Best Power Conditioners < $500

falconcry72
falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
edited April 2013 in 2 Channel Audio
I need a power conditioner for my 2-channel system. Budget is 300-500.

Requirements:

- 8 outlet minimum
- High current capacity for my BAT
- Voltage regulation is a big plus but not necessary
- Gauge for Amps being pulled is a big plus but not necessary


Potential Contenders:

- Panamax m5400-pm http://www.panamax.com/Products/A-V-Components/M5400-PM.php#tab_features
- older Panamax MAX5510 http://www.panamax.com/PDF/Manuals/M5510-Pro_Manual.pdf
- Furman Elite 15 pfi http://www.furmansound.com/product.php?div=02&id=ELITE-15PFi&red=ELITE-15PF
- Furman Elite 15 dmi http://www.furmansound.com/product.php?div=02&id=ELITE-15DMi
- Belkin pf60 http://www.belkin.com/us/p/P-AP41300-10


Other suggestions? What do you guys think? Used is cool btw. Thanks.
2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses

Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
Post edited by falconcry72 on
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited March 2013
    Been on that journey the last couple of weeks.

    I found a PS Audio UPC-200 that fits my needs.

    For my main rig I am looking at the BPT CPC, he has a deal on AUdiogon right now for $425, meets your needs minus voltage regulation.

    I like this one to, out of range for your budget though.
    http://app.audiogon.com/listings/ac-conditioners-richard-gray-power-company-rgpc-1200c-surge-protector-power-conditioner-mint-2013-03-26-power-79414

    I think this one is the best deal out there.
    http://app.audiogon.com/listings/ac-conditioners-bpt-balanced-audio-technology-bpt-3-5-signature-balanced-power-conditioner-2013-03-24-power-55912-austin-mn
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • Speedskater
    Speedskater Posts: 495
    edited March 2013
    Some smart amplifier designers, suggest not using a power conditioner with their amplifiers.
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  • falconcry72
    falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
    edited March 2013
    Speedskater wrote: »
    Some smart amplifier designers, suggest not using a power conditioner with their amplifiers.

    Yes, ideally I would install (2) dedicated 20 amp circuits, one for each half of my BAT, as per its designer's recommendation, but unfortunately I cannot alter the circuit where I live right now. The voltage coming from the wall fluctuates, so I need to plug into a conditioner for protection.
    2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

    Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses

    Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited March 2013
    Here is a link to the BPT CPC

    http://app.audiogon.com/listings/ac-conditioners-bpt-clean-power-center-non-current-limiting-ac-conditioner-2013-03-24-power-63341
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited March 2013
    I have a Tripp Lite LCR2400. It's bullet proof, rated at 2400w/20A, does voltage correction up and down, and does not limit current.

    http://www.tripplite.com/en/products/model.cfm?txtModelID=2832
    Jake
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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,596
    edited March 2013
    Why no love for the APC H15? I believe it has 2 high current connections that dont limit current (but you would want to verify). I have my Carver AV-705x hooked up to one and didnt notice a difference between it and a direct wall connection.

    It has more than 8 outlets, voltage regulation, and has a LED display that I believe allows you to see whats being drawn out from the unit.
    "....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)
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  • playback
    playback Posts: 101
    edited March 2013
    I've recently added a second conditioner to my setup, I had a PS Audio Quintet that was used for pre/ source / 3 channel amp/ cable box/ DLP tv and M&K sub. I wanted to further separate the pre and source for music playback well a PS Audio Duet may have fit the bill perfectly but was discontinued and they replaced the Quintet and Duet with the "Dectet" 10 outlets they went back to heavy gauge wiring and star grounding compared to the previous models its more open dynamic while still retaing the beauty and clarity the Quintet brought to my gear! Music direct and Audio Advisor both now have them in stock and the price is with in your budget and more than worth consideration !
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  • classic carl
    classic carl Posts: 652
    edited March 2013
    I use a Furman Elite-15 DMi for my main system and another for my HT system (see signature). They have a digital voltage meter and a current meter on the face. They also have 12 outlets in the rear and another on the front face.
    Main System:
    Proton AA-1150 ~ Yamaha C-4 ~ Furman Elite-15 DMi ~ Sennheiser HD600 ~ Monitor Audio Silver RS8 & FB210 ~
    (2) Martin Logan Dynamo ~ Marantz CD5003 ~ Squeezebox Classic ~ Music Hall dac25.2 ~
    Dual 1229/Acutex M312 III STR ~ Music Hall mmf-5.1/Goldring 1012GX ~ Music Hall Cruise Control 2.0

    Home Theater:
    Yamaha RX-V800 ~ Furman Elite-15 DMi ~ Marantz DV6001 ~ EPI M90 ~ Polk Audio RT35i ~ CS400i ~ (2) Polk Audio PSW450
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  • Glen B
    Glen B Posts: 269
    edited March 2013
    thsmith wrote: »
    Here is a link to the BPT CPC

    http://app.audiogon.com/listings/ac-conditioners-bpt-clean-power-center-non-current-limiting-ac-conditioner-2013-03-24-power-63341
    The BPT CPC is a fancy power strip, nothing more. It has no noise filtration whatsoever.
    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.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited March 2013
    I have had the PF60 over a year now, and very pleased with it.
    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
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  • vcwatkins
    vcwatkins Posts: 1,993
    edited March 2013
    EndersShadow wrote: »
    Why no love for the APC H15? I believe it has 2 high current connections that dont limit current (but you would want to verify). I have my Carver AV-705x hooked up to one and didnt notice a difference between it and a direct wall connection.

    It has more than 8 outlets, voltage regulation, and has a LED display that I believe allows you to see whats being drawn out from the unit.

    I use that APC on my main 2-channel system and have been satisfied. It successfully shutdown and protected everything during one event. Sound quality seems good (FWIW I have four PS Noise Harvester thingies plugged in there as well). I also noticed an improvement after moving TT and phono pre over from a cheaper Tripp Lite. Guess it could be psychological or due to one concurrent cable switch, dunno.

    Craig
    b]Beach Audio[/b]: Rega RP6 (mods) - AT33PTG/II - Parks Budgie SUT - PSAudio NPC * Eversolo DMP-A6 * Topping D90iii * Joule-Electra LA-100 mkIII * Pass Aleph 30 * MIT S3 * Polk SRS 2.3tl (mods) * PSAudio PPP3
    Beach Study: Pro-Ject Stream Box S2 Ultra & Pre Box S2 * Pass ACA * DH Labs SS Q10 * Brines Folded ML-TQWT RS 40-1354 * PSA Dectet
    Beach Master: WiiM Pro * Dayens Menuetto * Zu Libtec * Dynaudio Audience 50
    Beach Den: Bluesound Powernode 2i * DH Labs SS Q10 * Zu Omen DWII * Richard Gray RGPC
    Town Study: WiiM Pro * Chord Qute (Pardo) * Elekit TU-8600 * MIT S3 * Revel M22 * Beyer DT-990 * Shunyata Hydra 2
    Town Den: Music Hall mm5.1se - Denon DL-103r - Jolida JD9ii (mods) * WiiM Pro * Cary xCiter * Rogue 99 Magnum * Schiit Aegir * MIT S3 * Polk SRS 1.2tl (mods) * Dectet * Bottlehead Crack - Senn 600
    Town Porch: WiiM Pro Plus * Sunfire Sig II * Canare 4S11 * Magnepan 1.6 * Dectet
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  • RamZet
    RamZet Posts: 792
    edited March 2013
    Panamax stuff.
    B&W CM9Classé Sigma
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited March 2013
    Glen B wrote: »
    The BPT CPC is a fancy power strip, nothing more. It has no noise filtration whatsoever.

    Maybe we should sue for false advertising.

    The CPC (Clean Power Center) is a 10-outlet power line filter and surge suppressor available factory direct from Balanced Power Technologies. It compares sonically to any line conditioner in the $500-$1000 range and is a steal at its retail price of $499.00. Includes 10 Hubbell 5362 premium outlets with parallel filter networks on each duplex used to eliminate AC noise and help isolate system components from one another--without limiting current. Read more at http://app.audiogon.com/listings/ac-conditioners-bpt-clean-power-center-non-current-limiting-ac-conditioner-2013-03-24-power-63341#ccu6koShzj1QPZ3r.99
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • GlennDog
    GlennDog Posts: 3,121
    edited March 2013
    I'm very pleased with my Furman Elite 15 pf i . . . I think you will be, too

    Check out Audio Advisor for "open box" specials


    G
    AC Regenerator PS Audio PerfectWave Power Plant 10
    Source Lumin U1 Mini into Lampizator Baltic 4 DAC
    Pre Cary SLP-05
    Power Rogue M180 Dark monos
    Mains Salk HT2-TL
    Rythmik F12
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  • Glen B
    Glen B Posts: 269
    edited March 2013
    thsmith wrote: »
    Maybe we should sue for false advertising.

    The CPC (Clean Power Center) is a 10-outlet power line filter and surge suppressor available factory direct from Balanced Power Technologies. It compares sonically to any line conditioner in the $500-$1000 range and is a steal at its retail price of $499.00. Includes 10 Hubbell 5362 premium outlets with parallel filter networks on each duplex used to eliminate AC noise and help isolate system components from one another--without limiting current. Read more at http://app.audiogon.com/listings/ac-conditioners-bpt-clean-power-center-non-current-limiting-ac-conditioner-2013-03-24-power-63341#ccu6koShzj1QPZ3r.99
    BPT is a manufacturer that is always making changes to their products. AFAIK, the stock product has just noise suppression caps across each duplex outlet, not what you would call power conditioning. There are options available like Bybees, and a "high current" surge suppressor-filter at additional
    cost.
    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.
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  • Drenis
    Drenis Posts: 2,871
    edited March 2013
    I bought a Furman Elite 15 pfi off a member here and it's been solid. Real happy with mine. I was steered towards this over a Panamax 5400 or 5500 unit at the time. However, run the '20' model if you need for 20 amp service.
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  • Conradicles
    Conradicles Posts: 6,142
    edited March 2013
    I too have been really pleased with my APC H15. I seems to do everything right for a great price. The dimmer feature is nice too.
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  • falconcry72
    falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
    edited March 2013
    Thanks for all the suggestions. I am just going to watch ebay/agon and see what kind of deal I can find.
    2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

    Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses

    Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,206
    edited March 2013
    Panamax 5400 is the one man , forget the rest and get the best at the price point.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,094
    edited March 2013
    Equitech Balanced Power...I'll never be without one, neither should you.
    http://www.equitech.com/
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • FTGV
    FTGV Posts: 3,649
    edited March 2013
    pearsall001 wrote: »
    Equitech Balanced Power...I'll never be without one, neither should you.
    http://www.equitech.com/
    Great stuff but not sure they have anything in the OP's sub $500 budget.
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  • michael1947
    michael1947 Posts: 775
    edited March 2013
    I have 3 Belkin pf 60's in use...I walk up to it and push the button to turn it on and it turns on my Parasound and then sends voltage to the other stuff which I turn on with their respective remotes, old fashoned but I like it. When I'm done I walk up to it and push the button and it takes about 5 seconds to turn everything off in sequence...low tech but solid.

    With fluctating voltage you may want to think in another direction, perhaps some kind of battery back-up device used as your main power source for your amp and the batteries kept charged by the device allowing constant clean power to your audio equipment.
    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.
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,094
    edited March 2013
    FTGV wrote: »
    Great stuff but not sure they have anything in the OP's sub $500 budget.

    Budget...what's that???? :biggrin:
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,820
    edited March 2013
    Other suggestions? What do you guys think?

    Voltage fluctuation is the least of your concerns if you're running the BAT VK-500 on a 15 amp line. Even if you had 2 dedicated 20 amp lines I still wouldn't plug that amp into anything other than the wall.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,820
    edited March 2013
    zingo wrote: »
    I have a Tripp Lite LCR2400. It's bullet proof, rated at 2400w/20A, does voltage correction up and down, and does not limit current.

    http://www.tripplite.com/en/products/model.cfm?txtModelID=2832

    Although it says it will support 20 amps, it's actually only 15 amps as indicated by the 15R rating and restricted by 15 amp only outlets.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,820
    edited March 2013
    mantis wrote: »
    Panamax 5400 is the one man , forget the rest and get the best at the price point.

    It's only rated at 1500 VA / 12A. Certainly not something one wants to plug a he-man amp into.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,820
    edited March 2013
    Equitech Balanced Power...I'll never be without one, neither should you.

    Still not good enough to use with a he-man amp.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,820
    edited March 2013
    Here is a link to the BPT CPC

    The 20 amp version seems to have potential, but they are a bit shy on the specs. At least it comes with 20 amp outlets. Certainly the HCF-30 (30 amp) version would fit the bill.

    I should add that one would need a 30 amp line to benefit from the 30 amp version.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • headrott
    headrott Posts: 5,496
    edited March 2013
    F1nut wrote: »
    Still not good enough to use with a he-man amp.

    It does depend on which Equitech you get though Jesse. They make a version for all current/voltage requirements. Although, it won't be in falconcry72's price range.:wink:
    Relayer-Big-O-Poster.jpg
    Taken from a recent Audioholics reply regarding "Club Polk" and Polk speakers:
    "I'm yet to hear a Polk speaker that merits more than a sentence and 60 seconds discussion." :\
    My response is: If you need 60 seconds to respond in one sentence, you probably should't be evaluating Polk speakers.....

    "Green leaves reveal the heart spoken Khatru"- Jon Anderson

    "Have A Little Faith! And Everything You'll Face, Will Jump From Out Right On Into Place! Yeah! Take A Little Time! And Everything You'll Find, Will Move From Gloom Right On Into Shine!"- Arthur Lee
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  • michael1947
    michael1947 Posts: 775
    edited March 2013
    Now here's the deal. You may need a car anyway so lease a new hybrid and rig up a cord in the garage and run it direct via some voltage reducers, F1nut can work out the details. The car sits there with perfect voltage and starts up by itself when needed and if you screw it up it's under warranty. :cool:
    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.
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