Mains Filter and RSP-1098 - :-)

[Aussie Geoff]

Hi,

Just to let people know. I was getting some minor issues with light switches in the house (totally separate circuit and even a different phase of the mains) when turned on or off, causing the RSP-1098 to skip a seconds sound or so. This applied to several lights in the same room and an adjoining room - but not further away...

Electrician did the full check... Said - since I already had separate circuit etc there was nothing he could do... He suggested a mains filter.

So I did some research (we have 240-250V here), got input from a friend and a HT store and bought a new Australian product that filters all three wires (active, neutral and ground), uses active sine wave tracking and offered separate filtered banks for different plugs... (Thor Surge Guard A2 for anyone in Aussie).

Bottom line:

• Lights no longer interfere with the RSP-1098

But also:

• Noise / Hiss on RSP-1098 on the digital channels when turned up loud - was markedly reduced
• Analogue inputs now silent even at ridiculous volumes
• Faint hiss / hum from subwoofers gone
• Music (like they say in the reviews) comes from a "blacker" background and just sounds better.
• I'm happy

Food for thought for anyone else with hiss / click issues with their RSP-1098 etc.

I had previously tried a different brand filter without success. So It is clearly not any filter but something about the more advanced ones that does the trick... But I’m sure there are several brands with this type of technology - I found 3 on the Web in Australia alone...

Geoff

[Andrew Pratt]

Interesting findings indeed...dare I ask how much this filter was?

[Aussie Geoff]

Andrew,

Yiu may dare ask... That's the good bit

Aussie Retail was $250 - I got them by ordering through a Uni Bookshop for $185... There are a couple of other brands in Aussie that do this - but they were all way more. They came strongly recommended by the local B&W Nautilus dealer and a friend so... I thought - why not and bought two (8 outlets each) so I have everything on the filters, amps, subs, Cd etc...

I hope there is something as good value in Canada and the US...

Geoff

[whmacs]

Hi Geoff,
I did something similar, mainly to smooth the power and help with brown outs / surges. I have the HT cabinet on a separate circuit to lights and power. I also have my projector and tv on another separate circuit. I got my electrican (who also has an interest in HT) to install a Clipsal (Din Rail Overvoltage Arrestors, Mains filter 250V 20A 50/60Hz 4 modules wide) model no 970MF20 (go to www.clipsal.com.au) on each circuit. Each unit can handle one 20amp circuit. At a minimum this saves me from putting surge protection on each individual component. I've attached an image of the filter. Its quite large requiring 4 modules in a fuse box.


cheers,
Stephen

[dbart]

Ok, so what is the website for this product? What is the model number? What filter is equivalent in North America?

[Sithlord10]

Mains Filter

Hey Geoff.

I'm in Mellbourne and I did a search for the model you bought on the web and cannot find anything under Thor Surge Guard A2. What store did you get it from? Is it just like a power board with 8 outlets? I'm using a brand called Power Boss which were in Sydney and it's a 4 outlet board very industrial and has 4 isolated filter banks. But I'm very interested in this Thor Filter so if you enlighten me and others with further details we would all very much appreciate it. Thanks mate. :T

[Adrian Smith]

Geoff, I am in Sydney and also interested, I just ordered my 1098 witha 1075 amp less than an hour ago. I get noise through my power lines so I will get one of these whether I get problems or not.

[Raptor]

Get

Yeah... How do we get our hands on one of these if we are in Sydney? :roll:

[Aussie Geoff]

Try www.surgeshield.com.au

Hi,

I didn't think there would be that much interest (and I should have said Surge Shield)

The web site is http://www.surgeshield.com.au and I used two units - Thor Technologies Surge Shield Premium A2 (Home Theatre) and the Surge Shield Premium A1 (Computer) model. Together, this gave me 16 outlets with 6 filter banks, with the A2 Home Theatre unit also filtering the TV / Cable in and the A1 computer unit also doing the Phone Line that Foxtel Satellite insists on. I talked to the company and confirmed that other than this the A2 Home Theatre and A1 Computer units were identical.

Retail on both is Aussie $250 but there seems to be plenty of room to move on volume buyers - for example this LINK offers the A1 for $ 163.18

The Thor Technologies Surge Shield web site has lists for agents in each state etc. who you ring / Email to get dealers. There are some other Aussie companies doing similar things with the; sine wave tracking, noise filtration on all active, neutral and earth and isolation between the different filter banks etc but (for those I found) for significantly more $ + I had two independent recommendations (B&W Nautilus dealer and friend) so I thought - why not...

Geoff

[Adrian Smith]

Aussie Geoff
Thanks for the info, will be getting one next week.

[Sithlord]

Thor Power Board

Ok Jeff after waiting and trying to convince myself that I'm happy with my system I've gone and bought the Thor power surge board that you got Well to say that it has made a difference is an understatement. The system just sounds more dynamic and sharper/clearer. I payed $250 at Harvie Norman (I hate buying anything from there overpriced on most things) but they are the only supplier of that product in Victoria. I spoke to the Thor Sales manager and he said the board retails the same everywhere and he just sealed the deal with Harvie Norman in Knox shopping centre which is like 5 mins from me in the car. I'm glad you told us about it as I'm extremely impressed with it's performance. I've also just purchased a product called Silclear which can be purchased from here.Should get it in the next 3-4days

http://venhaus1.com/VH_Audio_Test.html#VHPulsarIC (2nd product from the bottom)

I have bought 3 power cables (one for the 1098, dvd player and amp) from him and they were great. I have read some reviews on the Silclear and it sounds promising so I will let everyone know what it's like. If it's a gimic then I will use it as face paint at the next Starwars convention :P .

[Woo Wooooo]

Home Theatre Reference PowerCenter™ HTS 5100 with Clean Power™ Stage 4 v.2.0

This is what I have for my theater (pictures coming soon to Bing thread) system... try not to bash Monster to bad on the reply 8O Has anyone looked into these roducts including richard grey power station?

[Sithlord]

Monster & Grey

I have always liked Monster conditioners but unfortunatly they are not available here in Australia as far as I know. Richard Grey look very good as well but don't know much about them. This company looks like they make some serious equipment especially their power conditioners just look at this one:
http://www.psaudio.com/products/p1000.asp.

This thing cost more than some systems :E

Oh well until I win the lottery this will be just a dream

[dermie999]

Another box at approx $3500.

The wife will be pleased........NOT


Geoff I'll stick with your $250 Surge Shields.


Trevor

[Aussie Geoff]

Sithlord,

Glad you liked it.... Great value product for us Aussies.... (and locally made too)

And (for those that haven't bought yet) HERE is a link for a net firm selling them for $165 plus shipping (the A1 model)

Also - lets us know how the contact enhancer goes... I've heard good things abou some of these on analog interconnects...

PS - When are you trying that Silver Coax?

PPS - Isn't it great how accessories let you spead your (my ) upgradeitis out in smaller / lower cost chunks...

Geoff

[Sithlord]

Silver Coax

Probably wont buy the silver cable, most likley I will purchase the Pulsar IC interconnects x 5 from Chris between the Krell and the 1098. I will then use the Audio Quest Diamond Backs for the analogues for SACD/DVD Audio.

I'm still amazed at how much my system has changed with that new power board. The seperation is more discrete and clearer and my brother noticed it as well so I'm not imagining it thank god :E .

Your right about the tweaks and cost factor. As my cash flow gets tighter I start looking at cost effective enhancements but ones that (I hope) will improve my system even more. The Silclear sounds most promising and I will be applying it to all my interconnects as well as the bannana plugs into the speakers and the power plugs on all components. Should be interesting if it improves things, it should arrive Monday or Tuesday.

I will keep you posted on the results. Jeff what are your thoughts on the Pulsar IC cables? I'm very interested in your opinion or can you recommend something else :W . How did you go with the JM labs speakers? Have you bought them yet?

[Ross Smith]

Hi Geoff,
all your little tweaks are costing me a fortune but I can't help trying them.I sometimes think my system has two personalities, most times it sound focused and nicely balanced then othertimes it becomes very smooth and muddled. So I have been thinking or hoping that the power board might be a goer for me.I'm coming to Perth in Oct so was wondering can you buy the board from the Simline office in Osborne Park or do you have to go to Canningvale.

[Aussie Geoff]

Ross,

Sounds worth a try - and if nothing else it will protect your system against all sorts of electrical nasties. As Sithlord has pointed out (I didn't want to claim too much in the posting) they really can make a significant difference in the sound - not subtle!

In answer to your question re picking up in Perth - I don't know - try calling them on 08-9446-3423 and I am sure they will let you know - I would guess Cannington given that is their office. Why not net or mail order - they are an internet store and looking at their web site they deliver anywhere for $13.50?

Geoff

[Aussie Geoff]

Sithlord,

Re your queries on the Pulsar interconnect - I don't know - having never heard them. The construction sounds a bit similar to the Chord cables - solid copper and solid Teflon dielectric etc... (And they sound very good).

Certainly the Eichman plugs have a good rep. One thought though - I have always had recommended a balanced set of connections - so why the Pulsar on the Amps and the Audioquest in the DVD-A / SACD given that you have had such good results from the Audioquest?

Re the Silver Digital - I have one temporarily "spare" waiting for the new Universal DVD player (probably the Deon 3910). If you want to pay postage I can send it to you for a week to try (when I return to Aussie) - that way you can experience it and see if you want to order one from Doug... (I am that confident!)

Geoff

[Sithlord]

Cable Choice

One thought though - I have always had recommended a balanced set of connections - so why the Pulsar on the Amps and the Audioquest in the DVD-A / SACD given that you have had such good results from the Audioquest?

Geoff I'm just curious to see if the Pulsar cables are any good . I consider the Audioquests to be excellent but I'm using Tara Labs interconnects (basic models) for the analogues and I feel that the Audioquest will be great for that.

I could go and buy another 5 of the Audioquest but you know me I just have to try and experiment with new things :P New things means new toys and I just love waiting for that door knock with a guy holding a box of goodies :B

Wow what an offer for the coax I will accept your most gracious invitation bring it on. It will be up against the Audioquest Optical 5 mate so let the testing begin :driving:

[Adz]

Sithlord,

I purchased the Silclear product recently on a very [very] strong recommendation from a dealer ($35 retail) and have begun to apply it to all my interconnects, speaker cables and power cords. It's quite a little project to apply it to everything in my system. I'll be very interested to hear your review on the product. So far, I haven't discerned a noticeable difference but it may because I haven't applied it throughout my entire system (I presume this product's success is dependent on having no weak link in the system -- a connection to where it hasn't been applied).

I suspect we are getting off topic but IMO this entire thread (which is a very good & informative one) should be moved to a more general area so everyone can benefit.

[Sithlord]

Yep I will post my findings as soon as I apply it. I'm house sitting for 7 weeks for my sister who has gone on a overseas holiday. I wont be home from Monday but I come home every Friday night for the weekend every week. I hope the Silclear arrives Monday so I can start to apply it otherwise it will have to wait until the weekend. Keep us posted if you find that it has improved your system or not. Thanks for letting me know.

[jimmyp58]

Did I miss something? What is Silclear and where do you get it?

Jim

[Adz]

Thought I told you about this one, Jimmy. Our mutual friend from LA turned me on to this. He doesn't sell it but he raved about it and I search the net to find a reseller which as it turns out is the same company that Sithlord references above. Its some kind of silver alloy that you apply to all your cables and connections in your system which purports to well.... read the marketing literature I cut and pasted below. I've also attached a pic of the product which sells for about 30 bucks. I wonder if Doug (Lex) is aware of this product and/or has any insights for us.

[The word is out! SilClear is the first silver-loaded contact enhancer optimized for superior performance in audio/visual systems. SilClear will significantly improve the sound (or video quality) of any interconnect, power cord, speaker cable, etc. The sonic improvements noted include remarkable increase in treble extension, transparency, detail and sparkle, without any added edginess. Bass sounds tighter, and less boomy. Attacks are noticeably quicker and punchier. Midrange timbres and harmonic details are articulated more clearly, yielding a more natural and intimate musicality. SilClear uses microscopically thin silver platelets (a millionth inch thin; 8 square feet of surface per gram!) to enhance the conductivity of electrical connectors. The unique binder for the silver platelets is an ultra-pure, low dielectric absorption, food-grade grease that minimizes signal loss/smearing. The thinnest possible coating lasts 10 to 20 unpluggings. Comes in a 14-gram jar (with applic! ator) that treats 1000+ connectors. Arguably one of the best new tweaks on the market.]

[jimmyp58]

Now that I think of it, you did mention it but I forgot. So, where did you get yours?

Jim

[Adz]

Check it out. Pretty cool DIY items.

https://www.vhaudio.com

[jimmyp58]

Thanks....I found it at a place called Maple Shade too.

Jim

[Adz]

That's the company that manufactures it. Probably cheaper too.

[jimmyp58]

$35 ...same!

[Ross Smith]

Aussie Geoff
I recieved my Thor power board today overnight delivery from Perth was pretty good, I nearly bought one similar from H/N for ($199) I'm glad I didn't.
The difference this thing makes to my sound system is amazing, I have spent hundreds of dollars recently on upgrading my RCA's and speaker cables hoping to improve my sound but I couldn't tell much difference.But soon as I plugged in this new power board I could tell the difference in sound quality straight away and the difference isn't subtle it's a huge improvement.
The sound clarity is so much better it's like a veil has been removed from my speakers.The midrange and bass is a lot tighter and the vocals are just there, so much cleaner and easier to follow what the singer is saying. I can hear all these little nuances in the music now that I never heard before.
I was getting close to selling my RSP 1066 as I always thought it sounded way too smooth and lacked detail compare to my older Rotel processors.
This power board has changed my system so much, I'm really pleased I didn't get rid of the 1066 because now I have the sound that I always wanted.
A few years ago the power company run a test on my home to see what voltage my house was getting as I thought it was fluctuating too much.I was getting between 250 volts and 270 volts which was way too high. So I'm guessing that this power board is conditioning the power to give me a constant 240volts.
What ever the difference is using this power board I can honestly say it is worth the $150 for the vastly improved sound I'm now recieving.

[Aussie Geoff]

Ross,

Glad it worked out so well for you...

I had to try several different ones over a number of months before finding this one - and it is a real "smile on your face" bargain isn't it....

I just hope CLub Rotel members from ouside Australia can find one as good for a reasonable price...

Geoff

[Ross Smith]

Aussie Geoff,
When I first saw your post on the THOR power board it intrigued me but I really didn't think it would make much difference to my sound.I thought here goes another wasted $150 following one of Geoff's whims but the difference this thing makes to the sound isn't subtle it's huge, do you agree! Out of all the tweaks you have done do you think this has made the biggest diffence to your sound.
I have this CD of Chris Rhea called AUBERGE the frst track I use to test my system, it has a lot of little nuances in it, well with the power board I couldn't believe the difference they are so much more pronounced.
I noticed that the board is made in China so I wouldn't be surprised if overseas Rotel fans couln't find something similar somewhere.
Anyhow thanks for this latest tweak I have blind faith in your opinions again.

[Aussie Geoff]

Ross,

I thought here goes another wasted $150 following one of Geoff's whims

Ah - you are on to me then...

Luckily however - although I have many whims:
1) These days I (mostly) get them on a return basis so they go back to the supplier if they don't work... (my whim collection ws getting waaaaay out of hand)
2) I only ever post here about the ones I am really confident in and I try to understate the improvement.... (I don't want people to be disappointed)

Still - it's fun hunting for them...

When you're ready (and your wallet!) - contact www.audusa.com about their Eupen power cables for your Amp, processor and CD player - sweet..... (Trust me on this one) At least as much improvement AGAIN!

Geoff

[Ross Smith]

Aussie Geoff,
I'm interested again in tinkering with my power cables danm it, the only problem is that my Rotel 1066 is the only device that has a removeable plug except for the DVD player. All my other older Rotel gear has the power chord connected directly into the device. So I'm not sure whether just doing the chord on the 1066 would be worth while.
Plus the Thor power board states it removes all the RF and EMI noise from the power supply.

[Aussie Geoff]

Ross,

Plus the Thor power board states it removes all the RF and EMI noise from the power supply.

I know it says that... But the new power cables really do make a difference anyway... (Remember many people say that there is little measurable difference between interconnects so they shouldn't make a difference to the sound either!!!).

Audusa will also sell you the raw cable by the foot or metre - so you could get the made up plugs for the RSP-1066 and the DVD player and have a local technician wire in the new cable to the amps??

(Got you there!)

Geoff

[Sithlord]

Enhancements

Geoff your bad very bad...But I like your thinking :T

[hired goon]

For anyone still looking, I picked up the Thor Surge Shield A2 for AUD$160 at the local Harvey Norman store. It's listed at AUD$250, but I asked for their best price, and warned them that I had a specific price in mind as I had been surfing the web. Considering that the local hi-fi dealer had the A2 listed at AUD$300, I think AUD$160 is a great bargain.

I could only find the A1 on the interweb, for AUD$165 + delivery, at http://www.simline.com.au/product.asp?prodid=4994. The A1 is electronically the same as the A2, but has a network/phone connection rather than an A/V connection. I wanted the A2 rather than the A1, and it turned out to be cheaper than ordering off the net.

Note that Dick Smith stores have a similar product - the Surge Interceptor 8-way board - for AUD$148:

http://www.dse.com.au/cgi-bin/dse.storefront/41402d9e058b37ba273fc0a87f9c06fd/Product/View/M7810

It's rated at 2000 joules (the Thor A2 is 2050 joules) , and has EMI/RFI filtering and coaxial surge protection. However, I can't find any reviews as glowing as those given by Aussie Geoff and Ross for the Thor boards.

Anyway, now to plug my new toy in and test out the interference filtering...

[Raezzy]

I would also whole heartedly agree with Aussie Geoff's statements above.
I took Geoff's advice, and can also testify that, in my case, everything posted in this thread about this product has turned out to be true.
With the Thor Surge Shield A2 in my system, i immediately notice improvements in all areas - channel separation, soundstage (height and width), details, utter background silence - the list goes on.
This product has made more difference to my system as a whole, than any other tweak i have made.

Excellent!
Big thanks to Geoff for the great advice.

[Anton]

Still signs of noise!

Hi,

After reading all the great posts i went and picked up an A2 too :T .

But after my fisrt impressions of absolute bliss it was destroyed when my wife flipped a switch to a light in an ajoining room and the faintest "click" came through my sub.

Devestated :banghead:

I was trying to rectify this problem. To be honest it has to an extent, no more fridge compressor noise or washing mashine cycle change noise, just that darn light.

The A2 has increased the head room and dynamics of my whole system (as modest as it is).

Could sheilded power cables be the answer to leach the rouge noise from the system?

[lylmik]

Geoff's recommendation

Ah Geoff, scored again with your advice!!
Went to Harvey Norman yesterday keen to get the SurgeShield.
RRP was $349 ( :rofl: ), and just as someone before already mentioned, told the guy i did find it on the net and that the price i ridiculous, so he asked if $180 is ok?
SCORE!!!!
It would end up being just about the price if ordered(165+10 postage+week later!), so...
Anyway...
Damn!!!!
What a difference!!!
Opened the whole thing, hiss is nearly completely gone from rears(connected with clips, not "screws" or bananas, but working on getting 1095, so will get it dead silent, (fingers crossed!!))even when i cranked it up to 15(preamp (Denon AVP A1)goes from -60 to +15).
Thanks heaps Geoff!!! :T :T :T :T :T

[Raptor]

RF Lead Interference

I am also the proud owner of the A2, however, when connecting the RF leads from the power board to the TV/Video/Set Top Box, it produces interference. I can also lose the digital signal to my Set Top Box.

Many of you have indicated occurances with lightning. This scares me a little if I cant get a good enough signal from the board, and plug the RF lead straight into the wall. I bought this product not only to improve the sound, but to protect my expensive gear.

Does anyone else have this problem?

Aussie Geoff?

[csuzor]

My APC UPS really helped the sound from my RSP1068+RMB1075!
I was very sceptical that it would have any impact, but since I have a pair of UPS for my computers, I made some tests with and without, switching several times to listen, and the difference is very real (though subtle): better "kick" of the bass drum, more air in the midrange. I hesitate to say all this, I just can't believe it yet.
The dealer did recommend I try a line filter at home if I thought the sound wasn't always consistent, claiming that spending $500 on such a solution was sometimes the best upgrade possible... I didn't believe him then...
Anyway, the 2nd PC can do without the UPS, it's staying on the Hi-Fi!
Thanks for the advice.
Christophe

[Aussie Geoff]

Raptor,

I am also the proud owner of the A2, however, when connecting the RF leads from the power board to the TV/Video/Set Top Box, it produces interference. I can also lose the digital signal to my Set Top Box.

No I run the antenna through my A2 and get no interference on analog or digital TV. Check your cable / connection etc. Or (faint chance) a faulty A2 RF Connection (lifetime replacement)

Geoff