Question about Power Conditioners

saguppy

I just upgraded my receiver to a Denon 3803 from an older Yammie model, and now I am second thinking the surge protector I have covering the whole system. Right now I am using an older surge protector that I bought at Staples for my computer. I know the surge protector came with a $10-15K coverage warranty.... for computers, but should I be concerned about using it to cover my home theater equip.? Should I buy a new more 'specialized' surge protector/power conditioner?

Thanks for any input...

kureboy99

Personally I'd go with the Panamax MAX5500 AC Regenerator. I have tried Monster Cable Reference conditioners and all they do is hinder my systems performance with cheap IC circuitry. The Max5500 is a bit pricey at about $580 but it does the job and then some. You can hook up even the largest of home theater equipment to it. The best part is that it employs a torroidal power supply which means no flux/hum as with other power supplies in surge protectors/line conditioners. Also, it delivers unhindered power to your power hungry amp/receiver. There are no cheap isolation IC circuits that get in the way...only clean power from the torroidal power source. There are separate inputs for 4 digital and 4 analog source components as well which are seperated from everything else to not cause interference with other links in the system. All-in-all, it was one of best investments and my home theater sings the way it should and is also protected. It also looks great with 2 analog amp and volt meters that light up in a classy amber light. You should cehck it out at panamax.com and see it for yourself, it's worth a try my friend and gets my stamp of approval.

HBombToo

I have the Monster AVS2000 and HTS5100 combo and there is nothing cheep about either unit. In fact the 2000 made it into Stereophile recommended lists this year.

HBomb

saguppy

Thanks for the responses, but I think those models are a little extreme for what I am trying to cover. I was looking at more like the monster hts2000 or that price range at least. I only paid $600 for the receiver and I think it is out of my price range to pay that much for power protection/cond. Any lower priced model suggestions?

List of what I need to cover:
Denon 3803
Panasonic dvd changer
Yamaha cd changer
Sat. equip.... soon to include HDTV
big screen Proj. tv
subw. psw650
wireless internet network

HBombToo

if the 2000 fits your price range I say do it.

1/4Twin

dorokusai

Unless you have poor power quality, there is no need for a power stabilizer. My power doesn't vary but 2.0 volts 24/7, a complete waste of money unless your power is bad.

saguppy

I move around a lot right now because I am still in college, so saying my power is stable is never a certainty. I just want something to cover everything, and if it makes my system sound better then it's all for the better.

From reading previous posts in the forum, here is what I am thinking:

1) Panamax 5100 (lifetime equipment coverage warranty right?)
$99 apparently from panamax site, going to have to call to confirm this deal

2) Monster HTS2500 (5 yr. equip. coverage warranty, heard good things about it)
$165 from etronics

3) Monster HTS2100 Powerbar (same Monster warranty)
$110 from etronics

dorokusai

If the Panamax deal is still current, then that is the way to go. The Monster Cable products boil down into whether you want a full size unit or a strip type unit.

I would more more concerned with surge arrestor capabilities, than power conditioners or stabilizers. All three of those units will protect you just as well as the next.

saguppy

I just ordered the Panamax 5100 through their website.

I'll be honest, I picked the Panamax because I liked the looks (the led voltage meter on the front is cool:) ). Plus it will rest on a rack, it has a great warranty, and it's a power conditioner at a great price. Read some reviews on audioreview that seemed promising as well. So I'm not sure that I will see improvements, but at least I will have piece of mind.

steveinaz

I plug my crap into the wall outlet....seriously. Cost $0.

PolkWannabie

Ditto ... I have inline surge protection, but that's it.

dorokusai

Everyone needs different levels of peace of mind, some cost nothing ....some cost alot.

PolkWannabie

This is of course understandable ... but assuming for a minute that one doesn't really need power conditioning then I would assume most would think that some decent form of surge protection would suffice, yes ?

dorokusai

PW - Yea, I agree completely....I am more interested in the surge arresting capabilities of my MC, the power conditioning application is of no interest to me and simply came with the product. Saguppy made a good choice, it's a solid piece, and does what it's suppossed to do....well, hopefully it will, you know what I mean.

I meant that as a general statement, with no direction towards anyone in particular.

saguppy

dang, being kinda harsh... just asking for help here

The panamax 'deal' fell through on me, too good to be true of course, so it's back to square one. I guess now I'll go back and consider just the surge protector, you're probably right

PolkWannabie

No harshness intended ...

If you need conditioning then by all means get it ... But if you don't there's much more interesting things to spend money on.

saguppy

good pt. PW, thanks

so what's a recommended surge prot.?