Comments for Furman IT-Reference 20i Power Conditioner at http://www.hometheaterhifi.com , comment 1 to 13 out of 13 comments http://www.hometheaterhifi.com Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:33:27 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/power-conditioners/611-furman-it-reference-20i.html#comment-5367 I have a Furman AR20 voltage regulator with two Carvin power sequencers plugged into it, with gear plugged into the sequencers, and I am hearing static line noise that wasn't there before. Also, when I turn off power sequencers, with gear turned off, all the gear then turns on for a second and turns off. Isn't that fucked up? The sequencers and gear work just fine when plugged into the wall on their own. The only thing that is any good is a true online UPS. - ZD Fri, 06 Jan 2012 20:51:24 +0100 http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/power-conditioners/611-furman-it-reference-20i.html#comment-4758 I own this unit. I have a reference grade system that uses enough equipment to create three to four systems of some of the favorite gear out there. This is a result of seven years of immense research. I look for solid technical reasons in addition to sonic reasons to buy a product. I was searching originally for medical grade isolation transformers based on a theory I had at the time. My search led to the IT Ref 20i. What is not mentioned is the capacitor inside for PF matching. It is not just a magnetic field that does not collapse, but stored energy that literally for a moment buffers all your equipment’s power supplies with 8 amps delivery for a second and up to 88 amps peak. The Furman Linear Isolation Filtering Technology (LIFT) scrubs the A/C significantly. The sound: when the music is playing, unmistakably more three dimensional, thrust, drive, body, more "fleshed out," greater articulation, sense of immediacy and "realism,"(if your system is capable of this). This component solved for me an elusive problem with technical engineering behind it, not Voo Doo to dazzle the unwary consumer and exploit them. The difference was jaw dropping and my Amplifier(s) are supplied by it not the wall. I want to add one more thing. I recently took a leap further partly on faith and an hour long discussion with a knowledgeable Engineer at Furman. I bought the Furman SPR20i Voltage Stabilizer and this is connected to the mains before the IT Ref 20i. Now, the difference from this is also unmistakable. I have taken rudimentary measurements with both a Kill-o-Watt TM meter and a Fluke 87-V multi-meter and spikes from the wall over 500+ Volts A/C were eliminated. The Kill-O-Watt is an accurate consumer device that averages (and will not show the dirty power spikes), but the Fluke will measure the peaks (noise on the mains). Notable is the Voltage regulation test points on a Hi-End Parallel Single Ended Triode (PSET) 300B tube Bias test point that demonstrates stabilization fixing for at least 30 seconds or more. In addition, this combination has taken a new Solid State (SS) Power Amplifier to a level of articulation through noise reduction on the A/C input signal and stabilization and additional current delivery from a 15 amp mains feed circuit to create a level of realism from transistor technology I did not think was possible. Sound Stage and artifacts that are normally submerged like decay (conveying spaciousness) become realized. Yes, they are expensive; however I consider this combination an absolute must for a serious audiophile. The changes are the very noticeable and significant. If you have high quality equipment, you will be brought remarkably closer to the musical event and make it difficult to get up from your listening position. I now have a realism on good recordings that conveys everything from sitting in a rock concert to having to having the resonant body of a violent emotionally move you. I must add an important note for European and other country customers regarding the operation of the IT Ref 20i. You do not get something for nothing. To optimize the PF (efficiency of power transfer) that your equipment sees there is a price to pay that will matter to you. In the United States we are billed by Watts. The Watts do not change beyond the reviewer's discussion. However Be Advised. The measured Volt-Amps (VA) in my system raised nearly six fold. I was drawing 1222 VA and 200 to 400 Watts in recent measurements. Because of the way billing works in Europe, you unfortunately may wish to switch the unit off. This could cause your electricity bill to soar. In the United States, you can leave it on all the time and should to keep the capacitors inside the unit polarized properly. I never believed in power conditioners. I felt that the power supply in my equipment would be enough. There is an added bonus for tube lovers. The Voltage Stabilization of the SPR20i will increase the lifespan of any tubes you use. This is certainly arguably true for all solid state as well, but a documented fact for filament type devices. Capacitors will work within their specified design limits as well. This is the only power condition set up at this time I personally endorse as both an Audiophile and an Engineer. Highly Recommended. Set money aside and budget for your high end system. This is an investment well worth it. Buy the Furman IT Ref20i first, then add the Furman SPR20i. I took the plunge for you. So, now you can do it with confidence. - Matthew John Hammett Sat, 30 Jul 2011 04:54:26 +0100 http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/power-conditioners/611-furman-it-reference-20i.html#comment-3438 I run an audio-production and recording studio out of my home including a reference quality reproduction setup (think many, many racks of equipment including computers, active crossovers, signal processing gear, preamps, amps, etc). All studio power is routed through the Furman IT-20 Series II, which is essentially the same unit reviewed here-- minus the sexy audiophile "bling" look, and PLUS a few additional features like ground lift options and a front-panel utility outlet. It is a rack mountable unit in a very solid chassis, and sells for an MSRP of $1700. It's worth a look if you want the performance but want to minimize wallet damage. -A - Alan Wed, 21 Jul 2010 10:08:33 +0100 http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/power-conditioners/611-furman-it-reference-20i.html#comment-2806 I have a furman reference it 20i that is being used in my two channel system including a flat screen and turntable. The unit works flawlessly. I have compared it to Richard Grays Isogray set up and Exact Power, and it holds its own, especially in the music playback department. Not sure exactly how to describe its character because it lacks character of its own. It more or less lets the music play thru and images are definitely clearly and better color saturation not to mention depth is enhanced. I do believe that Richard Grays products do a better job in video and a great job in sound too. The bass is impacted the most by RGPC equipment as is all the sound. But the Furman just likes that music the most. A really nice piece of equipment for sure. It sure is heavy though. - John Tann Tue, 16 Feb 2010 02:15:18 +0100 http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/power-conditioners/611-furman-it-reference-20i.html#comment-2487 Hi, to all those overly techincal geek brained engineer types! (oh wait... that's me!) 1) Balanced power will SIGNIFICANTLY reduce the noise floor of everything using it. This is why in very many high end recordings studios you'll find the sister product the it-ref20i in the power chain for the primary audio chain. It does this by Common Mode Rejection, just like XLR cables, same concept. Noise floor reductions are on the order of 20db. This is where the DETAILs the author observed likely came from. 2) Power Factor is a cute way of saying impedence optimized capacitor bank. In a way it's like your own personal water tower on the top of your house, you get ALL the pressure you want ANY time you want (ok not indefinately, but definately long enough for your shower!) The same way, your Amp in challenging passages might tax the local power storage (caps) of your amp so that you are then limited to the power that can be generated by the internal power supply, which will catch up pulling power through the narrow straw of a power cord from your mains, by that time it's too late, transient gone. You never notice. Mostly because you have nothing to objectively compare it too. BUT if you have an INSTANT supply of additional Current... BOOOM! the canon knocks you out of your seat! The highs will be clearer too less transient distortion... Finally everything will actually sound less loud. Now to address the "Soaring Highs" the author mentioned... distortion makes things sound louder. That's why the yummy distortion coming from my 20Watt tube guitar amp is as loud as my Bass Player 200Watt solidstate amp (that and his waves are longer :). Now there's yucky distortion too, and that's what causes ear fatigue. Blah blah blah... i'll shut it now and go make dinner. Enjoy your comment surfing... the wave is all yours. - mike 2 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 07:49:36 +0100 http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/power-conditioners/611-furman-it-reference-20i.html#comment-1869 I think the Furman IT-Reference 15i performs exactly the same functions as the IT-Ref 20i, including the creation of "balanced AC", but you only need a 15amp circuit in lieu of a 20amp circuit. of course, 15i has fewer outlets as well... - mike Tue, 19 May 2009 11:39:24 +0100 http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/power-conditioners/611-furman-it-reference-20i.html#comment-1812 I just can't see spending this kind of money for subtle observations in sound and video differences. I've looked and read in countless forums regarding Power Conditioners, interconnects, and power cables. None thus far have revealed any REAL significant advantages to justify the rediculous asking prices from these vendors. I especially respect the opinions of those that are members of the home theater shack, as they seem to be some of the elite as far as providing true test supported by graphs and calibrations revealing the truth behind what I consider being nothing more than snake oil. For $3500, you can put that money in different components like new speakers, a new receiver or blu ray player etc... I just don't buy in to this. That being said, I did invest in a Panamax 5100pm, and if nothing else, it's at least protecting my expensive equiptment from power surge's and brown outs. I have yet to see a hi-end power conditioner that can validate its performance to cost ratio. nuff said. - nathometheatre Wed, 29 Apr 2009 10:38:19 +0100 http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/power-conditioners/611-furman-it-reference-20i.html#comment-1803 First off, I'm quite sick of empirical reviews. While they may be of some use, nothing backs it up like a few tests to show that the reviewer's ears were not mistaken or is on the the dole (oh, like neither ever happens!). On the other hand, my Monster HTPS7000MKII crapped out for no reason and I had to go back to a channel strip while I wait for a warranty replacement. The difference I heard and saw in my system is not imaginary (as was going to the 7000). It was and is an incrimental rather than revolutionary improvement with this unit. Noticable, and appreciated, but not night and day. When it comes to Furman, you are dealing with one of the pre-eminent companies in the field. This unit's build quality far surpasses the Monster unit that just tanked on me. If I had the dough, I'd have bought a Furman or top-line Equi-Tech. That's my 2 cents. jeff - jeff Sun, 26 Apr 2009 11:01:41 +0100 http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/power-conditioners/611-furman-it-reference-20i.html#comment-1777 I have an Equi=Tech conditioner that outputs balanced power and I believe most of the noise reduction you heard is due to the balanced power as it works in a similar fashion as XLR cables. By having 60 volts on both sides the noise is cancelled. At least that's what the Equi=Tech folks say. They even have equipment that will give balanced power to an entire house. JMJ - Millard Jones Mon, 20 Apr 2009 04:13:06 +0100 http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/power-conditioners/611-furman-it-reference-20i.html#comment-1772 The higher the flowery speak the less evidence there is for real proof. If the power to your place is iffy then MAYBE these things might help but for people with relatively modern homes with reliable power it won't make an observable difference. I always love the use of the word "air" in audio reviews, air is right. - Doug Fri, 17 Apr 2009 00:54:42 +0100 http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/power-conditioners/611-furman-it-reference-20i.html#comment-1771 Secrets is the only publication to produce graphs of the AC spectrum with and without power conditioners in the circuit. But, as I have said many times, we can't bench test every product. In general, what I have found with power conditioners that basically just use a big toroidal transformer plus a few other parts is that RF is filtered out. This is due to the transformer itself, acting as a low-pass filter because it is an inductor. But, there are other advantages. There are two ways of storing electricity in an electronic circuit (not including batteries, which are chemical in nature). These are inductors and capacitors. The large transformer in a power conditioner acts as a huge inductor and stores power. That's why the lights dim when you first turn it on. There is an inrush of electricity to the transformer. When you are watching movies, and there is an explosion, demanding lots of power, you have that inductor storage to draw upon, so your subwoofer can actually deliver a bit more than it would if it were simply connected to the wall AC. What I have also found is that power conditioners make a difference in the sound of mass market receivers, because their power supply is not very good. I have not heard differences when using power conditioners with high end products, where the power supplies are much more robust. - JEJ Fri, 17 Apr 2009 00:54:39 +0100 http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/power-conditioners/611-furman-it-reference-20i.html#comment-1761 Too full of flowery speech, not enough graphs to support the silver tongue. - Jon Tue, 14 Apr 2009 12:05:52 +0100 http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/power-conditioners/611-furman-it-reference-20i.html#comment-1749 At nearly $3500, you had BETTER hear a difference! My conditioner really improves video quality, but my amp mfg. Says to plug the amp directly into an AC outlet because the conditioner would limit the current output to the amp. Did you notice any "limitations" to the output from the Furman? Not sure how power "upstream" to the amp can change the quality of the amp output. I am not sure I buy the idea that the power cord is at fault for choking off power to your A/V gear. Anyway, an interesting review...Thanks! - JWM Thu, 09 Apr 2009 23:53:08 +0100