Power and surge question...

Grimster74

I'm currently using a HTS 3600 MKII for all my av gear which is plugged into one of my dedicated 20amp receptables. Well, I recently purchased a second SVS and I'd like to purchase another HTS200 (subwoofer surge protector). My question is, if I plug the HTS200 into the dedicated 20amp receptable, then plug the subwoofer into the HTS200 where it says 'subwoofer', can I then plug the HTS 3600 into the 'outlet2' portion of the HTS200? I'm pretty sure I already know the answer but I can't figure out a way to protect the subwoofer from surges. I only have two receptables on that wall.

ntculenuff

sure can i have my surge plugged into one of those also just cause i had it laying around

Early B.

Yeah, but does it defeat the purpose of using the 3600 since it has a greater level of protection than the 200?

Grimster74

Well, I've also e-mail tech support at Monster Cable but lord only knows when I'll hear something back from those guys.

sickicw

You can plug anything into whatever you want, but keep in mind that both of thoes surge protectors can limit current which has the potential to decrease dynamic range. Might want to try experiment and see if you can tell a difference.
If you want a real surge protector look into companies like BPT (Balanced Power Technologies or Equi=Tech that have large balanced power transformers.

I would plug in your amp into the 20amp circuit and plug your front in gear only into the monster surge protector.

cheddar

Your 3600 has two high current receptacles specifically for amplifiers. They are labled 'timed' on the back of the unit. Are you worried that your 3600 will get fried by a power surge so you want the extra protection of the subwoofer protector?

Seems like you should just plug your 3600 into the wall and use the two high current plugs for any high current equipment. As said before, it defeats the purpose if you plug the high current protector into a cheaper subwoofer protector.

Edit: Reread your post and you seem to be running out of outlets. Maybe it's time for a new power center with the proper amount of outlets or maybe you should put in a new wall receptacle. Being one receptacle short is no excuse to starve your amp...;).

Grimster74

Well, the amplifier is plugged into one of the High Current receptables and both of the subs are to far away from the 3600 to use for the subwoofers

sickicw

cheddar wrote:

Your 3600 has two high current receptacles specifically for amplifiers.

Yea, but can these high power receptacles deliver 20 amps of instantanious current in order to quickly recharge the transformer in his outlaw amp? I didn't think so. It's up to you and your ears, but I would do a A/B comparison with some good source material. Try to demo with a hd-dvd movie that supports a good dolby true-hd track like "batman begins".

cheddar

Grimster74 wrote:

Well, the amplifier is plugged into one of the High Current receptables and both of the subs are to far away from the 3600 to use for the subwoofers

Now I'm a little confused. So your cord from the power center will reach the subwoofer plug, but the subwoofer cord will not reach your power center? Maybe time to get a longer power cord? Do you have that option with the subwoofer?

cheddar

sickicw wrote:

Yea, but can these high power receptacles deliver 20 amps of instantanious current in order to quickly recharge the transformer in his outlaw amp? I didn't think so. It's up to you and your ears, but I would do a A/B comparison with some good source material. Try to demo with a hd-dvd movie that supports a good dolby true-hd track like "batman begins".

Well they do have power centers from different companies including monster that are rated for 20amp circuits. I have no doubt that the power delivery is best directly from the wall. But:

1) What are you asking the amp to do that you would need all 20amps of the circuit for one component? I've driven my 400wpc two and three channel amps pretty hard and I've only drawn about 10amps.

2) As you've already hinted at, could you hear the difference?

Grimster74

cheddar wrote:

Now I'm a little confused. So your cord from the power center will reach the subwoofer plug, but the subwoofer cord will not reach your power center? Maybe time to get a longer power cord? Do you have that option with the subwoofer?

That is true, I'm about 1 to 1-1/2 foot too short.

sickicw

cheddar wrote:

1) What are you asking the amp to do that you would need all 20amps of the circuit for one component? I've driven my 400wpc two and three channel amps pretty hard and I've only drawn about 10amps.

2) As you've already hinted at, could you hear the difference?

1) On average, your amp doesn't need 20 amps. lets say you are watching a movie and am using 7 amps average. Then there is a sound effect that is a 6db increase in volume from the rest of the soundtrack. That will triple the power requirement for a short period of time. If your power supply can output thoes 21 amps, then you will get a 6db increase in volume. otherwise, the voltage will drop to compensate and you wont get quite as large a increase in volume. The dynamic range will suffer.

2) its different for every system. I use lsi speakers and they are very current hungry. when i pluged my amp into a 20 amp outlet from my cheap surge protector, it was a big difference. I have also hear many people with the same experiance with some of the more expensive monster equipement.

cheddar

Point taken, like I already said, I have no doubt that power delivery is best directly from the wall. But at 10amps I would say I was driving my amplifiers well above what I would consider average listening levels. I just don't see you ever requiring 21 amps off of one component.

Also, are your amps still subject to damage from power surges? Or are you not worried about them not being protected?

sickicw

The main point about the 20 amps is that the more current it can deliver, the quicker it can recharge the amps's transformer (if needed) which help to keep the intended dynamic range.

My amps are still subject to power surges, but i hope to get some sort of surge protection for that soon.

Skynut

A 20 amp circuit is usually a dedicated circuit just for your audio.
The dedicated line does not have as much interference from other electronic devices that may be on the same circuit.

In other words you do not want your fridge or microwave on the same circuit breaker as your audio equipment.

cheddar

I'm more worried about power surges from problems at the power company than I am from equipment in the house. I do have LSI speakers and amps plugged into the high current section of an HTPS 7000. Maybe I'll try the A/B test and see if there really is a difference, but I don't think I'd ever just plug my amps into the wall since I would be too afraid of some black out or other power company problem causing damage to them.

Grimster74

This is the responce I received from Monster Cable about my above question.

You can power the HTS3600 through the HTS200 without diminishing each products capability however; you do not gain additional protection or clean power filtration. Hope this helps. Please call us on the toll free number below should you have additional questions.