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Power conditioner/protection question

Hello,

I am assembling a budget system and I need an advice what power line protection or conditioner devices have to be included. The system is initially worth not more than $2000 of mostly used gear. The SS integrated amp (Classe CAP80, 100 wpc) will be the most power-consuming device in it. I live in a small town with (I believe) not many power spikes and irregularities but frequent thunderstorms and occasional power outages. I am not going to use the power protector for cables, phones etc.

Reading threads here I realized that spike protection is essential and the filtration of EMI/RFI noise is highly desired. So now I’m considering a PS Audio Duet surge/spike protector and power conditioner; few posters here said it improved sound quality which is an additional plus.

However, the Duet is around $200 (new). Would it be an overkill to have it for a $2000 system? Or should I buy something cheaper such as some Monster Cable products such as HTS 1000 Mkii surge/power conditioner? Or a Panamax MIP20-MAX Image Pro 20 amp Power Conditioner/ Surge Protector, here on sale for $65? Do I need a power conditioner at all? If not, will something like Furman PL-8II ($109) which is a filter and spike protection is enough?

Thanks for the help.
prophos

Showing 2 responses by magfan

magfan
1,583 posts
 
Stringreen, I've never had a harsh word with anyone on this forum, but for Pete's sake, that You've never had a power incident doesn't mean much.
I was leaving on vacation, years ago. That morning, with pretty much 1 foot out the door, the power sagged/browned.
Stereo went OFF. OOPS. When I got back from vacaction and trouble shot, the amp was DEAD. Power company ended up sending me a check for the repair....I was able to tell them EXACTLY what/when/where so they were satisfied. No protection at all was installed.
1. It happens...
2. Surge protection helps
3. Consider unplugging during storms.
4. Try it and see if it really is a compromise FOR YOU.

My original power amp liked the conditioner. Really 'black' background, almost made me 'pop' my ears. New amp, a Rotel, HATED the conditioner and was constricted. New-new amp, on its own circuit / Soloist is fine again.
magfan
1,583 posts
 
Man, if I was born RICH instead of just GOOD LOOKING!!!

I'd no more run my system, compromised or not, without some form of protection than I would start on a cross country car trip without a good spare!
On Balance, I'd say I am in plus territory.
Minus: Soloist outlet with amp / sub plugged in may not instantly pass enough current at highest volume levels. This on its own 20amp circuit.
Plus: Digital / lowlevel stuff is plugged in thru an isolation transformer. TV and rest thru the rest of the conditioner. It's a Panamax 5510, which cost me just shy of the 4 digit mark. This on a regular house circuit.

I'd further say that if I lived back in ......Florida, I'd have a whole-house lightning thing in the box along with whatever protection devices I ran.

Unplug? Yep. I also would unplug the small dish RG cables to the DirectTV or DishNetwork box. I think my conditioner has I/O space for these and will handle the voltage to the (insert correct name here).
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