" is the excuse.
Creatures Of The Night!