Plug-In Mains Conditioner, Black

I’ll try to be brief. This was purchased to eliminate RF, EMI & UHF interference from a HiFi system. It’s an old Naim set up. The power amp has always hummed away merrily in our present house & I decided to ‘have a go’ at reducing/eliminating that. Theoretically it’s stressing the capacitors etc... Also, I have a power unit feeding the pre-amp & my guess is that it is also stressed, which stresses the pre-amp. This may be all rubbish – but hey, what does the attempt cost. Well, actually, quite a lot. However, a lot less than buying expensive gear. Okay, to this unit. I have fitted ferrite beads of two different types to cover the range of frequencies to all the power cables – in more than one place. I also have an inexpensive clipper socket that ‘eliminates surges’ – that reduced the buzz by about 50%. The ferrite beads took it down further. All this did actually improve the system’s sound quality – I have to admit I didn’t really expect that to happen. Anyhow, to the effect of this Tacima plug in. My whole system is fed from a single socket - no fuse in the plug: each unit has its own fuse. This leaves a spare female three point socket: the Tacima is in there. The Naim power amp is now almost silent – just a light hum. Okay, as to the quality of sound. Naim systems rely mainly on the pre-amp for quality (I understand): difficult as it is to believe - & this has happened several times over the years – the sound-stage of the system has increased. Previously it filled the small room – it was as though an orchestra was at the far end of the study. Now, it is as though the sound-stage is much larger than the study – the walls aren’t there. Also there is a greater clarity, but also gentleness of sound. All this from de-stressing the power, pre amps, and record deck. Seriously, don’t listen to the nay-sayers: it is a bit pricey to do the lot, but it will set your HiFi system free to do its stuff. I will not be upgrading from the Tacima plug in any time soon: but remember, though it is a surge eliminator I have a secondary one in-line as well, between the mains & the amps: Tacima multi-sockets are not supposed to be used in that way. So don’t. Good luck.

I’ve used this device on and off for several months and have regrettably come to the conclusion it has no effect whatsoever in my circumstances. I have a 50 year old home in England that has slightly iffy electrics.. at first, I convinced myself it had a slight but beneficial effect on the soundstage of my speakers but numerous with/without tests since then have made me realise it is useless. I have learned something though: you can convince yourself about anything where your precious hifi is concerned! The same firm’s series power strip adapter is another thing though! That really works.

Does seem to clean up the mains interference so less hash and lower noise floor.

This was used with a tacima Mains conditioner. Two of these were ordered and used in 2 separate systems: 1. B&W 606 + marantz 8005, 2. MA Silver 5.1 + Sony STR-DN1080. With the 1st system I noticed how the mid range and upper bass was lifted. It added even more richness and punch to the sound track. However it also took away a lot of clarity and transparency which made the audio very focused, and muddy. With the 2nd system the mid range wasn't an issue however the surround effects were subdued. Transparency & sibilance were lost. Although this added more punch to the subwoofer the loss of clarity was non-negotiable. The product itself works as intended. Each system will have a different result. Systems with a coarse/harsh treble and thin mid range may benefit from this. Its down to the listener to determine what's acceptable.

This is a cheaper alternative to an IsoTek IsoPlug that is meant to do the same thing. However, I have an IsoPlug and whereas that improves clarity and provides a wider, deeper soundstage, this does the opposite :( Squashed dynamics, flattened soundstage, duller treble. I think the reason may be that the IsoPlug is a pure C-Parallel device whereas this is an LC-series type maybe? Either way, NOT good with audio equipment although gains a star as I can see where the surge protection would be useful for your home PC equipment (which is where I use mine now).

I bought 2, one for each of my hifi systems, both high quality systems, one on it's own electrical spur, totally separate circuit installed 10 yrs ago one upstairs on a newly [10 yr ago,] wiring job. As the house wiring is good, and well earthed, there was a definite improvement in sound, quite subtle, notice more when disconnecting device, but just cleaner sounding, tv on non premium channels easier to hear, as clearer tv is used through optical cable into Arcam D33 DAC or Naim ND5XS streamer., depending on my mood. When listening seriously, it is more obvious especially on quality recordings, seems to make a difference, on streaming, cd or vinyl. Not into hifi flowery language, everything is just a bit better, clearer, and a better listen. My guess is that with older wiring, and other domestic appliances on same ring main, and with less good quality power supplies it maybe more noticeable, but that's a guess. At £45 each not that cheap, but for hifi tweaks these are cheap, I wasn't expecting them to work, started from a very sceptical perspective, plugged in and got used to them for a couple of weeks, then took them out, and started to notice I wasn't enjoying the sound quite as much. Put back in and they've stayed.

LOL... I thought there was meant to be a light at the bottom of the isolator, but there isn't and I don't know if it is on and working !!!