Tweakers' Asylum: REVIEW: Quantum Products ElectroClear Power Conditioner/Surge Protector by MMasztal

Model:	ElectroClear
Category:	Power Conditioner/Surge Protector
Suggested Retail Price:	$60
Description:	parallel AC filter and then some
Manufacturer URL:	Quantum Products
Manufacturer URL:	Quantum Products

Review by MMasztal on April 06, 2004 at 09:36:06
IP Address: 162.136.193.1

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When I moved to Atlanta several years ago, I found the sound of my system really changed. I guess it was the in-city electrical grunge. Power cord technology was relatively new at that time and I wasnâ€™t sure how much power cords could help, so I was reluctant to hop on the trick power-cord train until I heard the Camelot â€œSir Borsâ€ power cord several years ago. This made a significant improvement when used on my DAC. Maybe there was something to power conditioning after all. After extensive auditioning, I finally settled on some power cords and a conditioner. Always looking to further improve my systemâ€™s performance, I recently re-read info about the Quantum Products, Inc. ElectroClear devices. They appeared to work in a different mode than my CPCC Super Power Block, so I thought Iâ€™d give them a try. Since Quantum has a return policy, I figured there was no risk.

Having been an audio-holic for about 35 years, Iâ€™ve seen a lot of tweaks and other devices come and go. I recently bought 4 ElectroClears and tried various placements. First, I tried one on my projection TV and noticed an improvement in color density and focus. I placed on my refrigerator since it is likely a source of â€œgrungeâ€ going into my houseâ€™s electrical grid. I seemed like the fridge ran more quietly. I knowâ€¦.I knowâ€¦ I put one in my music room and placed the fourth in my wifeâ€™s office which has several computers, printers, etc. The effect in my system was noticeable, but not mind-blowing. The noise floor seemed to drop and I heard better decay as well as a slightly larger soundstage. There was no change in the tonal balance or imaging.

Last weekend, I did some further experimentation. I took all 4 ElectroClears to my music room. I experimented with different placements, in-line with components, plugged into outlet different outlets, and plugged into the VenHaus Hot Box. I didnâ€™t care for the sound when components were plugged into the ElectroClears themselves. One was plugged into the Hot Box and the remainder in the outlets nearest the system.

At that time, I was listening to my Audio Note P1-SE â€œSigâ€ and the Omega Super3R Alnico speakers. Holy crap! This time, the transformation was significant! While this may sound bizarre, my P1-SE now sounded like a SET in regards to transparency and ease of sound. The ambience and size of the soundstage dramatically increased. Low level resolution also improved. On one of my favorite test discs, Live at Royal Festival Hallâ€ with John McLaughlin, Kai Eckhart and Trilok Gurtu. This recording dates to 1988, but is one of the best Iâ€™ve heard. The engineers did an excellent job on this CD. Again, there was no tonal change, but low level resolution, impact and PRaT improved noticeably. The sound also improved in its 3-dimensional presentation. Iâ€™ve listened to this disc literally hundreds of times and I was hearing stuff Iâ€™ve never heard before despite having all sorts of components in my place (as a SoundStage! reviewer and later part-time shop owner). String quartets sounded better placed in their environment. The â€œwoodnessâ€ of the violins was also more realistic. The trailing ends of notes were extended making the performances more pleasurable. Instrument separation in orchestral works also improved. Vocal inflections and nuance were more tangible. Bass delineation also improved on all discs. Even my wife commented that this was the most natural sound she remembers hearing. I could go on and on, but Iâ€™ll close now. The ElectroClears impressed me enough that I am going to purchase a Symphony Pro for my main system. The ElectroClears will go back on the TV (2) and my wifeâ€™s office (2). In summary, for a comparatively paltry $200, the ElectroClears offered a significant improvement to my system. Since Quantum offers has a return policy, one has a risk free audition.

Product Weakness: None. Other than you will likely need to use 2-3 of the ElectroClears to notice optimum effects.
Product Strengths: Significant improvement in my system's performance for relatively low cost.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Welborne DRD300 Ultimate, Audio Note P1-SE
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Audio Note M2 Balanced
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Audio Note CDT2, Audio Note DAC 3.1x Balanced
Speakers:	Khorns modded w/ALK crossover, Omega Super 3R (w/alnico Fostex F120A)
Cables/Interconnects:	Analysis Plus IC and speaker cable
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Classical, jazz
Room Size (LxWxH):	21 x 14 x 9
Room Comments/Treatments:	Aurilex diffusers in cormers
Time Period/Length of Audition:	3 mos
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	CPCC and VenHaus power cords, CPCC Super Power Block
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	None. Other than you will likely need to use 2-3 of the ElectroClears to notice optimum effects.
Product Strengths:	Significant improvement in my system's performance for relatively low cost.