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Power Conditioning ?

I am looking for a power protection unit for my system and have seen brands like PS Audio, Monster, etc. But I haven't seen anyone mentioned here on Audiogon about products from APC (American Power Conversion). APC is THE largest and mose reputablepPower protection vendor in the US (and the world). I've worked for IT dept. of several companies and almost all power protections are from APC, except a few huge UPS for the entire server room. I'll bet if you go to your company's server room, you will see APC product all over the place.

My initial research leads me to believe that PS Audio or Monster et al. are way overpriced.

For example,

APC model 'Back-UPS RS'
--Automatic Voltage Regulation, surge protest, 600W output power, plus a 1000VA Battery (!) so you are saved from electricity blackout.
-- MSRP $250.

PS Audio model 'P500 Power Plant'
--Automatic Voltage Regulation, 500W output power
-- MSRP $1995

It is simply difficult (to say the least) for me to justify the 7X price hike. I'd appreciate the experts or gurus here on Audiogon can 'enlighten' me.

BTW, APC's homepage is: www.apcc.com
(you've probably already known PS Audio)

Abe
from Bay Area
abe_av

Showing 1 response by abe_av

abe_av OP
78 posts
 
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Thank you very much for your responses!

Ceb222/Listener57,
at this stage, my main concern is power protection. I have no prior experience of AC power's influence on sound quality. Will definately look into it.

Cytocycle,
I am surprised that SmartUPS limit current, especially 1000VA model since they are fairly powerful--have output power of 600W!

I am still a little puzzled at the AC Power will affect the sound quality -- wouldn't the power supply in the Amps/Sources take care of the imperfections in the process of converting AC to DC? Is there statistics showing how much electricity flucuation is in the US on a average day? and is it severe enough to affect audio performance? ... ok too many questions :-)

I'd really like to be sure before spend big money on the AC conditioning.

Abe
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