Isol 8 clearline2

[ric71]

Hi Guys,

Has any one tried or had experience with the Isol8 clearline2 mains conditioner?

If so is it any good?

I can get one for £300

Cheers

 

[Anonymous]

I use IsoTek (their predecessor) products for hifi and AV duties. The gains for picture quality aren't great, but for sound quality, I think they are a fantastic and cost effective upgrade.

 

[aliEnRIK]

Never tried one myself. The only real issue with conditioners is they tend to 'strangle' amps. So they might sound more detailed, but less powerful

Conditioners should generally only be used with low powered equipment such as cd players etc (tvs 'should' be fine too)

 

[ric71]

The clearline2 has two outlets out of six specifically for power amps,subs etc

 

[aliEnRIK]

The Nordost Thor is supposed to be able to power anything, but it still strangled an amp

I stand by what I say (thats not to say the clearline wont work, im simply letting you know my experiences)

 

[Craig M.]

i agree with alienrik. i haven't tried that particular model but i did try one from higher up the range, it didn't seem to add anything but did reduce bass power from my atc amp. i would want to demo at home with my own kit before spending any money.

 

[Anonymous]

I use the 'power' outlets to feed two Arcam power amps, and have never noticed any diminution of perceived power or of dynamic range, or any lessening of the sudden transients that good hifi is capable of delivering. I'd agree with 'try before you buy' if you are able, but this problem isn't one I've heard of or experienced in connection with IsoTek/Isol8, and I do know other users.

The plusses are an improved sound across the board, though the depth of soundstage is the thing that (no pun intended) leaps out at you.

 

[Craig M.]

the shop i borrowed it were honest and said it improved their arcam and cyrus kit, but had a detrimental effect on their sugden kit.

they also had an amusing tale about what the man from sugden said when they asked if they should use a mains filter with it.

 

[aliEnRIK]

The balanced mains transformer I use has had a much more pronounced affect on audio and vision than the Isotek Sigmas I use

 

[ric71]

Thanks to all of you for your words of wisdom.Much appreciated guys