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.

I had not encountered this company before.  Definitely tempting!  Let us know how these compare!  I love the PS Audio PowerPlant products, but they're definitely spendy...

After not having the regenerator in the system then putting it in was another wow moment! A regenerator / clean power is a very important part of a high end system in my book.

Groovy, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the comparison at some point. I also found that clean power makes a difference, and it'd be difficult to go back to life without a regenerator of some kind.

Tone-Deaf, it doesn't have to be a major investment if that helps. My system, all in, isn't five digits so I couldn't justify four digits for a power regenerator. To try the technology, I found a used P300 (the first power regenerator PS Audio made, back in ~1999) for $350 shipped to my door and it makes an audible difference. I like it so much that I've been considering the new Stellar P3, but haven't taken the plunge since the price/benefit still doesn't make sense.

Thanks,
Richard

Chris,  Here are the power draws of the components you have, I guessed on a few of them. Rachael 85w, CSP3 65w, ZP3 65w, Bifrost 15w?, Bluray 15-20w?, Sota TT 5w? totals 255w maybe.

I would guess the 200w Hercules will power everything excluding the Rachael. The 100w Thor should power the Rachael.  A little extra headroom is a good thing in my book so two 200w Hercs will give you room to expand as well.

You will need a power strip of some sort. I’ve not made up my mind which way I’m going to go. A few I’ve been looking at.

https://www.cullencable.com/111-2/ They also make a 6 outlet one.
https://www.tweekgeek.com/the-tweek-box-4-outlet-power-distributor/ a bunch of options.
http://www.furutech.com/2017/04/25/14769/
http://www.furutech.com/2020/04/11/19455/

You could start with a 200w Hercules hook up everything except the Rachael and see if you like what you hear, I’m guessing it will be instant. Currently I have a 200w Herc running CSP3 65w, ZP3 65w, ZR2 13w, and Schiit Yggdrisl 35w (178w). in front of the ZMA (plugged into wall/SUT) and it’s great.

Shoot them an email, Ken is a great guy to deal with. They will refund you, minus shipping if it doesn’t work for you.

Also ask for the new outlet that Nigel got.