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

"I could actually hear my components and how amazing they really are. "

Let me guess... you thought the same thing when you initially purchased the Niagara.

We audiophools can’t save our self from ourselves.

With all the glowing reviews, it seemed better than sliced bread.

@stevebohnii Not surprised by what you’ve experienced with an amp plugged directly into wall outlet. 
Just curious what power cords do you use. From the 1200 to the wall and between your components and the 1200?

 

+1, @maxwave

I would first install whole house surge protection in the main breaker box. And buy a passive power distributor like Furutech e-TP66(G). If you can’t do whole surge protection, I would try a high quality power distributor like IsoTek EVO3 Sirius that doesn’t restrict current and provides protection against power surges and voltage spikes.