Power Bars

Fireman99 · November 2003

Just wondering if anyone uses a protected power bar for their amps, etc or plug the amps directly into the wall outlet?
Dan

dcarlson · November 2003

Directly into the wall for me.

I have an aftermarket power cord and it would defeat the purpose if I plugged into a powerbar.

I plug my receiver into a powerbar only because I'm out of plugins.

hamzahsh · November 2003

I'm using RCA Performance Series surge protector in Black colour.

dorokusai · November 2003

Monster Cable HTS5100. I am weird about that issue, so I bought one to feel better.

Frank Z · November 2003

Yeah I use one. The primary reason is surge protection. We get a lot of lightening around here so anything that may prevent turning my gear into a smolder pile of ash is a good thing. Keep in mind that most surge protectors come with a certain amount of "insurance coverage" to repair or replace your gear if the surge protector fails to do it's job and your stuff gets damaged as a result.

Fireman99 · November 2003

I'm running one a s well I was just wondering if there was a power gain or Noise reduction if I went straight to the wall. I got $50,000 worth of coverage with my power bar. It Surge protects Cable T.V. Sat. and all the outlets I could need for the HT unit.
Dan

Early B. · November 2003

I don't think it's worth the risk of plugging your AV equipment directly into the wall. The cost of a decent surge protector is so small compared to the risk. Get one that has isolated filters. It'll help clean the line and you may experience a slight improvement in the sound/video as a result.

TonyPTX · November 2003

My rig is sporting a Panamax 5100, care of the cool hook-up deal from Greg in the Flea Market....a $3000 rig needs more than a $20 Wal-Mart WOODS Brand "power strip". Most of the decent ones have "high-current" outlets designed for AMPS and it won't choke the current load resulting maximum power unlike the mediocre performance you'd get with a $20 "strip". Get one and don't look back. You'll be kicking yourself in the **** that one day when the power goes on the blink and all your gear goes up in smoke like Cheech-n-Chong.....

Tony

ezc · November 2003

Fireman99,
Tony has a very good piont. You need a surge/power conditioner with a high power outlet. You could also look at the richard grey 400 or 600 units. You dont want to choke the power flow to your amp. Most power bars even the ones from monster do not have a high power outlet. Even the richard grey units says to plug in your 400 or 600 into one side of the outlet & the other side plug in your amp or for better protection into one of the rg outlets. We sell a number of Monster 3600, 5100, & 7000 's which has a dedicated high power outlet. What your looking for wont be inexpensive but get a good one that will work for you now & with future upgrades.

dorokusai · November 2003

I will add that the secure feeling that I get with mine, is worth every penny. I don't dance around in my beer can suit, chanting for lightning strikes....but I do watch movies and tv during storms with little worry.

Fireman99 · November 2003

I like the dancing bit!! That was a great little pick me up laugh after work!
Dan

theear707 · December 2003

All my gear including the subs are on power conditionners.

I use two Chang Lightspeed 6400MKII AC cleaners/power bars,three PS Audio outlet AC cleaners,one Monster AVS2000 voltage stabilizer,HTS5100 power center.

Just a few high power amps are conected directly,never had any problems.

PhantomOG · December 2003

I have an aftermarket power cord and it would defeat the purpose if I plugged into a powerbar.

why is that? does the aftermarket power cord provide surge protection? does the aftermarket power cord "condition" the power?

just wondering, i don't understand why you can't use an aftermarket power cord with a power bar. which is better, an aftermarket power cord or the super expensive power conditions offered by monster and such?

dcarlson · December 2003

If I plug the power cord into a power bar, my system sounds dull and lifeless. Straight into the wall and clarity, imaging and soundstaging all improves. I don't have a very high quality power bar. I take my chances in terms of surges, knock on wood, I also live in one of the sunniest cities in Ontario.

I don't have experience with power conditioners simply because of the cost of them. I'm sure the high quality ones have their benefits.

You're not going to like this,

I can't explain it exactly, but putting a cheap powerbar in between the wall and my power cord would (forgive my non-EE techno babble;)) sort of choke the flow and introduce it's own signature to the sound.

I moved Nov 1st, plugged everything into a powerbar because my cables wouldn't reach the outlet in the wall and that's when I noticed a newly introduced dullness in my system. I moved things around a little to be able to plug directly into the wall again and voila it was back to normal. The only thing I changed was taking the powerbar out.

I'm not sure if this answers your questions thought.

PhantomOG · December 2003

yes, you answered my question. i was just wondering if there was some inherent reason why the two shouldn't be used together.

and i don't mind the non-gEEk answer

if it made a difference to you, then that's what's important.

Loud & Clear · December 2003

dcarlson - Yeah, I also use two aftermarket power cords and take the risk of direct/in wall connect. Knock on wood indeed.

Power Bars

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