YOUR HiFi should sound MUCH BETTER? IsoTek V5 Titan Sigmas 10 YEAR REVIEW

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

I hope you enjoyed the video, a quick note on the production, I am in the early stages of using a new video editor tool. The visual results I like but there are a few bugs with it at the moment I am working through so there are a few odd flickers to the image here and there I apologise for that and hope its not distracting. Also for the review I didn't cover negative points as I focused more on my 10 year history with IsoTek products - but of course nothing is perfect. There is the cost and rack space to consider with these. But for the biggest weak point would be how tight the plugs grip or the clamping force. I wish there was more clamping force to the plug sockets, especially the central Titan socket so it was very hard to get the plugs in and out for a more tight and solid secure fit. The clamping force could be better but this will depend on what plugs and power cables you use of course. Mine have been plugged in and out many times.

[@dilshaddealwis6543]

Been using my Isotek titan for nearly 16 years!!! Can’t do and won’t do without it!!!

[@Totalplonker]

Space is a premium for me however after integrating the wall mountable iso-tek evo3 sirius power bar into the system, the already low noise floor became even lower, and for someone like me who's ultra sensitive to RF interference, I really couldn't ask for anything more. Can't help smirking when listening to our Terry 😄

[@12rubyrose]

Excellent review and comments. I've recently replaced my Supra conditioner for the Aquarius V5 and I love the improvement. I'm interested in the cables you have used. The Aquarius comes with the premium cable. I recently tried an Optimum cable from the wall. My goodness. I can't quite understand the difference, but I know it's there, tiny sounds and perhaps movement in the soundstage, perhaps weight of the sound. I feel like there is a whole new world to understand. Cheers

[@Voidoid77]

Cheers, Terry! Yet another interesting, informative & explanatory video. Love your enthusiasm & easy-going nature; really helps when the topic of some reviews you've done deal with quite 'dry', scientific/electrical engineering type, audiophile, hi-fidelity components. All the very best from Japan. (ex-Scotland)

[@MattfromBelgium]

Great review ! Very well done and interesting , I have the titan v3 so I really appreciate someone bothered to explain the difference with the v5. Food for thoughts 😊

[@jantheuer8717]

Keith Martin and his team have always made good power filters, but what he did with the V5 generation is actually a mystery. V5 Sigmas - similar to the basic V5 Polaris, V5 Corvus, V5 Sirius or medium V5 Elektra and V5 Aquarius, and especially the top V5 Titan - offers cleaning, sharpening and clarification of your reproduction, pushing the components to their maximum performance and most importantly improvements which - judging of course only according to two different places, but still - it surpasses what we've had the opportunity to hear in the power filter segment so far. Why is it so good? Hard to say. But if you are looking for a filter that can fit three components with a larger and four with a smaller draw and that makes a big difference, then V5 Sigmas is a great solution.

[@kuntja]

Have you ever tried the Ps Audio PowerPlants? It could be an interesting comparison.

[@Grue_ni]

I own the Sigmas V5 and it improved the sound of my system so much that i imediately thought about also getting the Titan V5. I have two Audionet "AMP" monos connected to the Sigmas V5....i am curios if the Titan would lift the sound performance that much again... The Sigmas V5 together with Audioquest Monsoon Powercords was one of the best upgrade i ever made to my system...it opened the soundstage and the bass performance to another level that i didn't know my system was able to.... Great video again Terry! 👍🏻

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

With a system like that if you have the money home demo the titan v5, even with a gryphon Diablo 300 the difference was stark enough for you to appreciate it. It’s less polite and smooth but the window opens much more as I explained here. Great that you have had the same experience that I was recommending here that helps me be confident in what I am hearing and doing ;)

[@adsph]

Appreciate your take here. I have a modest system and currently have a Polaris. I may never upgrade to the needs of what you reviewed but I do enjoy learning about the products. Well done.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Hi, yes this is a review at the more extreme end which is in large part what I am trying to look at - in pursuit of perfect and all that but from a Polaris a step up to an Aquarius would be a nice move for you. The Aquarius has always been the best bang for buck product from IsoTek and I am sure the v5 would be no exception to that. You can sometimes pick up a mint ex dem unit and save so money and recoup some from selling the Polaris. That is how I have often done it over the years.

[@adsph]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem I have been looking at the Aquarius as an upgrade. Since I have other gear, mostly vintage, I would keep the Polaris. Since you have a 10 year history with Isotek your experience means a lot.

[@12rubyrose]

Exactly. That's how I do it too. Cheers.​@PursuitPerfectSystem

[@tigertiger1699]

Cheers Terry, love your channel.., unfortunately I’ve spent my coins.. have Dyn Contour 30s , MF M6DSI amp & Altair streamer… so watch fir the candy👍🙏

[@jakobgooijer]

Nice video again 👍 Your question: I own my audiorack for more 20 years ( Solidsteel with 5 shelves). And my AudioPhysics are more than 20 years but thats not fair because nothing is original anymore 😊

[@pierredoumenge]

Great video! Are these better than the Puritan Audio 156? or are they different products entirely?

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

They are definitely different that’s all I can say right now

[@johnshaw359]

It would be nice to try something from airlink-transformers, they make balanced models that can power a whole system for reasonable prices. I have a 5kva one. As you say, it removes the glass-ceiling-effect.

[@tobiasnilsson3337]

Hi, thanks for a great video and review. Have you had the opportunity to listen to Audes that use a different technique with transformers to create galvanic isolation? ST-3000 for example? One way could be to use the Audes for the high voltage and the Sigma for low voltage. And do you use a synchro between the wall socket and the titan. I assume u connect the sigma on the titans aux out? Thanks,

[@JingoLoBa57]

Oh, bummer, my comment disappeared. Let me try again. I have used a Furman 20Pfi Elite, an upgraded one (fully internally shielded), since 2014, too. But I've not pulled them out and compared out vs in. Maybe I need to do that one day, lol.

[@berj79]

@Terry Could you review the V5 Elektra? As that is budget friendly 🙂

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

I will see what I can do but there is so much scheduled in already I will do my best

[@realguyoz]

Long time no see! When did you get rid of your arcam/ kef system?

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Since January 2022 kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZm3oJmmn82YfcU

[@jamesfarrow6752]

I had an EVO 3 Aquarius (it was around 2013), which had 2 high current sockets that I used for my monoblokck amps. Out of interest, I tried a Musicworks mains block and there was a vast improvement in dynamic range. It seems that although the Isotek helped with low current devices, it was limiting the dynamic range capabilities of the monoblocks so I sold it. This is just my experience and is not intended to undermine the review.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

That is where the situation usage is likely off a little - if you tried a Titan for your mono blocks linked to the Aquarius you get the benefits of the better filtering of the Titan plus more from the amps due to how the Titan is designed - whats called direct coupling. The aquarius is for a medium sized system with a medium integrated amplifier not bigger mono amps that need constant current. Thats where the Titan shines and you can see why they have the different products. Looking at the music works product it seems like a straight forward mains block not really any different to plugging into the wall except for adding extra outlets so its not doing anything to reduce mains noise except the star earth. I could be wrong not an expert here just saying it as I see it as the difference

[@jamesfarrow6752]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem Thanks, Terry. I’m certainly no expert when it comes to the science behind mains conditioners and blocks. That said, I really like the Musicworks blocks, so much so that I went from the G3 to the G4 then to the G5. I was able to loan them beforehand and I was really surprised how much of an improvement there is between the G4 and G5. The monoblocks were used with the G3 and G4 but I changed to a single power amp before moving from the G4 to the G5. The Monoblocks and the two subsequent power amp upgrades are all class A, which I believe makes them quite power hungry. Musicworks use a material called Peek, which apparently has an impact on the sound.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Yeah power hungry class a mono blocks the Aquarius wont be designed for that, that is what the Titan is defo for but if you found a solution that you love then that is what matters most

[@Knockitoffkev]

Hi Terry, I know you have talked and demonstrated Audioquest in the past. Maybe the video answers the question but I wanted to know if you liked lsotek better than Audioquest. I do have Audioquest power management systems currently just wanted to hear your thoughts.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

I had a period of about a month with an Audioquest and it seemed good, but 10 years with IsoTek - the new V5 stuff is great, V3 is still very good

[@Grue_ni]

Was ist den eigentlich besser, ein Power conditioner oder ein Sinus wave regenerator?

[@brettketteringham4826]

If you all did a bit of research.. you would see that upgrading your direct power supply from the Henley blocks with a dedicated consumer unit with its own earth / ground spikes , virtually eliminates the need for power conditioning. You have to go big cable wise ,but is the best upgrade for any good Hifi.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

I installed a dedicated mains ring with a dedicated consumer unit just for the hifi about 10 years ago, I didn’t do a ground spike, but these products still make the difference explained in the video

[@brettketteringham4826]

Thanks for the reply, do enjoy your videos, I’m sure that they do a great job a for 99% of people they will be great. But your missing a massive opportunity to get the absolute most out of any component you test if your on a ring an don’t have dedicated gourd. You won’t believe the results you can achieve. Single runs to a single socket with its own breaker are a must. An an absolute min 10mm to the cu. That’s just the start ..

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Yeah I investigated the ground rod at the time but there was conflicting information with some people saying you can create a worse situation because you can create 2 paths to ground and ideally you want just one. I have been exploring the puritan labs ground products but it’s early days with that. I think ground is very important how can it not be

[@brettketteringham4826]

Some people are definitely mistaken, if you go directly from the Henley blocks, to a dedicated cu , with two core there’s no possibility of a ground loop. But you have to have everything on that cu hifi related. I have 5 spikes and know a few who do , I was lucky to meet a retired electrical engineer who has done a lot of research over decades, his knowledge and research is free .. an invaluable..

[@TheBlackIdentety]

Would be nice if you could review the New Sonus Faber Sonetto G2-s. The VIII or the V tower speakers with their new mid range. I'd love to hear your opinion on them. You always explain the sound of speakers and AMPs well. Thank you!

[@Rockapotamus91]

did you pay for these yourself or were they provided by isotek?

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

I said in the video they were sent to me to review, I bought the originals and more I talked about as the history of the review

[@tigertiger1699]

🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@venus263]

Hmmm, compared with Audioquest niagara 7000 and PS Audio P20, would be an eye opener. Since you've had all these in your system, what's your conclusion? 😊😊

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

I have never had a ps audio audio in the system only their dacs and the niagara I did really like that but that was a long time ago and so much has changed in my room since then I can’t use that as any reference. I think they can all be very good and will have pros and cons like everything does

[@venus263]

I have the ISOL-8 Minisub Axis (4 low/Med current output plus 2 high current output), which I am still using. Does it mean that I'll have to buy both the Titan and the V5 Sigma in order to feel the difference in sound 🤔 😉?

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

I dont really know the ISOl-8 product range, you could try the Sigmas on its own to see how you get on? You could try the Titan for your high current devices and see how that compares - few different ways to go here I feel to see if there is mileage in the upgrade. I think if your using a Titan and a Sigmas they will work better linked together rather than from separate mains sockets. I made that mistake with the EVO 3 range for a long time before I realised.

[@nowlistenherehifi]

ISOL-8 is great stuff. The owner/lead designer Poulson used to do the design work for IsoTek.

[@wetcat833]

That's what Isotek say about adding one of their basic power boards. Adding a Titan should be chalk and cheese for the price. Diminishing returns on steroids.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

The basic power boards make some difference yes but not like a titan it’s a big difference maker device but it’s all words, easiest way is try one out

[@wetcat833]

@ Every positive review I've seen of the higher cost products, the reviewers are "A"ing and "B"ing between straight out of the wall and through a conditioner and then describing nuances. To me, this relegates the power boards to nothing more than expensive surge protectors. Yet they describe the sound difference with the same words as the Titan. For the cost of the Titan it would have to REALLY be day and night. I have a $A60,000 system so it's not that I'm tight but I would need a Titan and an Aquarius to power it. I cannot believe that I would see that much improvement per dollar invested. No retailer would ever give me one to try at home on my system because they know that they won't make a sale. Isotek should have a loan division that would allow people like me to try their products if they really stood behind their claims. They would make more sales if it really was that good.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Dealers should lend them to you, it should not make a difference what system level you have you have to try these things out the same as any piece of hifi. I did all my testing on big expensive amplifiers like Gryphons and Bryston, because Gryphon tell you dont plug into a conditioner plug into the wall - I compared the wall to the Titan and it was better off the Titan that is all I needed to know. That was the EVO3 version. I dont need to try and sell them to you I dont get anything out of it. I normally suggest peopl;e try them for a week or two and them take them out of the system and do you miss them and by how much.

[@wetcat833]

@ Don't get me wrong, I'm not accusing you of doing a hard sell. Just that this kind of product is a very difficult component to justify at the price level. That sort of money would buy a high end DAC or quality speakers that would truly improve the quality of many peoples Hifis. Power supplies are, in my opinion, the finishing touch to a completed, end game hifi. I feel that manufacturers know this and are preying on enthusiast's reluctance to stop spending in the hope of squeezing out the last bit of fidelity. These things are way overpriced for what they are. I can't help think that some percentage of the "improvement " is placebo effect to ward off buyers regret. I have no doubt that they make an improvement but they would need to retail for half the going price, regardless of my bank balance.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

If you have not tried one I can see why you can have that mindset.I remebmer about 15 years ago I used to argue with people about the benefits of linear power supplies in computer based music servers as I was one of the first in the world to be doing it. Now nearly every music server / streamer uses one sometimes several. All of the sceptics 15 years ago are not sceptics now they have experienced the difference for themself. The same with all digital sources they do not sound the same even thought its all the same 1&0's. I was a sceptic too before I bought my first Titan back a long time go. Today they are a pain for me to use as I have to have extra rack space and extra cables and I am constantly pulling the system around to change stuff. I still think its worth the effort . In. the old days of this channel I would move the Nova from the hifi to the home cinema setup before watching a movie or listening to music as I wanted the best experience. This is all no bullshit, they do get you like that. Some is psychological for sure but some is not. They are expensive units these days though, I do appreciate that, which is why I suggest trying them out living with them for a period of time and then taking them away. Do you miss them as much as they will cost you. That is the marker of whether they are worth the money to you or not. EDIT - also the new Sigmas is really very good and you might not need a Titan and another unit, maybe the Sigmas on its own is enough and maybe that would be an easier initial home demo

[@pc750-V4]

Interesting to hear your experience. I do wonder where the usual snake oil shouting posters are... Have you found a way keeping them quiet? Unless you're feeding the comments through the conditioners 😂

[@joecartwright9221]

Power conditioners

[@gaztop222]

Someone who gets sent free equipment tells us how great it is and no comparisons with similar products..Yawn

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

I did a comparison with the products I had here the EVO3 range, there are thousands of owners out there of these products, maybe 10's thousands - which is why my review and conclusion was solely based around the differences between the original Titan and Nova and the EVO3 range and the new V5 -products I have bought lived with and tested over 10 years. I didn't say "great" or use any words like that, I explained what the differences were and what the products do. Go test them for yourself you will get the same result I describe here. That is THE DEFINITION of a GOOD REVIEW.

[@yc-tai]

Nearly £5000, ur having laugh...