In the 1990s, the idea of an AC power conditioner feeding a stereo system was about the same as adding syrup to pancakes: a nice but unnecessary sweetener.
Few people thought of power conditioners, and later AC regenerators, as being essential elements in a high-end chain. In fact, even as late as the early 2000s, most audio systems didn't pay any attention to the quality of AC power feeding gear or the benefits of protection from surges and spikes.
Today, we've come to accept the idea that everything we hear in our systems starts out as raw AC—and the better and safer that source the closer we can get to the music we wish to reproduce in the home.
It takes a long time for a new concept to get accepted into the fold. Just think back to when no one batted an eye at using lamp cord for speaker cables.
I still like maple syrup on my pancakes, but instead of an afterthought or something nice to have, I find it an essential ingredient.
