Tice

[The Sandman]

I've been using my Tice Powerblock, Titan, and Microblock power conditioners since the early 90's. Does anybody know how they stack up to the power conditioners / regererators available today?

The Power Block

It is said to be actually designed for audio use only. It is a hefty 60 pounds custom-built power line conditioner/isolation transformer with a rated capacity of 15 amps. It incorporates a unique feed forward and feedback within the transformer design.

A design which is phased corrected, I.e. the user may correct for high and low voltage conditions that will enable the use of high voltage power amplifiers. The unit has no power on switch suggesting it be operated continually. All audio components may be plugged via the six 15 amp rated AC outlets provided on the rear of the Power Block. The outlets are fused with a 15 amp replaceable dual-element fuse.

On the front panel is an illuminated AC voltmeter and two numbered two-way rocker switches. These will select the different combinations of primary and secondary transformer windings to suit your system configuration.

Unlike most isolation transformers and conditioners the Power Block's housing is made of ABS-plastic which is further reinforced with aluminium braces at its joints. The actual transformer is situated in the middle and seated on special rubber feet to minimize vibrations. Twelve gauge wiring is employed throughout the innards with two 3/3 uf polypropylene capacitors to correct for out-of-phase current use.

The Titan

An integral part of the Power Block, the Titan is also a 60 pound companion unit for use within the system. It is meant to be plugged into the rear of the Power Block and functions together to form a transient AC energy storage and conditioning system. It is similar in design save for all the switches but different in function. In conjunction with the Power Block it will aid with more momentary current delivery power capable up to 20 amperes.

[AudioNut]

Unfortunately the Tice units do not compare favorably with more modern power conditioners. I owned two sets of Power Block/Titan units, a couple of Micro Blocks and a Tice Clock.

Sold all but the clock in 2005 - and my son still uses it for a very expensive alarm clock (TPT treated, of course)

Try unplugging your equipment from the Tice units and plugging them into the wall and see if the Tice is really improving the sound. It did not on my equipment.

If you do sell the Tice units, be very careful in your packing. The transformers tend to break loose from the base during shipping

Here is a picture of one of my sets.



Tice power block-125.jpg

[The Sandman]

Originally Posted by jprice

Unfortunately the Tice units do not compare favorably with more modern power conditioners. I owned two sets of Power Block/Titan units, a couple of Micro Blocks and a Tice Clock.

Sold all but the clock in 2005 - and my son still uses it for a very expensive alarm clock (TPT treated, of course)

Try unplugging your equipment from the Tice units and plugging them into the wall and see if the Tice is really improving the sound. It was not on my equipment.

The Tice clock... that was Tice's downfall IIRC.

I'll do as you suggest regarding listening without the Tice Equipment. Back in the day my dealer, Frank from Audio Outlet, sent me the Power Block and Titan for an audition. At the time I heard a significant improvement in sound (else I wouldn't have kept them).

[DesW]

Originally Posted by The Sandman

The Tice clock... that was Tice's downfall IIRC.

I'll do as you suggest regarding listening without the Tice Equipment. Back in the day my dealer, Frank from Audio Outlet, sent me the Power Block and Titan for an audition. At the time I heard a significant improvement in sound (else I wouldn't have kept them).

Ha, Blast from the past! I too owned the Full Monty Tice setup and YES I still have the damn Clock--what is /was it supposed to do I forgot--did it spawn
Geoff Kaits "Clever little Clock"?

Funny, I remember when meeting Mrs Tice ( I presume)--she had nice legs!

Des

[Myles B. Astor]

Originally Posted by DesW

Ha, Blast from the past! I too owned the Full Monty Tice setup and YES I still have the damn Clock--what is /was it supposed to do I forgot--did it spawn
Geoff Kaits "Clever little Clock"?

Funny, I remember when meeting Mrs Tice ( I presume)--she had nice legs!

Des

Francine.

Last I heard they were living in Fl

[Myles B. Astor]

I agree with Julian--and I reviewed and liked the original PB/Titan for Sounds Like...back in the day. Now back then, I don't think audio designers were as saavy about the quality of AC fed to their equipment. But in the intervening years, designers have caught up and redesigned their power supplies to deal with some of these problems.

That isn't to say that PLCs don't work on todays gear--but I've found quite a few where the cure is worse than the disease.

A couple years back, I tried my Tice PB/Titan again and was kinda shocked to hear how colored it was Dark, a bit of thickening in the upper ass and a little rolled off in the upper octaves were among several things that I noticed.