Works fine very reliable, isolates CD from Preamp. and rest of system.

I presently own a Spectral/MIT/Avalon system and the MIT power conditioning components are de rigeur for such a system. Anyone who has a passing interest in high-end audio knows of the controversy about these products. Like cables, power conditioners are either hailed or ridiculed by certain factions of this hobby. I bought the Z-Center along the the Z-Stabilizer and Z-ISO HC largely by the recommendation of the dealer who sold me the Spectral and Avalon gear. At the time I was naive and believed I heard a difference with these products in place. Spectral Audio strongly recommends the use of these products and apparently Spectral's Rick Fryer refuses a demonstration of his products unless the MIT components are in place. For someone wanting the "best", his words were strong incentive to buy these products. However, the cynic will wonder if Spectral has a secret pact with MIT for Spectral also recommends MIT cables. In the case of Spectral amplifiers, very expensive MIT speaker cable is "mandatory." Since I have already purchased these components and have actually had all of them for four or five years they will continue to play a role in my system, if nothing more than to protect against power surges. They are attractive and there have been times when I could swear I heard an improvement in the sound with these components in place. Sometimes I wonder if I am just hearing things or that my imagination is getting the better of me. I am not going to make a recommendation, yea or nea, for these products. As the previous review shows, these products are not a good choice for every system. The best thing to do is to audition the component in your system. For my system they don't hurt anything. They may also not help either. I will rate them three stars, sort of in the middle or neutral. You can decide if the rating should be higher or lower.

None...at least in my system

Pretty much everything

I purchased this unit as a power conditioner first, a surge suppressor second, based on my dealers recommendation and the recommendation of a friend who uses it as part of a Spectral/Avalon/VPI system. My system is all McIntosh, through Klipsch Cornwalls. I followed dealer and manufacturer recommendations on burn-in and the unit actually ADDED noise to the system. We sit about 10 feet from the speakers and the hum and buzz was audible and quite distracting. The Monster unit did a better job. Fortunately, I have an understanding dealer, and he allowed me to swap the MIT for the Power Wedge. The difference was astounding. Absolute silence, right out of the box. We determined that the MIT and McIntosh just don't get along. My recommendation is that you reach an understanding with your dealer and try the MIT in your system to make sure it's compatible with the rest of your equipment before you lay down your $1500.

Similar Products Used:

Audio Power Wedge Ultra 116, McIntosh PC-3, Monster Power HTS-2000