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  3. 155475-132651

Surge protector vs wall debate for amps

Hi, I feel like I've sifted through endless threads from over the years and the advice still seems divided... I have a Pass Labs x250.8 and an Anthem STR Preamp. I currently have both plugged into the same Furman conditioner and have noticed a difference in sound compared to plugging it into a regenerator or directly into the wall -- which makes sense.
That said I really don't feel comfortable plugging thousands of dollars directly into the wall in the rare event of a lightning strike or any other EMI. I rent my apartment so I can't make modifications to the wiring of the unit.
So that said I want to get a surge protector exclusively for my amp that won't throttle power, sound stage, or anything. Given my amp, are there any recommendations for something like this that won't break the bank and is still quality?
Thank you!
jwh2
dwmaggie
222 posts
 
lowrider57 which Brick Wall?  Mine are about 15 years old.  I went with the 20amp for high current amps.  Haven't noticed any negative effects.  The 2 outlet 20amp is not a current product.  
magicrobert
16 posts
 
I found a cheap solution for home theatre and so far have not seen any negative effect on my little SET rig (I am in "make-do" mode). I would love to hear feedback as long as it does not hijack the OP's thread. I have bought hospital grade OneAC units off eBay. You can occasionally find great deals; the are very expensive new. They are essentially a rather gargantuan 1:1 transformer and some enormous caps. Nothing gets through them. They also convert 0 -120 RMS AC to balanced -60 to +60. My best deal was $50 for a 20 amp unit. I have several and the combined transformers lierally have stopped almost all ripple in the whole house (acting as "sumps"). I bought them initially because Houston AC is spiky as hell and always runs a bit hot. Just a thought.

jchiappinelli's avatar
jchiappinelli
116 posts
 
I have a pair of Furmann SS-6B surge protectors that cost me about $60. I don't want or need conditioning, but I do want to protect my equipment from surges, spikes, and voltage dropouts. The SS-6B offers a slight degree of RFI and EMI filtering but, according to Furmann,  not enough to be considered a "conditioner". This is fine for me since I only am looking for protection and dont want to add components that alter the sound. They do make a fine line of conditioners that are much more expensive if that's what you want.

J.Chip
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,397 posts
 
@dwmaggie  I own a Brickwall 8 outlet, audio version. Probably 15A.
Most likely your 20A makes a difference.

erik_squires
15,874 posts
 
I would be really curious to know what you hear.

Personally, in apartment living, I always prefer and notice when the Furman isn't in the chain.
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