Power Conditioner.

PerfectCreature
PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
edited May 2010 in Basic Hookup/Wiring Questions
I was looking around and found something that really eluded me per se'
Power Conditioners.
I want to know how recommended they are I mean I consider my stuff to be pretty high quality given I have spend almost $1000 for all my stereo stuff.
I was talking to a friend and he recommended a power conditioner.
I guess my question is are they needed or useful?
I would be running a a PSW 505 and a an HK 3490 off of the power conditioner if I got one....
Which one should I get and what exactly does it do? All I see is that it is an extremely expensive surge protector...
SO...
What is it?
Do I need one?
If so...which one do I want?... (I am running low on cash...so I want it budget friendly)

Thanks... Sorry to be asking these seemly obvious questions all the time...
Receiver
Harman Kardon HK 3490
Speakers
Polk Audio Monitor 50s
Subwoofer
Klipsch KSW-100
Cables
AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

Alienware X51 R2
PS4
Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
Post edited by PerfectCreature on
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Comments

  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,329
    edited May 2010
    Well I have one in every system in my house... That should help you right there.

    Hooking up a Power Conditioner was like getting a new TV and stereo system it cleaned everything up.. The picture quality with a PC is fantastic especially with a Plasma TV.

    What is budget frendly? I was lucky enough to get 2 of them here in the FM. PAID $180 for both of them...
    Polk Audio SDA 2.3tl Fully Hot Rodded. 😎

    SVS SB16 X2

    Cary SLP-05/Ultimate Upgrade.
    Cary SA-500.1 ES Amps
    Cary DMS 800PV Network
    OPPO UDP 205/ModWright Modification
    VPI Scout TT / Dynavector 20x2
    Jolida JD9 Fully Modified

    VPI MW-1 Cyclone RCM

    MIT Shotgun 3 cables throughout / Except TT, and PC’s
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited May 2010
    Well. I mean I have seen them at crutchfield...they wanted 50 just for one for my subwoofer then...like 120 for one for my amp and stuff...
    I don't know that seems just so expensive....
    I mean...I don't know... I have spent so much already... another $180 seems quite a lot...
    I mean are they really that good?
    Worth dropping basically a whole paycheck for me on? I only make like 140-180 a week...so...
    I dunno.
    Any advice on some cheaper ones that will work and do the job without spending like $200?
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
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  • 30PlusRetlaw
    30PlusRetlaw Posts: 22
    edited May 2010
    go to google, type "power conditioners" when you get the response, on top of the page, hit the "shopping" link and lots of links will come up. example

    http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=power+conditioners&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&show=dd&cid=15869531670695037997&ei=t_PdS4rOCI_uxAW8xvG1Dg&sa=title&ved=0CAcQ8wIwADgK#p

    Now, I don't know how good this is, but have 8 outlets on the back.
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited May 2010
    I talked to my uncle he said since I have only like 900 in equipment it would be ok just use power strips and get nothing fancy I mean unless someone has a cheap one that works well they could sell...I will probably not get one...
    I mean unless people recommend it other wise.
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited May 2010
    You know what I use in my hardcore, super audiophile rig? A $100 PS Audio power strip from 2005. YMMV. I bought it because I just needed one more outlet and its a very nice product. What I had in my extras box was obnoxiously white, the switch flipped too easily....and it was $0.99....I can't be having that.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited May 2010
    Yeah...I mean I have seen them for $100 but still....for a power strip?
    I don't know....
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited May 2010
    I think it's a nominal price to pay for a quality product, with very tight hospital grade outlets, a detacheable IEC, solid build, stamped steel body(no plastic), etc. I have all kinds of cool bullets if I stare at it long enough while smoking on the porch.

    Buy what you want...it was $100 well spent to me, it's your rig not mine.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited May 2010
    Yeah...I mean maybe in the future if one pops up I may buy one...
    I mean... right now I just don't have the money...
    It is something new to consider...another thing to add to my audio knowledge.
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited May 2010
    I understand and competely agree. I wouldn't worry about it right now, just turn it up and make Pops angry. You could say you won't turn it down until he buys one you know?

    I suggest unplugging it when not in use for the time being. You spent a lot of time in that setup so far it appears, don't let a spike ruin it, let alone a thunderstorm. Enjoy....don't overthink.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • TECHNOKID
    TECHNOKID Posts: 4,298
    edited May 2010
    PerfectCreature wrote: »
    Yeah...I mean I have seen them for $100 but still....for a power strip?
    I don't know....
    OK PC;

    1. You are not talking about a simple power strip! You are talking about protecting your gear. 1K worth of equipment is not a lot of money when talking audio gear but that money is a BIG amount for you, right?
    2. Power conditionner is just a fancy name to justify getting more $$$ from you! The only time you need power conditioner is when you actually have constant power problems and this is NOT the size of a power bar, has dedicated power circuitry and filtering and it cost money.
    3. If you do not have major power problems, what you want to look for is surge arrest-protection. Look for a good (recognised) brand (IE: APC) without paying for a brand name (IE: Mon$ter).

    You do not have to pay 100$, you can get some for less, check your discount stores. This is just like gear, sometime end of lines, needing room for new product can save you a lot of money. What you need to make sure is guarantee against lightning and surge protection. IE: some like 25K$ of gear warranty would cost you in the area of 50$ but like I said your discount store could get you a better deal. The more outlets, the greater the cost. Now, you have PS3, you want to buy a CD player, amp, TV??, computer?? Every pieces of your system should be protected (trick: pieces that require low power can be connected to a power bar which is connected to the APC).
    Well I have one in every system in my house... That should help you right there.
    Same here! I buy smaller one but I make sure bedroom rig has one, living room rig has one and the HT has multiple... Even my portable rig has one!

    I can't recall exactly what year we had the ice storm in Quebec but I can recall making good $$$ fixing gear were people plug their gear into straight AC (I was operating my own repair shop then)! Think about this, can you afford to blow your gear and buy it again??? How often you read about subwoofer amp blowned, I am convinced at least half of those damages would have been avoided if a simple surge protection was used!!!

    Cheers!
    TK
    DARE TO SOAR:
    “Your attitude, almost always determine your altitude in life” ;)
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited May 2010
    Yeah I have surge protectors on everything I run.
    I am not about to do a strait plug. No way. So I mean I do run protection...how good...no clue... I just know that I have surge protectors...
    Now...your advice is to just unplug them at night? or just turn off the suge protectors?
    Just curious....
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
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  • FTGV
    FTGV Posts: 3,649
    edited May 2010
    PerfectCreature wrote: »
    Yeah I have surge protectors on everything I run.
    I am not about to do a strait plug. No way. So I mean I do run protection...how good...no clue... I just know that I have surge protectors...
    Now...your advice is to just unplug them at night? or just turn off the suge protectors?
    Just curious....

    If you are in a geographical region that gets severe thunderstorms the only safe bet is to unplug your equipment.A simple MOV eqippped power bar will not protect your components in the event of a direct lightning strike.
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  • TECHNOKID
    TECHNOKID Posts: 4,298
    edited May 2010
    PerfectCreature wrote: »
    Yeah I have surge protectors on everything I run.
    I am not about to do a strait plug. No way. So I mean I do run protection...how good...no clue... I just know that I have surge protectors...
    Now...your advice is to just unplug them at night? or just turn off the suge protectors?
    Just curious....
    As I pointed out, a good surge protector will guarantee the gear that is plugged into it. If they do not guarantee that nothing will happend to your gear, don't expect great protection! No, I don't unplug my gear at night! The only reason I would unplug my gear is if I go away for a long time and the place is unattended. Don't forget most newer gear need power (even when off) to safeguard the memory content (you do not want to reprogram everything each and every time you use your gear, right?)
    DARE TO SOAR:
    “Your attitude, almost always determine your altitude in life” ;)
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  • Conradicles
    Conradicles Posts: 6,119
    edited May 2010
    PerfectCreature wrote: »
    Any advice on some cheaper ones

    I am in the process of buying a new one, and if you hang tight you can have my old one for free. That should fit your budget.:)
    Peace,
    Eric.
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited May 2010
    Conradicles-Wow...thanks. That would be nice. I appreciate it.
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
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  • doctorcilantro
    doctorcilantro Posts: 2,028
    edited May 2010
    Cost effective are the Brickwall units; non-MOV. I used for years in Tampa.
    For Sale 2019:
    Tortuga Audio LDR passive preamp
    Decware EL34 amp
    Allnic H-1201 phono
    Zu Union Cubes
    iFi iDSD DAC, .5m UBS, iFI Gemini cable, Oyaide Tunami XLR 1.3M, Oyaide Tunami Speaker wire 1.5M, Beyerdynamic DT1990 headphones, PS Audio P3 power center

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  • samnor
    samnor Posts: 155
    edited May 2010
    anybody tried out this particular brand: ART PS4X4 ... its about 100$ claims to handle 1800watts and has a volt and ammeter so you can keep track of the exact amperage right before the circuit breaker trips :-) seems to be used for gigs,concerts etc... I dont know how much "cleaning" or filtering its capable off given concerts need more distortion than anything else...
    Fronts: Wharfedale diamond 9.6
    Sub: Wharfedale sw250
    Rears: Wharfedale diamond 9.1
    Center: Paradigm cc-350
    Pre-amp: Oppo dv981hd
    Amp for fronts: Parasound hca-1500a
    Amp for rears: Adcom gfa-5400
    Amp for center: Marantz MA500 monoblock
    Polk multimedia speakers for PC setup
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited May 2010
    samnor wrote: »
    anybody tried out this particular brand: ART PS4X4 ... its about 100$ claims to handle 1800watts and has a volt and ammeter so you can keep track of the exact amperage right before the circuit breaker trips :-) seems to be used for gigs,concerts etc... I dont know how much "cleaning" or filtering its capable off given concerts need more distortion than anything else...

    You have to look at the joules rating man.
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter