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What is the best non-conditioning surge protector

Currently, I have an AudioQuest Niagara 1200 power conditioner with surge protection. I thought I loved it until I decided to unplug my Atoll IN300 from it and plug it into the wall (just so you know, I don’t have an audiophile duplex in the wall). I was expecting the sound to be brighter with a little more coloration. To my surprise, the Atoll sounded so much better than it did connected to the Niagara. I could actually hear my components and how amazing they really are. So next, I decided to unplug my Pontus ii and Hermes from the Niagara, and the sound improved even more. I’ve had the Pontus for a month and liked it (the soundstage is gigantic) but thought the Qutest had more detail and was wondering why I bought the Pontus. Removing all three from the Niagra, I have fallen in love with the sound of the Pontus and my setup. I think the Niagara’s conditioning completely changed the sound of my system resulting in loss of detail. I have a Furman and hooked up the Pontus and Hermes to it and it sounded the same as when they were connected to the socket. I want to protect my setup so my question is, what is the best non-conditioning surge protector on the market?  

128x128stevebohnii
j-wall's avatar
j-wall
344 posts
 

@carlsbad I was a huge fan of the P10 for 2-3 years. I just moved to a Shunyata Denali and the sound is night and day better. I loved what the P10 showed me was possible, but the Denali blows it out of the water. 

wsrrsw's avatar
wsrrsw
890 posts
 

+1 on whole house surge protector and not just for your tunes!

theaudiomaniac
87 posts
 

A lot of these new Class-D amplifiers use switching power supplies. They are not going to care too much what you put in front of them. I have always questioned whether this "lost dynamics" is a real thing or happens for the reasons claimed. I can't say I have experienced it, but maybe it is unique to some amplifiers.

vanson1
126 posts
 

If you live in an area where lighting occurs,  get an electrician to install a surge protector at your mains.

 

Cheap investment and protection for your entire home. 

stevebohnii's avatar
stevebohnii OP
72 posts
 

I want to thank everyone for their comments and recommendations. I have looked up each one of them and think all are possible options. Problem is, the price point for many of them exceed my budget. I bought a Maestro duplex and installed it on Monday. I have to say, I’m not that impressed. It has improved detail but I feel it has sucked the life out of my system. It sounds thin and hollow. I turned up my sub which helped but I feel the magic is gone. I’m going to let it break in for a few more days and if it doesn’t improve I’m going to buy a commercial grade duplex and send the Maestro back. Has anyone used the Maestro duplex and have gotten the same results

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