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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? 

128x128audio-b-dog
walt99's avatar
walt99
1 posts
 

Just my 2c from an old electronics guy. Eaton Ultra surge protectors in the main and sub panels, multiple dedicated 20 amp circuits, multiple Zero Surge units, Eaton 9PX UPS unit for Trinnov, Kscape and a few other high $$ items.

Fancy cases and "audio" specialty products are snake oil.

audio-b-dog's avatar
audio-b-dog OP
42 posts
 

I have a $3K budget, and that was already stretching it. I have a wife, remember.

squared80's avatar
squared80
136 posts
 

It's not a money thing. Get a whole house surge protector and be done with it. <$500 installed. Just keep in mind NOTHING will stop a lightning strike except physically unplugging your equipment.

russbutton's avatar
russbutton
438 posts
 

This Belkin surge protector is the one to get.  About $43 from Amazon.

 

4320 Joules of protection.  A sensible and easy choice to make.

dancub
82 posts
 

Some years ago, a lightning strike got in via my dog's "invisible fence".  No protection anywhere. Blew fence's transformer off wall and just past my head.  Distroyed my PC's motherboard and something in my Bryston amp. 

Sent still under 20 yr warranty amp to Bryston but forgot to tell them what happened. The tech called, and asked. I mentioned the ligthning strike and he said "we don't usually warrant lightning strikes" . . . pause . . .  "but this time we'll fix it".  

Been a Bryston fan boy ever since...and have whole house and point of use protection stuff everywhere.

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