I’ve been a huge fan of the PS Audio regenerator products ever since I first heard the difference. Now I consider them an essential part of my setup.
I was considering getting a P12, now I am not.
Last week I read about KCC Scientific.
https://www.kccscientific.com/frequency-converters/ They sell a “frequency converter” This initially and still turns me off. It is a “mains reconstructer” After reading about the products I realized they were exactly what I wanted. They take any wall voltage 85-260v and 50-60hz convert it to DC that powers an amplifier that outputs a clean wave form at your choice of 115v or 230v 50hz or 60hz. Then it goes through a transformer into the outlet.
The bottom line? The power coming out of the unit is pure virgin power.
After an informative call with Ken at KCC, I bought the 100w Thor. Ken said if I'm not happy or I need more power I can send it back for a refund.
First thing I did was plug in a power strip and connected a UFO25th + Zstage-25th + Cambridge CXNv2. No other powered components in the system.
Everything powered up normally. After letting the amps warm up for about 60 seconds I started to play some tracks. Wow! yep! this is it!
The same differences I experienced with the PS Audio regenerators, I was hearing with this. Blacker back grounds, more space between the notes, better image separation, removed the high end unpleasantness and replaced it with beautiful shimmer, more better across the board. I cranked up the volume until the needles started to lightly dance. Again everything is better with the KCC unit in the mix.
I then shut that all down. I switched things around. I added in a ZR2 and ZP3 both 230v. I switched the Thor to 230v and rewired everything as it should be. so the ZR2 + ZP3 were being powered by the Thor and the rest of the system was being powered out of power strip from the wall.
Yep more better. It wasn’t as a dramatic improvement as 100% running from the Thor. This could be because the CXNv2 is more sensitive to power fluctuations than the Decware gear and/or Only half the system was being fed clean power.
I then did a torture test for it. I took out a ZMA and gave it a go. The mighty Thor tried but alas, didn’t have enough oomph to power it. This wasn’t surprising. I am curious if the 200w will power it.
They also make a 500w and 1000w unit.
Downsides? Yes there are 2.
#1 The power outlet isn’t the best. They are working on a solution so, hopefully in a few weeks I’ll have a 200w Hercules unit with a better outlet in my possession.
#2 The grounding wire is a little awkward. This is a minor issue and doesn’t apply to the Mercury line.
I’m guessing the 200w Hercules $799 will happily power 2 of the smaller Decware amps/preamps + DAC + Zstage/ZR2. When my CSP3 arrives, I should have a 200w Hercules to give it a go.
The Mercury line provides soft start which is really attractive as well.
If you are looking at a PS Audio regenerator for your setup I would take a good look at one of KCC Scientific units first.
So is this better than a PS Audio regenerator? I don’t know yet. When I can fly back home I’ll compare to my P3.