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

@markiew Well, at $2300 US it better do something right. 

Part of the issue is that I'm still officially auditioning an integrated amp. And the Panamax is making it sound considerably worse than what I heard through the Hydra 6 w/Python Alpha power cord. 

Even at full retail price its still a better deal than the Niagara 3000.  See if you can demo one and make up your own mind

Personally if it sound quality based buy the best furutech receptacles and wire them into your circuit and if directly into them.  Years and years ago I bought a panomax and I could not get rid of it quickly enough. Between myself and a friend we have tried a bunch of them and none of them are any good. Make some things better and some things worse. That is the way they all seem to work the bass is better the top gets bright. Or the tone is better and the mucicality is go e etc etc etc. They all seems to work that way we have tried a great number of them up to about a five thousand dollar price.  The furutech receptacles replacement just makes the sound quality go up. Doesn't seem to make anything get worse. 

Regards

noticed there was no mention of Monster HTS 3500 & 3600. which I have not sure if they protect, but it gives me ten outlets which are full.

Got one as an open box and another at a yard sale, and the guy had  no idea what it was, got it for fifty bucks, there was a rebate coupon for $50, old, sent it in, and got a check for $50. are they any good or am I going to get bet up?

Tom

For surge and lightning protection they are a good idea, but higher frequency noise is better removed by anti-ripple filters in the power supplies where capacitors and inductors become proportionally more effective with higher order Fourier harmonics for distorted 60 Hz wall outlet power up to radio frequencies which audio vacuum tubes cutoff.

@analogj, no I wasn’t suggesting that only the power cord is critical in helping any systems SQ. The power cable in conjunction with a good power conditioner should work together to help keep the electricity running through your mains clean. A lot of what will work best in any system can depend on system synergy, the compatibility of different components to work together for the most optimal sound.

     For example @markiew commented that for him the Puritan 156 did more than an AudioQuest Niagara 3000 and an AQ Hurricane power cable in his setup. 

@kellyp Could you explain? 

I’ve had one CNN of these over two years now for my system. Works fine. Have similar smaller units for computers in two rooms, a larger one for TV/audio in another room. Output is clean, to keep rfi/emi off input I use simple clamp-on ferrite chokes - works for my ham radio equipment.

you did specify inexpensive.

APC UPS 1500VA Sine Wave UPS Battery Backup, BR1500MS2 Backup Battery Power Supply with AVR, (2) USB Charger Ports https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GRY1W93/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_DT698HR0MVRKADDH5ASB?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Remind me to turn off spellcheck. Some stray character turned into cnn - I wouldn’t touch that propaganda with someone else’s eyes. Mobile page doesn’t allow editing ✍🏻 

I'm hoping and assuming that Shunyata will be able to bring the Hydra back to spec. If not, I'll need to find a unit which will allow me to use the Python Alpha power cord with free C19 end.

Transparent Duo

Had the Furman ref 15i now the Puritan 156.  I'm done.

Not to derail the conversation, but what are thoughts on the need for a UPS backup. Is it necessary in areas with frequent power outages?

The least injurious of all the conditioners I’ve ever personally used, is a Chang Lightspeed.

I find that many will choke the current and damage fin details, and create blurring or splashiness that could be heard as ’detailed’, when it is really a form of unwanted screech, when the screech or dullness or whatever is finally heard for what it is.

The Chang units seem to strike a very good balance.

One tends to find the Chang units where one is cost conscious and does not think that throwing money at perceived problems is a good substitute for a good ear or mind being brought to bear on the matter.

I'm getting my Shunyata Hydra back next week. They found no damage at all, but replaced the filtration and surge protection with their most up to date technology. Really nice customer service!