Best Power Conditioner in the $500 range?

Serendipity
Serendipity Posts: 6,975
edited February 2010 in Electronics
I've been researching power conditioners and I'm overwhelmed by the different models/choices.

So I was wondering - Between the Monster HTS-5100MKII, APC J15, Panamax 5300/5400, and Belkin Pure AV units, which would provide the best protection for the money?

Which ones would you prefer and why?

P.S. I was almost going to pick up a Monster but I realized there are probably better units for less.
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  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited April 2009
    My next buy will probably be the APC AV 1.5kVA unless I can find a kicking deal on something used. The feature I will be buying for is AC regeneration.
    Jake
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,249
    edited April 2009
    Belkin, Panamax and APC are all really, really good. I'm not sure what protection you are concerned with. Surge, conditoning, voltage regulation,

    I have been very impressed with the APC H15 I just purchased. I have been very shy of getting what I consider a "non-audiophile" conditioner. There are several reviews on-line and if you want a better name just buy the Rotel model for $100-150 more; it's just a rebadged H15.

    My brother has had really good luck with Panamax over the years so I'd say shop around compare features as all three will get whatever job done you need
    "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 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited April 2009
    I have a projector that needs to go through the cool-down period in case of a power outage; otherwise the bulb could be toast if the power goes out while the PJ is running.

    That's why I've been using an APC Smart-UPS unit as my power conditioner, but I get the feeling that I shouldn't be using a unit like the SUA1500 for the best sound quality.

    What's the difference between something like an APC SUA1500 vs. J15? Is there something "hifi-related" that makes these units better for A/V?
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  • bopicasso
    bopicasso Posts: 878
    edited April 2009
    www.b-p-t.com
    Love my clean power center. Mine has a HCF-30 upgrade.
    Very well made.. The power cord alone cost a few hundred.
    Living Room setup: Pioneer Elite VSX-21TXH, Krell KAV 300i, PS Audio DL III DAC, Tyler Acoustics Taylo 7u, Dynaudio Audience 120C+, SVS 25/31PCI, B-P-T Clean Power Center, Ps3, Panny 50" S1 Plasma, Tekline speaker cables, Audio Art interconnects, and Pangea power cables.
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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited April 2009
    Jstas mentioned this in another thread:
    Jstas wrote: »
    Yeah, power is power. It's governed by the laws of physics. Just because the case isn't pretty or it's "made to run computers" doesn't mean it can't handle the draw of your home theater or stereo. UPS units are all the same idea. Big transformer, pile of batteries and fancy electronics to control switching, charging and line conditioning. In fact, APC's home theater gear UPS units and line conditioners were just the entry level, small office units in a nicer package and all the reviewers raved about them, APC over-charged for pretty cases and made a mint.

    If that is the case, does it mean an APC J15 is a SUA1500 in a nicer package?
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  • bdtae5656
    bdtae5656 Posts: 235
    edited April 2009
    EBAY BABE!!!! I Got mine two months ago for half the cost that your wanting to spenf
    TV:Sony Bravia XBR4 52'
    Mains: Lsi m 705
    C:Lsi m 706
    Rears: Lsi m 703
    Sub: Epik Empire
    Pre:Marantz AV 7005
    Amp:Sunfire TGA-7400
    Blueray: Opp 93
    A/V Component: Panamax M5100-PM
    Cables: Signal Cable, White Zombie, MIT, Pepster's power cables
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,249
    edited April 2009
    appadv wrote: »
    Jstas mentioned this in another thread:



    If that is the case, does it mean an APC J15 is a SUA1500 in a nicer package?

    In regards to JSTAS statement............it's always buyer beware. Rotel used two identical APC units with their own logo's and cases and charged $100-200 more. APC units are on sale all the time. I got mine for a steal brand new in box w/warranty from TIGERDIRECT.COM ......the only reason I bought it. It's possible, but that's what great about the internet, you can find all kinds of discussion about anything.........it's up to you to decide if it's worth it for a particular piece.

    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 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited April 2009
    Sure, I can see where you are coming from.

    From the outside, the APC J15 has an LCD display, nicer case and finish when compared to the SUA1500. However, both are 1500VA units...although the watt rating on the J15 is less at 865W instead of 980W.
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  • Hawkeye
    Hawkeye Posts: 1,313
    edited April 2009
    In that price range, I'd look at one of these on the Gon:http://www.richardgrayspowercompany.com/products.aspx?type=parallel

    Gordon
    2 Channel -
    Martin Logan Spire, 2 JL Audio F112 subs
    McIntosh C1000 Controller with Tube pre amp, 2 MC501 amplifiers, MD1K Transport & DAC, MR-88 Tuner
    WireWorld Eclipse 6.0 speaker wire and jumpers, Eclipse 5^2 Squared Balanced IC's. Silver Eclipse PCs (5)
    Symposium Rollerblocks 2+ (16)Black Diamond Racing Mk 3 pits (8)
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited April 2009
    Raise your budget $200.

    http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-PureAV-AVU1500-PureFilter-Technology/dp/B000T9FC32/ref=sr_1_20?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1240971081&sr=8-20
    "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
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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited April 2009
    Face wrote: »
    Raise your budget $200.

    http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-PureAV-AVU1500-PureFilter-Technology/dp/B000T9FC32/ref=sr_1_20?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1240971081&sr=8-20

    It seems to have gotten a good review on Amazon.
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited April 2009
    I would trust that review.
    Ben
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • venomclan
    venomclan Posts: 2,467
    edited April 2009
    appadv wrote: »
    It seems to have gotten a good review on Amazon.

    I love my Belkin PF60. At $200 it is a steal. It does not have a battery backup.

    Remember 1 thing, any unit with a battery has a limited warranty due to the battery needing replacement. Find out if the battery can be replaced by the user. If not, it may be big bucks to replace it down the road. The AVU1500 has a 3 year warranty while the much cheaper PF60 has a lifetime warranty.

    We replace UPC batteries in my office all the time, they are not cheap. I cannot imagine the AVU1500 battery being cheap either.
    Venom
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,104
    edited April 2009
    Do it right the first time. 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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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited April 2009
    I think I am going to get this:

    http://www.staples.com/office/supplies/p1_APC-Smart-UPS-2200VA-10-Outlet-UPS_248940_Business_Supplies_10051_SEARCH

    I already have the 1500VA version, the SUA1500. Keep in mind a UPS is a "must-have" because of the projector.
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited April 2009
    Why wouldn't you get one for audio?
    "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
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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited April 2009
    I believe the audiophile units and the ones designed for computer use are essentially the same electronically, only difference is that the audiophile units are in a nicer box :)
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited April 2009
    Why do we help you?
    "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
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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited April 2009
    That Belkin is rated for lower wattage than the APC. If Belkin made a 2200VA/1980W unit, I'd go for it.

    Again, I'm still deciding...
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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited April 2009
    How about...

    The Belkin you mentioned for audio and the APC for video?
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited April 2009
    The Belkin I mentioned would do both unless you're running 10 servers in your basement for your gaming clan.
    "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
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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited April 2009
    Okay, I will look into the Belkin then.
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  • Rocco1
    Rocco1 Posts: 190
    edited April 2009
    http://www.psaudio.com/

    That some good stuff.
    Man Cave: 7.1
    -PS Audio Power Plant Premier
    -PS Audio Power backup
    -Onkyo Pre/Pro> 2 Adcom555se bridged and bi-wired> RTi A9s
    > Adcom GFA 7605> CSi A6 center, RTi A3s side rears, FXi A6s rears
    >Sub = MK Audio 10'
    -PS3
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    -Directv
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  • acsubie
    acsubie Posts: 773
    edited April 2009
    Rocco1 wrote: »
    http://www.psaudio.com/

    That some good stuff.

    yea thats what im trying to get my stinky paws on at the moment:o..should know by end of day...anyway i'll soon have my Belkin F/S
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  • Rocco1
    Rocco1 Posts: 190
    edited April 2009
    Best of luck. Let us know how it works out. I have been doing tons of research, and there is just so much out there. I think someone mentioned 2 differnt units for audio and video. I may go that way my self, because eventually when dot get projector i would like to have battery back up. It still doesnt seem that the ones that have battery back up can hanndle huge loads from large 7 channel amps. So, for myself i may have a APC for video with battery back up and a ps audio for the high demand audio equipment.
    Man Cave: 7.1
    -PS Audio Power Plant Premier
    -PS Audio Power backup
    -Onkyo Pre/Pro> 2 Adcom555se bridged and bi-wired> RTi A9s
    > Adcom GFA 7605> CSi A6 center, RTi A3s side rears, FXi A6s rears
    >Sub = MK Audio 10'
    -PS3
    -Onkyo 5 disc cd player
    -Directv
    -Samsung 59' plasma flanked by 2 Samsung 43' plasma's
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,951
    edited April 2009
    I have really enjoyed my MIT Z Center I picked up used ---

    It really dropped the overall noise floor. I am running my amps through it with no issues.
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited April 2009
    Vr3MxStyler2k3 wrote: »
    I have really enjoyed my MIT Z Center I picked up used ---

    Is this designed by the folks over at MIT in Massachusetts? Or is there no affiliation to the university?
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited April 2009
    http://www.mitcables.com/index.php

    And it's not a UPS.
    "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
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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited May 2009
    Rocco1 wrote: »
    Best of luck. Let us know how it works out. I have been doing tons of research, and there is just so much out there. I think someone mentioned 2 differnt units for audio and video. I may go that way my self, because eventually when dot get projector i would like to have battery back up. It still doesnt seem that the ones that have battery back up can hanndle huge loads from large 7 channel amps. So, for myself i may have a APC for video with battery back up and a ps audio for the high demand audio equipment.

    I'm deciding between the Belkin and Panamax UPS units.
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  • doctorcilantro
    doctorcilantro Posts: 2,028
    edited May 2009
    What did you end up getting? I just picked up a BPT 3 Signature by accident and I'm considering selling my Panamax 5510 AC regenerator.

    DC
    For Sale 2019:
    Tortuga Audio LDR passive preamp
    Decware EL34 amp
    Allnic H-1201 phono
    Zu Union Cubes
    iFi iDSD DAC, .5m UBS, iFI Gemini cable, Oyaide Tunami XLR 1.3M, Oyaide Tunami Speaker wire 1.5M, Beyerdynamic DT1990 headphones, PS Audio P3 power center

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