CORRECTION: “…and how many power conditioners have surge protection from a voltage spike over of 200 volts?”
Surge protectors--how many $ make sense?
My power went out during the LA fires. A power spike blew my preamp's fuse even though it was plugged into an ancient Monster transformer surge protector. So, I need to buy something to plug my gear into. The prices, however, range from a few hundred dollars to many thousands of dollars. Surge protectors have never been at the top of my list of equipment to buy, but I think it's time.
I have a fairly expensive system, about $75K, consisting of VPI Prime Signature turntable, ARC PH-7 phono preamp, McCormack CD (universal disc), Pass XP 30 preamp, Moon streamer, and Hovland Radia amp. New equipment mixed in with old, but all very good stuff. I've never compared surge protectors. So, how little can I spend on a surge protector without disrespecting my previous investment?
- ...
- 67 posts total
Shunyata Venom 16 Power Conditioner: Electromagnetic Breaker Over-current protection is a requirement for today’s high current audio power distributors. The vast majority of manufacturers use an inexpensive thermal fuse or breaker. Both are specifically designed to heat up as the current level rises. This causes voltage drops, increased contact impedance, thermal noise, excessive heat generation and current limiting effects. There is a better solution — the hydraulic electromagnetic breaker that utilizes low-impedance relays and a sensing coil that reads the current level without heating up or limiting current. They can operate right up the to the maximum current level without heating up or limiting instantaneous current. They are rarely used in competitive products since they cost 10-20 times that of a common fuse or thermal breaker. |
@audio-b-dog, with the level of investment in your listening chain I’d seriously think about getting something like an AudioQuest Niagara 7000 power conditioner with an AQ Dragon power cable or at least try the pair in your home and see if they do anything beyond giving you peace of mind. I think it comes down to how stable and clean the electricity is running into your home. |
- 67 posts total