Plasmatron AC regulator

Empirical Audio

Industry Expert
Oct 12, 2017
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I'm not a fan in general of AC conditioners. I've used several, including transformers and they all seem to reduce dynamics or aggravate ground-loops.

One exception is the Plasmatron from VHAudio. Chris from VHAudio brought one to our exhibit room at RMAF and we gave it a try. I was immediately sold. For digital components, its simply the best AC tweak I have heard. Makes them sound more clear and at the same time, more analog. I think it regulates the AC voltage rather than filtering it or regenerating it. I run DAC and converters, everything digital from it. Highly recommended and the Thyratron tubes last a long time.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
 

Ron Resnick

Site Co-Owner, Administrator
Jan 24, 2015
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How does the Plasmatron work?
 

Ron Resnick

Site Co-Owner, Administrator
Jan 24, 2015
16,017
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Beverly Hills, CA
Thank you for posting that link. But I do not see anywhere on that website a description of what the Plasmatron is or what it does or how it does whatever it is supposed to do.

Do you?
 

Blue58

Well-Known Member
Jan 20, 2013
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London, UK

Folsom

VIP/Donor
Oct 25, 2015
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Meh, current and voltage providing the results? Its probably adding a hint of tube flavor.
 

Empirical Audio

Industry Expert
Oct 12, 2017
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Great Pacific Northwest
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Meh, current and voltage providing the results? Its probably adding a hint of tube flavor.

Not that I can detect. Only goodness.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
 

Folsom

VIP/Donor
Oct 25, 2015
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Steve, if all the juice passes through something that gives it a pleasant harmonic pattern (including noise and tugging from various frequencies), why couldn't that be the result?
 

Empirical Audio

Industry Expert
Oct 12, 2017
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207
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Great Pacific Northwest
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Steve, if all the juice passes through something that gives it a pleasant harmonic pattern (including noise and tugging from various frequencies), why couldn't that be the result?

It is certainly possible for someone else to make this mistake, but not me. I've been down the garden path many times and learned from it over the last 30 years. I now have one of the most resolving low-noise systems on the planet. I can easily hear the difference between an AIFF and a .wav file for instance. I can hear the difference in the same files with different sample-rates and different offsets. Any cable change makes a difference.

I have DC-coupled SET tube monoblocks BTW, totally modded by me and tubes rolled many times to get perfection. No "tubey" sound there. Tubes have a sonic signature usually because they are poor tubes, or the power subsystem in the component is poorly designed.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
 

JackD201

WBF Founding Member
Apr 20, 2010
12,308
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Manila, Philippines
What effect does it have on analog Steve? I must admit that I have been very curious about this unit for at least a couple of years. Not to mention that they look really cool! I had a 2a3 amp built that used mercury rectifiers. To this day I regret selling it. I was made an offer I couldn't but should have refused.
 

Empirical Audio

Industry Expert
Oct 12, 2017
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Great Pacific Northwest
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What effect does it have on analog Steve? I must admit that I have been very curious about this unit for at least a couple of years. Not to mention that they look really cool! I had a 2a3 amp built that used mercury rectifiers. To this day I regret selling it. I was made an offer I couldn't but should have refused.

Have not tried it, but I'll bet its just as good or better than using on digital. Digital is the hardest to improve.

Steve N.
 

Empirical Audio

Industry Expert
Oct 12, 2017
1,169
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Great Pacific Northwest
www.empiricalaudio.com

Speedskater

Well-Known Member
Sep 30, 2010
941
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Cleveland Ohio
Now I remember, that 4 years ago, I posted this:

A 'thyratron' is just a Silicon Controlled Rectifier that light's up a pretty color. Remember those old light dimmer's that made noise in your hi-fi?
 

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