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Least Expensive Power Conditioner/Surge Protector That Won't Worsen Sound

I have an old Shunyata Hydra 6 that I'm sending off to Shunyata to repair. In the meantime, I'm curious - What's the least expensive power conditioner/surge protector that won't worsen the sound? 

 

I've already discovered that plugging my integrated directly into the wall sounds the best. But I have source components. I have liked the Shunyata, but just in case they're not able to get it back to like new shape, what are your thoughts? (I tried numerous PLCs at the time I bought it almost 20 years ago and I thought it, by far, sounded better than any other one I auditioned in my system, and that included the Hydra 8).

 

I see many users who have reported worsening sound when using the Audioquest PQ2 and PQ3.

 

Something like a Panamax PM 5300 or 5400?  Or the Furman Elite 15?

 

And what is the danger of under-voltage?

analogj
whipsaw
758 posts
 

Probably more than you wish to spend, but I have had very good experiences (both audio and video) with this IsoTek power bar:

EVO3 Sirius

I bought it for around $500 used.

erik_squires
16,119 posts
 

Panamax and Furman are owned by the same conglomerate now, so they share a lot of features.  I go with LiFT and SMP from either.

How dangerous undervoltage really depends on the connected equipment.  IMHO however it's more useful because an undervoltage is many times followed quickly by a power surge. Here in SC I've had undervoltage trip twice last year.  Once during a thunderstorm and another time during a wind storm. It's best to let your gear shutdown than to attempt to continue to function when these events happen.

analogj OP
105 posts
 

Interesting. The Panamax models seem to have an internal device that shuts off the power when there is under- or over-voltage, distinct from the feature on higher level models that work to maintain voltage when those things occur. Of course, severe spikes will shut down the power completely. 

 

Unless I'm reading it incorrectly, it looks like Panamax uses sacrificial circuits whereas Furman uses non-sacrificial circuits.

thecarpathian's avatar
thecarpathian
4,441 posts
 

"Here in SC I've had undervoltage trip twice last year.  Once during a thunderstorm and another time during a wind storm. "

You haven't seen a thunderstorm until you've seen a South Carolina thunderstorm!

carlsbad's avatar
carlsbad
1,551 posts
 

No such thing for amps.  I like Tripp lite protectors and whole house for low current devices (basically everything else). 

 

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