Cheap surge protector that doesn't sound horrible?
HI. I figure I need some sort of surge-protection on my equipment. But, I don't want to get something that totally degrades my sound. I heard somewhere that there is a Monster Power Strip that is sold for computers, and goes for about $70 in a computer store. Would this do the trick? I really can't afford anything more than $100 at this point.
Hold off on the Monster. I have an HTS1000 and I am getting hum and Buzz when I put a TAD-150 in my system (tube pre). I have been told by several people that the Monster has a ground problem that will show up on sensitive equipment....
Recommended by The Absolute Sound and tons of positive reviews for years e.g.on Audio Asylum --Monster HTS 1000 or its "computer" equivalent (same unit, different labels)or a Monster HTS 2000 used, though it saw a new one online for $129 once. Doesn't degrade the sound, on the contrary provides significantly-improved sound and also video.
The monster will help with the surge protection, but will degrade the sound. $200 on Agon will get you a Chang which will actually help the sound and protect your equipment. Or $200 new Rotel has a surge protector which doesn't hurt the sound (doesn't help either) but will just be a good surge protector.
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