Surge protector or power conditioner?
Spend your money on some good audio tweeks ( iso platform, power cords better IC's, iso feet) that will help improve your sound, rather than chasing smoke and mirrors. 43 years in the High End hobby and Ive never used anything but a wall outlet, and Im a rolling stone, I move a lot. So power always changes. Matt M |
The noise filters in power conditioners can have a negative effect on power amps due to current-starving. Some manufacturers use Power Factor (energy reserve) technology to overcome this problem. The Furman Elite-15 PFi is a good example. User reviews have been very good, although Audioholics ran tests and wasn't impressed. |
Many have suggested a whole house surge, though it may not sub for some local protection (I'm fuzzy on that). Here's a thread: https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/environmental-potentials-whole-house-surge-protection-can-i-g... |
The Tripp-Lite Spike Cube thread may be of interest... https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/tripp-lite-spike-cube |
I have been looking at a surge protector/power conditioner, specifically the Furman elite 15pfi or 15dmi. Very good value-for-money choice. I don’t feel as though I need a “power conditioner” because I don’t notice any emi in my system. You will only notice it once it is removed, and you A - B your system with EMI present vs. without EMI present. Trust me, you WILL notice. :-) I mainly want surge protection. I have read that people have experienced negative results when plugging in their power amp into a power conditioner. Agreed - given the cost of our components, it is wise to protect them. I have not personally noticed anything negative with my amps plugged into a power conditioners (only huge improvements), but many have claimed they have had issues so your concern is well founded. If you are concerned, you should perhaps arrange with a dealer to get a conditioner for a trail period. |
