Question about my first power conditioner

Pycroft
Pycroft Posts: 1,960
edited June 2010 in Basic Hookup/Wiring Questions
I purchased this from Russ: http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=101656. It was hopefully shipped already will probably arrive soon. I have two setups - a home theatre that's located in the living room and my 2 channel that's in my man cave in the basement (See my signature for the gear). I'm not sure which would benefit more from the power conditioner. The one big question is related to the 2 channel setup. My basement does not have a lot of power outlets, and none near my speakers. I actually run a 3 prong extension chord that all my gear is plugged into now - no surge protector - nothing. The upstairs gear is plugged into a 6 outlet surge protector. Is it bad to plug a surge protector like the one linked into an extension chord, and then plug my gear into the surge protector? Thanks for any help or advice you can give.

James
2 Channel/HT:
Sony SS-M9 P's (ES version)
Sony SS-M1CN Center Channel
Polk RT800 Surround Speakers
Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono Amplifiers
TAD 150 Signature Tube Preamp
Harman Kardon HK354
Sony SACD Player
Post edited by Pycroft on
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Comments

  • Pycroft
    Pycroft Posts: 1,960
    edited May 2010
    Bump...

    Nobody?? :)

    James
    2 Channel/HT:
    Sony SS-M9 P's (ES version)
    Sony SS-M1CN Center Channel
    Polk RT800 Surround Speakers
    Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono Amplifiers
    TAD 150 Signature Tube Preamp
    Harman Kardon HK354
    Sony SACD Player
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  • Echosphere
    Echosphere Posts: 395
    edited May 2010
    That should be fine as long as the extension cord is of high quality and not too long a run. To be honest, most surge protectors really can't help in a severe power surge situation such as a lightning strike.

    Sound like you're going to take that downstairs to use in your 2 channel and put the Monster upstairs? That's what I would do.

    Also, I would see if you can elevate that surge protector and ext a foot or so off the ground in case you have a flood down there.

    Cheers
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  • dane_peterson
    dane_peterson Posts: 1,903
    edited May 2010
    Make sure the amps of the extension cord match that of the surge protector, and you should be fine.

    P.S. Nice buy there. I owned the same one, and it worked flawlessly for me.
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  • Pycroft
    Pycroft Posts: 1,960
    edited May 2010
    I'm not sure what you ena by, "Make sure the amps of the extension cord matched the surge protector". What has to match? I'm guessing your not talking about the color :)

    James
    2 Channel/HT:
    Sony SS-M9 P's (ES version)
    Sony SS-M1CN Center Channel
    Polk RT800 Surround Speakers
    Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono Amplifiers
    TAD 150 Signature Tube Preamp
    Harman Kardon HK354
    Sony SACD Player
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  • Echosphere
    Echosphere Posts: 395
    edited May 2010
    Pycroft wrote: »
    I'm not sure what you ena by, "Make sure the amps of the extension cord matched the surge protector". What has to match? I'm guessing your not talking about the color :)

    James

    I think dane is referring to the max load capacity of the cable?

    Just go to Home Depot and get that orange thick cable. That should be just fine.

    He's just watching out for you to lessen the chance of frying your gear. :)
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  • Pycroft
    Pycroft Posts: 1,960
    edited June 2010
    Hi all...

    I was VERY lucky to pick up a second Monster HTS3500 - this time a MKII, and for only 50 bucks - new in box. A woman won it at work and had no use for it. So, is one of these - the HTS 3500, and the HTS3500 MKii, better for 2 channel or HT? I have the 3500 hooked up to my home theatre now, and am wondering which should be with which setup. Also, is there any problems with putting the HTS3500 (Either one) on the rug - it seems like it doesn't heat up at all - or is it a problem?
    Thanks,

    James
    2 Channel/HT:
    Sony SS-M9 P's (ES version)
    Sony SS-M1CN Center Channel
    Polk RT800 Surround Speakers
    Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono Amplifiers
    TAD 150 Signature Tube Preamp
    Harman Kardon HK354
    Sony SACD Player
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,203
    edited June 2010
    I've read several people have stated the Monster HTS series actually makes your gear sound worse than not using it. Set it up, listen to a lot of familiar tunes and decide if it works with your gear.

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • Pycroft
    Pycroft Posts: 1,960
    edited June 2010
    I'm using it for protection, and didn't think it would affect the sound that much. I will listen closely. Just powered it up with it in.

    James
    2 Channel/HT:
    Sony SS-M9 P's (ES version)
    Sony SS-M1CN Center Channel
    Polk RT800 Surround Speakers
    Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono Amplifiers
    TAD 150 Signature Tube Preamp
    Harman Kardon HK354
    Sony SACD Player
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,203
    edited June 2010
    Some power conditioners affect the sound by varying degrees, some don't. Not trying to rain on your parade, but it seems to be a real phenomenon. I have no issues with my APC power cond., but I took about a month to evaluate it to make sure it wasn't affecting anything.

    Just something to be aware of.

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited June 2010
    Good point....there are some cases where no conditioning is necessary or where conditioners only foul things up--as with some amps that are designed with their own protection circuitry and where the power is pretty 'clean' to begin with. This has pretty much been my experience so far.

    Man, James, you are 'really' on a 'quest' there...moving through item upgrades at light speed...almost reminds me of the various Bazaars I've seen on this side of the Pacific! You also seem quite good at it. I know you're a music educator and singer/conductor...but have you ever considered a side career in merchandising? lol

    Enjoy experimenting with the new piece!

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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