Review sample provided by Aspera Audio
Retail prices in the Netherlands:
P15 – € 9.450
P20 – € 12.595
The reviews on HFA are usually requested by a manufacturer, distributor, or dealer. However, the inspiration for writing a review sometimes stems from a personal desire to investigate something. This is the case here, but I must add that my situation is far from unique. I suspect the lessons I learned will apply to many systems, so please keep reading!
For the longest time, I have been aware that the quality of the mains power and the associated accessories can make or break a system. This informed countless experiments with fuses, power cables, connectors, separate audio groups, and high-end schuko outlets for over 20 years, and more recently, differential switches, circuit breakers, and fuse holders.
Despite my best efforts, however, an ongoing problem in my system is that the sound fluctuates daily. I often sense a deficiency in raw energy compared to the systems of two friends who reside in detached homes in sparsely populated small villages. This is why I have grown increasingly suspicious of the condition of the mains power in my apartment.
It wasn’t until recently that I described the above to a business relation who suggested trying the PS Audio PowerPlant 10. And he just so happened to have a spare unit I could borrow! As it would turn out, sometimes, solutions present themselves just when you need them most.
PPP and P10
The P10 is not the first PowerPlant I heard in my system. That was the PowerPlant Premier, or PPP, in short. While that beautifully sleek component certainly transformed the sound, its benefits were accompanied by what I experienced as a detractive quality, an overly controlled and static overall performance. Even though I enjoyed what it did for expression and articulation, its business-like nature withheld me from keeping it.
Above: PPP, below: P10
The P10 behaved differently. What amazed me most was that it did not change my carefully-tweaked sound at all; it only improved it. Even relocating only the CH Precision C1.2 DAC and L1 preamp from my standard passive and unfiltered power distributor to the P10 provided much better clarity, articulation, energy conveyance, and considerably increased dynamic impact.
For my system, I have three GigaWatt main outlets that supply power to three power distributors: two for the amplification and digital components and one for the turntable section. Since I discovered that both sides influence one another, I’ve minimized the activity of active components during analog or digital listening sessions by switching off anything not in use.
As the P10 occupied my last remaining free GigaWatt main wall outlet that I previously used for the turntable/phono preamp section, I plugged the power distributor for that section into the P10, only to be positively shocked at the level of the improvement. The effects were the same as when moving the preamp and DAC to the PowerPlant but even more significant in their impact.
It wasn’t just me who noticed the profound differences; every visitor who experienced the system remarked on them. Fellow writer and friend Werner Ero perfectly captured an essential aspect of it during his visit by saying that the P10 alleviated brain processing. Indeed, it feels almost like a nagging headache that has suddenly been relieved. The emotion and musical intent come across much more clearly, much like this is often experienced with analog sources compared to digital ones. The distinction is that the P10 produces the same effect on turntables and phono stages!
When switching back to untreated AC, the sound becomes messier, compressed, and shouty, making me want to lower the volume. It feels as though the raw mains power carries or induces consciously inaudible components that effectively tire the brain.
For those who assume that any competently designed audio component should not require a PowerPlant, I completely understand and can follow the logic. One reason I can add is that PS Audio’s Paul McGowan explains in forums and videos that having a low-impedance, well-regulated, and stable power source is paramount. I’m sure that’s not all there is to it, but in the end, I just cannot ignore what my ears tell me.
The improvement the P10 made was so substantial that I stopped experimenting altogether and did not even try adding more components to the PowerPlant for several weeks, as I simply enjoyed my system. But, of course, I could not borrow the P10 loaner unit forever.
Spoilt
Having the P10 in my system had spoiled me. Listening with raw mains power no longer interested me, and I needed to get a P10 for myself. But at this time, it had been replaced by the P15, with the P20 available above it. The new models feature a more prominent, higher-resolution display and several internal upgrades. Since the P10 seemed to provide everything I desired, I hesitated to go for a newer model without experiencing it first. After all, sometimes changes might not work as well together in a specific system context, regardless of their objective improvements.
After reading everything I could about the new models, I still had a few lingering questions, so I asked PS Audio if they would be interested in an in-depth review of both models. They were happy to facilitate this and referred me to Guy from Aspera Audio, who was kind enough to help me get the P15 and P20 on loan.
And so it happened that, not much later, I had three PowerPlants at my disposal.
Initially, I listened to the three units disrespectfully but conveniently stacked like this, but I later granted each its own platform. By the way, the super-sturdy build quality was evident by the three-unit stack still not wobbling even a tiny bit.
What is a PowerPlant?
PowerPlant is the name PS Audio lends to their Power Regenerators. A good analogy is to consider a PowerPlant as a very stable power amplifier that generates a single frequency of 50Hz or 60Hz, depending on the country.
Power Regeneration uses active components, like those found in large, powerful audio amplifiers, to convert your home’s variable, compromised AC power into pure DC and back to protected and regulated, distortion-free, low-impedance, perfect AC.
Contrary to the PPP mentioned earlier, the P10, P15, and P20 are built using a linear power supply containing a massive toroidal transformer in the middle of the unit and large capacitor banks positioned right next to the output devices for optimum power transfer.
The 7-inch, full-color display on the front panel of the P15 and P20 allows the user to measure distortion, both incoming and outgoing, improvement levels, and power consumption. On the home screen, the values are all shown at a glance, and the user can also view a full-screen version after tapping one of the small meters at the bottom.
Common Features
Like a power amplifier, a PowerPlant requires an input signal to construct its output. Rather than using the compromised raw AC’s frequency as a reference, PowerPlants use an analog-like DSD generator for the input waveform to generate the output power. The desired output voltage is maintained at any input voltage over 95-145VAC in the US and 200-285VAC in the EU, AU, GR, and UK.
A PowerPlant rebuilds the AC while lowering output impedance and regulating the voltage. Low output impedance, in particular, is critical to maintaining a dynamic presentation. PS Audio indicates that powering equipment through a passive power conditioner only worsens the problem and should be avoided. The PowerPlant, on the other hand, has such low output impedance (0.008Ω vs. typical 0.4Ω) that the company claims even the hungriest amplifiers won’t be starved for clean AC power.
The PowerPlants have a multitude of outlets divided into five individually switchable Zones. The number of outlets per Zone differs between P15 and P20, as well as per country; see the back panel images further below for more info. Two of the five zones are specially equipped to power High Current audio components. All Zones provide pure, regenerated power, but the High Current outputs additionally have a slow start feature that permits the turn-on of big power amplifiers without triggering the circuit breaker (if started via the P20).
The PowerPlants have a significant input and output passive filter design, meaning they do not need additional filtering. Moreover, as PS Audio indicates, adding extra power conditioners to the input or additional filtering to its output may be undesirable.
As a variant to the standard sine waveform, the MultiWave function extends the peak charging time of the sine wave, so connected equipment has more energy storage and less power supply ripple. The result is a smoother sound with a larger soundstage than when using a simple sine wave.
The photos below illustrate the shape of my power before and after regeneration. Note the flattening on the waveform tops and throughs, which the PowerPlant perfectly restored.
The screen shows a fully functional oscilloscope that you can use to view the incoming AC waveform. Tapping either of the arrow buttons on the unit’s touchscreen will scroll through the voltage in, voltage out, and the difference windows. This way, you can see the degree to which the PowerPlant’s output waveform is superior to the incoming AC sine wave.
Next: P15 and P20 descriptions
If I am not mistaken, the power amplifier outlets on these units do not provide regenerated power, that is only for the lower power outlets (as confirmed in a phone call some year ago to PS Audio’s technical department). The older PS Audio regenerators fifteen years did provide regenerated power for all connected units, but those regenerators were massive, much bigger and heavier than the P20 tested here. PS Audio discontinued those models since they were utterly impractical from a marketing point of view.
Hi Ronnie, as I understand it, all outlets provide regenerated power. The difference for the power amp outputs is that they are prepared for high current inrush. I found an old post by Paul on a forum where he also mentioned that the power amp outlets were different, but he rectified that later on the same forum. This is substantiated by the difference I heard when connecting the A1.5 to the P20’s power amp outlets (the same benefits as with the other outlets).
Hi Ronnie, I double-checked with PS Audio, and they just confirmed the following:
“The “high current” outlets on both the P15 and P20 are definitely regenerated. The difference is the high current outputs have a slow start feature that permits the turn on of big power amplifiers without kicking your circuit breaker off (but only if started via the P20). The commenter might be thinking of the Stellar P3 PowerPlant and that, definitely, has power amplifier outlets that are NOT regenerated, but rather they are conditioned.”
“Incidentally, the Stellar P3 is the only PowerPlant that has the ability to send non-regenerated power to the HC zone. However, if you flip the switch to “regen” the power will go through its active circuit and be regenerated just like all other zones. This is only applicable for the P3 though. The P12, P15 and P20 are always regenerate through all of the zones, no matter what. Lastly, the P20 is one of the largest regens we have ever made. It is capable of powering the largest load as well.”
Great review, Christiaan! I had here for my stereo system many power conditioners from TMR, Audio Agile, Burmester and Shunyata. All changed the sound but finally I had them remove them from my system. They finally all reduced punch and dynamics and connection to a power amp was a no-go. I then got two PS Audio PPPs and one PS Audio Quintessence – the latter set in series with a PPP. However the balun in the Quintessence created some strange results (including a shift of phantom images) and had to leave the system. And again: the power amp preferred the direct connection to the wall outlet. With increasing number of digital audio components a PPP was replaced by a P10. However my power amps didn’t like to get their power from this power regenerator. Obviously, according your findings, a P20 seems to able to deliver a better performance for connecting power amps. But there is one point in your review which doesn’t seem to be logical: if a power regenerator has a negative effect on the quality of the mains power supply as do have SMPSs and to a lesser degree every LPs (backward RFI created by the diode bridge rectifier) I wonder why you do not use specific filtering between the P20 and each component? The power conditioning concept of TMR emphasized this aspect.
Kind regards
Michael
Hi Michael, thanks for the feedback. I do not use passive filtering between the P20 and each component, or in general, because I have consistently found passive filtering solutions to reduce the transient sharpness, dynamics, expression, and pacing. The PowerPlants are the first devices I heard that clean the AC without introducing other detractive qualities.
Indeed, Christiaan, that’s what I concluded from your review too. Does this also mean that you no longer use the Ansuz Mainz power distributor reviewed earlier? Regards, Michael
Hi Michael, the Ansuz was on loan and was returned again after the review.
Hi Christiaan
I am sure that the review is what you hear, improvements withouts drawbacks, which is very rare (may be unique) using a power regenerator. I should say that I banned conditioners that change the sound and add some effets and signature. My question is about amplifiers. You say that CH A1.5 is better connected to P20. A lot of audiophiles and reviewers said that P15 or P20 is perfect for all but amplifiers, especially quite powerful. You double check that P20 don’t robb a bit and gives a sort of politeness to the sound of you CH?
Best
Philippe
Hi Philippe, the P10 and P15 are indeed said to be non-ideal for power amplifiers, but the P20 seems to have no issue with this. The power meter is always hovering at around 20% of its capacity. I am very sensitive to over-politeness, and I do not hear it with the A1.5 connected to the P20 as compared to using the A1.5 directly powered while using the P20 for the other components. Do note that the P20 itself affects the power circuit and this is audible with other components that are not powered by the P20. Perhaps the A1.5 could sound even better directly connected to the power and without the P20 connected in parallel, but removing the P20 altogether will seriously affect the sound of all my other components. Be that as it may, on balance, the P20 most definitely has a hugely positive effect.
Hi Christiaan, please se my answer to Michael. I made careful test and yes amplifiers sound best on P20, than all front end on P20 and amplifiers to the wall. No politeness, only better sound, better dynamics.
Hi Michael
I agree too that all power conditionner remove life and dynamics even if they produce a sweeter sound in the good sense (better). I tested carefully my mono blocs (APURNA™ Soprano limited Apogée) which are 450w@4ohm but 75A on dynamic headrooms so more current than more powerfull amplifiers at 600 or more @4ohm directly on the wall as I used to for decades, and using the high power outputs of PS P20. It took 1minute to conclude that powered from P20, the sound was sweeter (like on battery), more extended, sound decay are better rendered, tones are richer and voices too with more 3D in there sensation. About dynamics… it’s also better if powered from P20, clearly. On very demanding recordings I share with some friends, slam, body, bass extension are pushier, with less congestion if any on APURNA™ Soprano. The old adage “amplifiers especially monoblocs are more dynamic from the wall” is not real. Also my experience is with ultra fast and dynamic solid state Apurna™. That’s what Christiaan found with his CH PRECISION amplifier, STEREOPHILE, POSITIVE FEEDBACK ON LINE and STEREO TIMES found the same (they use PS BHK 300 monoblocks or even more powerful German Monobloks. I do not know what could happen with other designs like tubes, low or high power. If this is my listening experimentation carefully made, I could say that it was a predicted result. A high power amplifier takes a lot of it’s power from it’s power supply and there is a big margin using a 3600W regenerator. And when it had to take power, thanks to P20 low output impedance, the amplifiers work in a very easy electrical situation. I made this test because many friends and customers say that regenerators could not power high demanding amplifiers and I found like reviewers that this statement is not correct.
Interesting and confirms once again that component changes downstream of the power base quality can only do so much. Perhaps you can also review Stromtank Audio Power, which is off grid battery-based. I love what it has done for my system’s sound quality.
Hi Christiaan, great review! I was wondering, did you notice that main cables do perform different when fed by the powerplant? In other words, when fed decent current, do they still show the big differences we normaly hear when comparing the main cables or are they behaving more alike and could we settle for cheaper man cables instead?
Kind regards,
Hi Serge, To some extent, power cables do become less pivotal and they do not tend to make or break the sound quite as “severely” as without a PowerPlant, but their respective characteristics are still clearly audible. The sound can still be tuned using, for instance, warmer or crisper sounding cables.
File this under BS
Hi Christian thanks for the review . I have never heard the ps 20 , but I did read a review when it was testet together with
the Niagara 5000 at ‘positive feedback ‘ the reviewer actually prefers the Niagara 5000 that made me loaned one home and I’m ending up buying it and I am indeed happy with it . Could be nice to read you review of the Niagara 5000-7000 thanks again for you firm reviews
Whether one solution works better than another will tie in with the system, the quality of the power, the geographic location (rural or urban), and user preferences. Please note that a passive filter like the Niagara is not the same as a powerplant, and while they aim to achieve certain similar goals, the different techniques result in very different sonic presentations. In my system, passive filters have never achieved the results I am looking for, and this reduces my desire to review them. That said, I did carry out a comparison in a big tube system with large Klipschorns, see this review. In that setting, I found the Niagara 3000 broadened the soundstage, made the sound a lot more fluid and organic, and enhanced the delicacy. If theser are the areas of most relevance for you, then that would count as a great result. However, I did not like how the pacing, dynamic impact, and energetic expression were reduced. For me, those areas are more important than refinement. So, for me, the net result was less desirable.
Hi again, Christian. I also am more interested in better PRaT factor and thus dynamics and punch than soundstaging. The latter is the core goal of stereo based on phantom sound images and finally requires interaural/inter-speaker cross-talk cancellation (the most sophisticated concepts is actually offered by BACCH-SP). And having a rather clean and stable mains power grid here I am more interested to finding tools for minimizing the malign effects of the components internal power supplies (SMPSs and LPs both creating RFI).
Thanks for reply, true in many ways system dependent , I have read the review you mentioned however the N5000 and 7000 is a totalt different beast I, sold my Ansuz c2 mains 8 and bought the N5000 .
Hi Christian, how would you compare the sonic improvements of the PS Audio say 1500 vs. the Gigawatt EVO4 you had reviewed? thank you
While the GigaWatt achieves certain great results such as much enhanced fluidity, flow, and refinement, and it does this better than any other passive filter I tried, it does not provide the increased expression, dynamics, and overall level of improvement of the PowerPlants.
Thank you Christian, much appreciated!
Hi Christiaan, very interresting review especially based on a very performing system. The more important conclusion is that P20 does not change the sound, balance, no softening, only improvement. I tried many conditioners those las 20 years and none was fine, even some models praised by some reviewers. I will buy one.
Hi Christian, Due to placement issues, I need to use a power distributor to connect to P20. What would you be recommendation? Preferably the distributor has at least 8 outlets.
Good question! I would suggest using a neutral power distributor, however, I have not come across one that I find not to affect the power too much. I’m sure an “largely ideal” model exists, but I have not yet found it. So far, they impart too much character for my taste. Of the ones I heard, I would recommend the ones that sound most open and direct. The classic linear Siltech Octopus springs to mind, but it has been many years since I heard it. In any case, I would avoid those that add smoothness or warmth, as they can diminish the liveliness, and the P20’s outputs don’t need any polishing.
I totally agree. I used OMEGA AUDIO CONCEPT nano plant unfiltered power strip especially the pure silver wired version. Now I succeed to connect my P20 directly form the mains but the sound difference is none vs using the transparent OAC nano plant.