Power Conditioner?

[ibewbrother]

Hey all...

Is a power conditioner a good idea for my ht rig? I have everything on a $30 surge protector, but read something about them. I looked at some Furman products, and saw some that looked ok. Is it worth the $100 to $150 price?
What should i look for as far as features? And should I install a separate circuit just for the conditioner?

As always, any thoughts would be appreciated.....

Thank You in advance.....


....Brother

[jojomgee]

i like pert plus....lol

[digitalvideo]

Make sure you look for a power conditioner/surge suppressor that is UL rated and posts the UL certificate seal and it's UL 1449 Adjunct Classification Test Results. Federal Guidelines: Grade A, Class 1, Mode 1. If a company doesn't post it's UL test results and doesn't have a UL seal than avoid it.

Do NOT buy power conditioners from stores like Best Buy, Walmart, those models are MOV's and use ground. You want to find a conditioner that doesn't use ground and is not an MOV.

A well respected company is SurgeX, look into their 'Residential' series. SurgeX models are used through out new Dallas Cowboys Stadium, new Yankee Stadium. The SurgeX model I own (SurgeX XR315) is used in Carnegie Hall.

http://www.listentech.com/blog/Dallas-Cowboys-Stadium-Spotlights-Listen/

http://resmagonline.com/blog/36674.aspx

http://www.surgex.com/media/index.html

http://surgex.com/

This explains in detail:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1046031&page=4

[digitalvideo]

Also, contact SurgeX with an email and tell them specifically your HT setup and what amp outlet you're running it off of. They'll most likely ask if it's a 15 amp or 20 amp.

[digitalvideo]

My neighbor works for National Grid in Massachusetts and has over 20 years experience in commercial and residential. He set up my house and did a great job.

Other excellent industry respected companies that are higher end are Exact Power, Furman Reference Series, Richard Gray Power. But, before you go to that much expense I'd add two 20 amp outlets (1 for the HT amp, 1 for everything else). Then add a whole house surge protector for about $400. Then use two SurgeX amp units for each outlet.

In my opinion you'd be much better adding the outlets, whole house protection and decent SurgeX units than one high end unit. You could use any of the high end units listed above instead of the SurgeX if you prefer.

If you add outlets makes sure both are on the same phase.

[Lasareath]

Get what I have, A Power Regenerator!

[phuz]

I'm a fan of both Panamax and Equitech.

[mantis]

Panamax , Furman (sorta the same company today) and APC is who I trust. Adding a Surge protector to ones system is smart. I will never go without one. You can and risk your system.

[Sherardp]

Panamax is pretty good for the buck, check Audiogon for some excellent deals out there.

Not sure what the heck "pert plus" has to do with a power conditioner, but a tad better input would be nice.

[BizmanJoe]

Also, contact SurgeX with an email and tell them specifically your HT setup and what amp outlet you're running it off of. They'll most likely ask if it's a 15 amp or 20 amp.

SurgeX is a genuine power conditioner/surge protector, unlike MOV-based types such as Monster, Panamax and Furman. As a matter of fact, I have an unused, new SurgeX SX1120-RT that I purchased, but will not be using because I recently got a hold of a Tice Power Block that I've been salivating over. Anyone interested in a new SurgeX unit at a discount? They typically sell for around $450 - $500 on the web.

[BizmanJoe]

Hey all...

Is a power conditioner a good idea for my ht rig? I have everything on a $30 surge protector, but read something about them. I looked at some Furman products, and saw some that looked ok. Is it worth the $100 to $150 price?
What should i look for as far as features? And should I install a separate circuit just for the conditioner?

As always, any thoughts would be appreciated.....

Thank You in advance.....


....Brother

Uhhh, I'd highly suggest you invest some time researching the difference between series and parallel wired surge protectors, as well as the pros and cons of the common MOV-type variety (Monster, Panamax, Furman, APC, for example) and the non- MOV types such as SurgeX, Tice (old school), PS Audio, Richard Gray, for example... My suggestion: Go with the non-MOV!!!!

[thsmith]

^^^ reported

[Polkie2009]

I've been looking into the SurgeX units too, mainly the SX1115 line. From the reviews I've read,they are supposed to be pretty well made and do their job.

[digitalvideo]

[QUOTE=Polkie2009;1322938]I've been looking into the SurgeX units too, mainly the SX1115 line. From the reviews I've read,they are supposed to be pretty well made and do their job.[/QUOTES]

SurgeX is the best conditioner/surge suppressor I ever owned and only one I would trust for my setup.

I thought about their SX1115 line too but it's not for residential use. Before I bought my SurgeX I too was interested in the SX1115 line and I contacted them and they told me that for home theater the SurgeX XR315 is better for home and will do a better job for HT. It also matters what wall outlet amp you're running your system off of, the model depends if it's a 15 amp or 20 amp outlet. I'm running mine off a 15 amp outlet. Make sure you contact SurgeX and tell them your specific HT setup and what amp outlet it is.

SurgeX Residential:

http://surgex.com/residential/index.html

[phuz]

Uhhh, I'd highly suggest you invest some time researching the difference between series and parallel wired surge protectors, as well as the pros and cons of the common MOV-type variety (Monster, Panamax, Furman, APC, for example) and the non- MOV types such as SurgeX, Tice (old school), PS Audio, Richard Gray, for example... My suggestion: Go with the non-MOV!!!!

Why don't you enlighten us?

[Face]

Sound quality.

[thsmith]

I am using the Cyberpower in my sig. DOuble conversion and 0 transfer time. I like it so far. My tube pre is sensitive to voltage drops like when AC motors in the house come on. The CP has resolved that problem.

[Polkie2009]

Thanks for the info digitalvideo, I'll direct my search for the XR315. I see a lot of the used SX1115's for sale and just figured people had used them for a HT application.

[Krazyz1]

For HT I like APC. For audio I like A.R.T. PRO units with APF filtering.

[Toolfan66]

Right now I have a Monster PC in my HT, a Monster PC in our bedroom for our Plasma TV, a APC in the family room for our LCD TV, and a Panamax 5500 in my 2 channel rig.

All 4 seem to be doing their job just fine. a Power Conditioner is a must with a flat screen TV not only for protection but for Picture Quality, when you get a nice Power Conditioner you will be amazed at the PQ, you will fill like you just got a new TV..

[Face]

Larry, try plugging your amps directly into the wall and let me know if you hear a difference.