UPS or surge protector/power conditioner? And if UPS, recommendations please under 1K


Hello All,

 

Need some expert help/advice here. I currently have my rig plugged into the Furman Elite 20pfi power conditioner. Everything including my subs are plugged into the Furman. I have my 5 channel power amp going straight to the outlet. The outlet is a dedicated 20 amp circuit.

I have been looking into switching to a UPS instead. I have read great things about the CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD. 

I need a minimum of 12 outlets.

 

If a UPS is the way to go any recommendations for a 12 outlet minimum UPS under 1K?

Thanks so much in advance!

kingbr

Stay with the Furman.  Most UPS type units are not designed for audio applications.

The Furman is the way to go.  Excellent noise reduction, and surge protection.

Most UPS units generate a great deal of AC line noise, not to mention don't have the surge protection Furman has.

The one area where you might want an upgrade is in voltage regulation.  I use a Furman voltage regulator in front of my Furman Elite.  It keeps the voltage constantly within a 7V range. 

If you are worried about your voltage sagging, get a meter like this one and keep an eye on it during the day and as you play music:

Also, pay attention to the N-E voltage, which should be 2V or less.  If it rises during playing you may need an electrician.

 

PS - Furman makes all in one units with all the features of the Elite plus voltage regulation, or you can get a unit like this one to put before your Elite.  I use this to keep wall warts for streamers and Ethernet switches on a separate clean circuit vs. my analog side:

 

Thank you so much! I have read so many different things in regard to UPS', some where they say they're better than a power conditioner, some say the other way around...That's why I came to the experts here - so thank you again for the advice and the confirmation on the Furman😃

I should have also mentioned that I have a whole house surge protector as well...And the funny thing is we never lose power here! Cannot remember the last time we lost power. Have been so very fortunate in that regard and the weather here in NH can be quite temperamental🤣

Thanks again guess I'll be sticking with my Furman!

I should have also mentioned that I have a whole house surge protector as well...And the funny thing is we never lose power here!

 

That’s great. Please keep in mind that the whole house vendors, along with the NEC recommend a whole house protector for things which cannot be disconnected. GFCI outlets, fire alarms, home automation and the silicon circuits in modern washers and dryers. They still universally recommend point of use protection for sensitive electronics, meaning your TV, computers and audio gear.

I lost a laptop during a thunderstorm. Whole house suppressor but charger was in a random outlet. Bam. Only piece of gear damaged that night. Everything else I have Furman or Tripp-Lite on.

Also, Furman with SMP has advanced protection for brown-outs and white-outs.  Long times when you dont' have a surge but the voltage is not within spec.  The Furman will disconnect until the voltage comes back to normal.  Some Furmans require a reset, some will automatically restore power, but you get the idea. 

Thanks so much Erik! Appreciate all the advice and recommendations man! IGreat info!

I’d be concerned that a UPS isn’t optimized for audio.  No evidence to back that up but would be a concern for me.  Another option, you could get this highly-regarded Audience AR2p and plug two of these Wiremold power strips into it and have 16 outlets at your disposal.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisb7h7e-audience-adeptresponse-ar2p-ox-ac-power-conditioner-55477-ac-conditioners

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Legrand-Wiremold-8-Outlet-15-Amp-Compact-Power-Strip-6-ft-Cord-UL205BC/205469923

Just another option to ponder FWIW, and best of luck.

UPS are for things like computers/pc's. 
As an audiophile, I would go for merchandise made for our hobby.

Furman is well regarded. I would also look into the Audioquest Niagra series.

Bob

Of course, I’m assuming the OP doesn’t actually need his stereo to work during a power outage! :)

Usually when I read about UPS for audio gear users want to recreate something like a PS Audio power plant on the cheap by finding a "line interactive" sine wave output UPS. In those cases I think they should stick to Furman and "normal" voltage regulators. In part due to the AC line noise they generate, in part because from what I’ve read, true sine wave UPS systems tend to have lower reliability than their square wave brethren. Honestly you usually get cleaner power out of the wall.

If you actually need to keep your HT system going to make sure it doesn’t shut off your movie that’s another story.

My work PC, my router/Internet hardware are all on APC UPS units. That’s what I need to keep going even when the power is out. I just got a beer fridge for the gaming PC, I should probably consider putting that on a UPS too.

When the power gets glitchy (and it does!) I trust my Furman protections to shut off the power to my gear until things stabilize. If I want to ignore blackouts I should probably get a generator.