2. misc-audio
  3. 176218-20609

Least Expensive Power Conditioner/Surge Protector That Won't Worsen Sound

I have an old Shunyata Hydra 6 that I'm sending off to Shunyata to repair. In the meantime, I'm curious - What's the least expensive power conditioner/surge protector that won't worsen the sound? 

 

I've already discovered that plugging my integrated directly into the wall sounds the best. But I have source components. I have liked the Shunyata, but just in case they're not able to get it back to like new shape, what are your thoughts? (I tried numerous PLCs at the time I bought it almost 20 years ago and I thought it, by far, sounded better than any other one I auditioned in my system, and that included the Hydra 8).

 

I see many users who have reported worsening sound when using the Audioquest PQ2 and PQ3.

 

Something like a Panamax PM 5300 or 5400?  Or the Furman Elite 15?

 

And what is the danger of under-voltage?

analogj

Showing 1 response by yowser

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yowser
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Don't know what your price range is, but I use a SurgeX sa-1810 and hear no sound degradation.  Been through many lightning storms here in FL and no damage to any components.  It isn't as pretty as the others, but it's  A-1-1 Certified - the U.S. Government's highest classification for surge protection.  No sacrificial MOV circuitry.

Here, 'A' means the product suppressed 1000 worst-case surges (6kV at up to 3kA) without performance degradation, the first '1' corresponds to the 330V protection rating class, and the second '1' means no ground contamination – no surge current dumped to ground.

Put together, A-1-1 represents the best power line surge protection certifiable under ANSI/UL 1449-rev3.

The rating that counts with SurgeX surge protectors is the one thousand 6000v surges it withstands to be "A" rated. Unlike standard surge protectors SurgeX surge protectors don't wear out due to repeated surges. 

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