Belkin PureAV PF60 power conditoner

steveinaz
steveinaz Posts: 19,538
edited April 2014 in Electronics
Received this unit last night from Amazon. It was on sale for $124.99/free shipping. It has 6 banks consisting of 2 outlets each; 2 digital banks (4 outlets), 1 Video bank, 2 Audio banks, 1 power amp bank. I opted to plug my amplifier directly to the wall as it is 60 amp capable. There's also an accessory outlet on the front, tied to bank 1. All outlets are selectable for unswitched/switched, delay & delay time.

The unit is very nicely built, about 14lbs and quite deep. The front display shows voltage, amperage, a status of your wiring (check mark for proper wiring) and a status of ground. The display is dimmable to almost completely off, to bright; with about 8 steps of adjustment.

Very please with the build quality and functionality. I *think* I have noticd an improvement with my 58" plasma, as contrast/brightness seem "better." This could be placebo, so take it with a grain of salt. As far as improvements audio-wise, I don't know---my system was already very quiet. The unit certainly doesn't add any noise, that's for sure.

In 2006, this thing retailed for $750!
Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
Post edited by steveinaz on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
«1

Comments

  • rooftop59
    rooftop59 Posts: 8,121
    edited March 2012
    Thanks for the quick write-up Steve. I have the little brother, the PF30, and am very happy with it but have wondered if it would be worth it to upgrade. The biggest advantage it seems would be the option for switched and unswitched outlets and the delay time. Tempting...
    Living Room 2.2: Usher BE-718 "tiny dancers"; Dual DIY Dayton audio RSS210HF-4 Subs with Dayton SPA-250 amps; Arcam SA30; Musical Fidelity A308; Sony UBP-x1000es
    Game Room 5.1.4:     Denon AVR-X4200w; Sony UBP-x700; Definitive Technology Power Monitor 900 mains, CLR-3000 center, StudioMonitor 350 surrounds, ProMonitor 800 atmos x4; Sub - Monoprice Monolith 15in THX Ultra
    Bedroom 2.1     Harmon Kardon HK3490; Bluesounds Node N130; Polk RT25i; ACI Titan Subwoofer
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited March 2012
    I really like the switched/unswitched feature, as I run all my stuff unswitched. I think you'll be pleased. The main power cable appears to be either 10 or 12 ga wire.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • polkatese
    polkatese Posts: 6,767
    edited March 2012
    Good review Steve. It's amazing to think that a $750 gear can be sold profitably at $125, makes one wonder what is the real cost to build it (i.e. the bill of materials of the components). So, to think that a Macintosh or ML that actually (perhaps) cost $1K to manufacture and sold at $5K plus. I am speculating here..but the question is, what is a reasonable margin on any CE products having read Sony lost billions on their LCD or RPTV sales.
    I am sorry, I have no opinion on the matter. I am sure you do. So, don't mind me, I just want to talk audio and pie.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,165
    edited March 2012
    polkatese wrote: »
    Good review Steve. It's amazing to think that a $750 gear can be sold profitably at $125, makes one wonder what is the real cost to build it (i.e. the bill of materials of the components). So, to think that a Macintosh or ML that actually (perhaps) cost $1K to manufacture and sold at $5K plus. I am speculating here..but the question is, what is a reasonable margin on any CE products having read Sony lost billions on their LCD or RPTV sales.

    Rotel rebadged an APC H15. Exact same unit with a slightly different fascia. The Rotel retailed for $599 and the APC $399. Identical unit.

    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!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • tommyt21
    tommyt21 Posts: 685
    edited March 2012
    steveinaz wrote: »
    Received this unit last night from Amazon. It was on sale for $124.99/free shipping. It has 6 banks consisting of 2 outlets each; 2 digital banks (4 outlets), 1 Video bank, 2 Audio banks, 1 power amp bank. I opted to plug my amplifier directly to the wall as it is 60 amp capable. There's also an accessory outlet on the front, tied to bank 1. All outlets are selectable for unswitched/switched, delay & delay time.

    The unit is very nicely built, about 14lbs and quite deep. The front display shows voltage, amperage, a status of your wiring (check mark for proper wiring) and a status of ground. The display is dimmable to almost completely off, to bright; with about 8 steps of adjustment.

    Very please with the build quality and functionality. I *think* I have noticd an improvement with my 58" plasma, as contrast/brightness seem "better." This could be placebo, so take it with a grain of salt. As far as improvements audio-wise, I don't know---my system was already very quiet. The unit certainly doesn't add any noise, that's for sure.

    In 2006, this thing retailed for $750!

    I was a lucky one also to pick this bad boy up on Steve's good shopping skills. I love it, worth every penny. It looks beautiful sitting next to my Pio SC-35.:cheesygrin:
    Living Room
    Fronts: RTi A7's
    Center: Csi A6 VR3 "Fortress Plus"
    Front Heights: Rti A1
    Surrounds: Rti A3
    Sub: HSU VTF-2 MK4 Damn this is a good SUB
    Pioneer Pioneer Elite: SC-35-> Emotiva XPA-3
    TV: Lg LW6500 55" Passive 3D
    Blu-Ray Panasonic BD 210
    XboX 360 Slim/Kinect

    Acoustimac red suede panels
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited March 2012
    It may have retailed for $750, but I never seen it listed for sale over $300. I purchased two in 2007 and both were only a little over $200 each.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rdb2001
    rdb2001 Posts: 791
    edited March 2012
    Don't want to rain on the parade on that unit but I owned one for a little over a year and I had it replaced 3 times before I just asked for a full refund. First one arrived with a one bank not working. Got a new one, and 3 months later a bank went out. Got another, and a couple of more months later, another bank went out. They sent a new one out and guess what, it happened again. I just asked for my money back after that. Maybe I just got a 4 lemons. This has never happen with monster and panamax power products that I have owned. The customer service was cool and quick to send a new one. There was also no hassle in the full refund. Just a heads up.

    The mark up on these units are crazy. A friend made me feel bad about a good deal I thought I got on my panamax. His company has a discount through them and the markup was over $300 than what they sell online for. That was just with his discount so you know the cost to make is a lot cheaper.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited March 2012
    FYI, both units I had are still trouble free to this day.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • polrbehr
    polrbehr Posts: 2,830
    edited March 2012
    Face wrote: »
    FYI, both units I had are still trouble free to this day.

    I can state with 100% certainty that this is true for at least one of those units!:wink:
    So, are you willing to put forth a little effort or are you happy sitting in your skeptical poo pile?


    http://audiomilitia.proboards.com/
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited March 2012
    rdb2001 wrote: »
    Don't want to rain on the parade...

    Well, it's good to point out the bad units as well, hopefully I have better luck.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited March 2012
    Face wrote: »
    It may have retailed for $750, but I never seen it listed for sale over $300. I purchased two in 2007 and both were only a little over $200 each.

    It's kind of odd, I read a review in 2006 that stated "$750 retail", then another review done in 2008 that said "$500 retail."
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kuntasensei
    kuntasensei Posts: 3,263
    edited March 2012
    Thanks for the review. I'm actually watching this on Amazon for a price drop so I can use it to power off my Adcom when my AVR powers down. Hope it drops to $125 again!
    Equipment list:
    Onkyo TX-NR3010 9.2 AVR
    Emotiva XPA-3 amp
    Polk RTi70 mains, CSi40 center, RTi38 surrounds, RTi28 rears and heights
    SVS 20-39CS+ subwoofer powered by Crown XLS1500
    Oppo BDP-93 Blu-ray player
    DarbeeVision DVP5000 video processor
    Epson 8500UB 1080p projector
    Elite Screens Sable 120" CineWhite screen
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • evhudsons
    evhudsons Posts: 1,175
    edited March 2012
    Pf30 works great for me.
    Polk Audio SDA CRS+ crossover 4.1TL by Trey/VR3 (Rings and custom stand by Larry)-Polk Audio SDA SRS2 crossovers by Trey/VR3Parasound HCA1500aYamaha rxa-3070 with musicast-Celestion SL6S presence,- sl9 surround backNHTsuper1's surroundMagnepan SMGParasound 1500pre- Sofia "Baby" tube amp - Monitor Audio Silver RX2 Marantz 2230/B&Kst140Technics 1200mk2 Gamertag: IslandBerserker I am but a infinitesimally small point meeting the line of infinity in the SDA universe
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Glowrdr
    Glowrdr Posts: 1,103
    edited March 2012
    I picked up the PF60 sometime later last year. As much as I would have liked the full voltage control, it just didn't make financial sense to me. This replaced my 5 year old Monster (5100?) that decided it was in my best interest to turn off 4-5 times a day.

    So far, love it. No issues, nice lights, and seems to be a good build quality (Minus the sharp edge on the back that I cut the hell outta myself on - but that may have been the Monster now that I'm typing this)
    65" Sony X900 (XBR-65X900E)
    Pioneer Elite SC-37
    Polk Monitor 70's (2)
    Polk Monitor 40's (4)
    Polk Monitor CS2
    Polk DSW Pro 660wi
    Oppo BDP-93
    Squeezebox Duet
    Belkin PureAV PF60
    Dish Network "The Hoppa"
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Dabutcher
    Dabutcher Posts: 2,596
    edited March 2012
    I already bought a PF60 a year ago for $150.00 on Amazon and picture quality might be sharper? Sound is the same. No compaints-just do not know of benefits? I just picked up a used working Monster Power HTS5100 MK II today at a sale for $25.00.. Anyone know the difference? I know the haters of monster are even worse than the Emo haters? Just curious of the differences? Also why do people hate Monster cable so much on this site? Is it because BB over prices the heck out of it all? thanks,Darryl
    MIT Magnum MH-750, Monster HTS 5100MKII, Sony 77" Class - A80CJ Series - 4K UHD OLED,PS4, Def Tech 15” sub,LSIM 706c, Sunfire Signature Grand 425 x 4,Parasound hca 120, LSiM 702 x 4, Oppo 103D, SDA SRS 1.2, Pioneer Elite SC63 , Pioneer Elite BDP-05 “Why did you get married if you wanted big speakers?”
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,590
    edited March 2012
    It is because of the prices that most are not fans. Markup and advertising are also misleading and or straight up lies sometimes.
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Dabutcher
    Dabutcher Posts: 2,596
    edited March 2012
    Thank you for the clarification. Darryl
    MIT Magnum MH-750, Monster HTS 5100MKII, Sony 77" Class - A80CJ Series - 4K UHD OLED,PS4, Def Tech 15” sub,LSIM 706c, Sunfire Signature Grand 425 x 4,Parasound hca 120, LSiM 702 x 4, Oppo 103D, SDA SRS 1.2, Pioneer Elite SC63 , Pioneer Elite BDP-05 “Why did you get married if you wanted big speakers?”
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,590
    edited March 2012
    Dabutcher wrote: »
    Thank you for the clarification. Darryl

    No problem. They do make some good gear, but it really depends on the piece, and also the price.
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • polkfarmboy
    polkfarmboy Posts: 5,703
    edited March 2012
    Does anyone know the difference between the belkin pf60 and pf31 ?

    The pf31 is 23 pounds compared to 19 pounds of the pf60
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • agfrost
    agfrost Posts: 2,428
    edited March 2012
    Here's their manuals...

    PF60

    PF31

    Looks like the PF60 has somewhat higher surge handling capacity and a different display. It's currently in production, I think the PF31 is out of production.

    Partial specs comparo: LINK
    Jay
    SDA 2BTL * Musical Fidelity A5cr amp * Oppo BDP-93 * Modded Adcom GDA-600 DAC * Rythmik F8 (x2)
    Micro Seiki DQ-50 * Hagerman Cornet 2 Phono * A hodgepodge of cabling * Belkin PF60
    Preamp rotation: Krell KSL (SCompRacer recapped) * Manley Shrimp * PS Audio 5.0
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • polkfarmboy
    polkfarmboy Posts: 5,703
    edited March 2012
    thanks for that info on the pf31/60's

    I really think a silver version of the pf60 would look beautiful sitting on my rack. It looks as if the faceplate's on the silver series is real aluminum ? Can anyone clear this up if its plastic or not ?
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited March 2012
    I believe they're plastic, only the Hybrid UPS has a metal face plate.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited March 2012
    polkfarmboy wrote: »
    Can anyone clear this up if its plastic or not ?

    My black model is plastic---interesting, I thought it was metal too; looks real nice though.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • michael1947
    michael1947 Posts: 775
    edited December 2012
    Does anyone know what the "clamping voltage" is on this PF60. I have 3 but the manual does not specify and I have learned that the clamping voltage is the most critical element in suppressing a surge.
    Main Family Room: Sony 46 LCD, Sony Blue Ray, Sony DVD/VCR combo,Onkyo TXNR 708, Parasound 5250,
    Polk SDS-SRS with mods, CSI 5 center + Klipsch SC2, Polk RT2000P rears, Klipsch KG 1.5's sides, Polk Micro Pro 1000, Polk Micro Pro 2000, Polk SW505, Belkin PF60, Signal Cable Classics,Monster IC's, 2 15 amp circuits & 1 20 amp circuit.

    Living Room: Belkin PF60, Parasound HCA2200, MIT ProlineEXP balanced IC's,Emotiva XDA-1 DAC/Pre,Emotiva ERC2 transport,MIT AVT2, Polk LSI 9's.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited December 2012
    Try emailing Belkin CS; most companies are pretty good are replying with technical questions.
    Jake
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Polkie2009
    Polkie2009 Posts: 3,834
    edited December 2012
    We always appreciate honest, imformative reviews on any product here rddb, hopefully Steve will have no problems with his PF60, it sure is nice looking.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • RamZet
    RamZet Posts: 792
    edited December 2012
    Power conditioners are my favorite. They stabilize power and clear up most hums in speakers.
    I have a furman and a Panamax. Maybe my next unit will be a Belkin. Very nice review.
    B&W CM9Classé Sigma
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jumpindick
    jumpindick Posts: 428
    edited January 2013
    I have pf60 now for almost six months. No problem so far.. it runs well. worth spending money.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jhayman
    Jhayman Posts: 1,548
    edited March 2013
    Yup had mine for over a year so far no issues, knock on wood..
    Very good deal for the amount of features it has.
    ATC SCM40's,VTL TL 2.5 Preamp,PSB Stratus Goldi's,McCormack DNA 500,McCormack MAP-1 Preamp,Pro-Ject Xtension 10 TT,Ortofon Cadenza Red/Nordost RedDawn LS Speaker cables, Bryston BDP-2, Bryston BDA-2,PS Audio AC-3 power cables
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Glen B
    Glen B Posts: 269
    edited March 2013
    I've had the silver face PF-60 in my HT system for several years now. I have had no problems with it.
    Main System: Denon DP-59L | Audio-Technica AT33EV | Marantz SA-11S2 | Classe DR-10 | Classe CA-300 | Classe RC-1 | PSB Stratus Gold i's | DIY Balanced AC Power Conditioner | Acoustic Zen and NeoTech cables | Oyaide and Furutech power connectors | Dedicated 20A isolated ground line.

    Home Theater: Toshiba D-VR5SU | Laptop #1 |Outlaw Audio OAW3 wireless audio system | Marantz SR-19 | Phase Linear 400 Series 2, modified | AudioSource 10.1 EQ (for subs) | Axiom M3 v3’s | Axiom VP150 | Optimus PRO-X55AVs | Dayton 12” powered subs (x2) | Belkin PureAV PF-60 line conditioner.

    Party System: Laptop #2 | Audioquest Dragonfly USB DAC | Technics SU-A6 | Acurus A-250 | Radio Shack 15-band EQ | Pioneer SR-9 reverb | Cerwin Vega DX9's | Dayton 100° x 60° horns with titanium HF/MF compression drivers.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter