Monster Power conditioners. Anyone using one?

Geez guys tell it how ya feel why dont ya.

I use a HTS3600, it made a noticable improvement in the noise floor. My main amp plugs directly into the wall. Only my Pre, sources, DAC, Sub controller, TV, SAT, etc make use of the HTS3600.

I plan on trying a PS audio ultimate outlet with the main amp, I want to clean it up and give a modicum of surge protection without sacrificing dynamics.

It is my understanding that the HTS3600 will only provide about 1800 watts and 10amps give or take. Not enough, IMO, for my main amp, but plentiful for all the other stuff.

For the peace of mind (surge protection) it was worth it to me. Some power conditioning is better than none.

Did I mention it looks really cool too.

Sure there are better and if you can afford them go for it, Audio Magic comes to mind, along with PS audio, richard Grey, etc.

Its a toss up between Panamax and Monster IMO.

Hope that helps. Sounds like you have a "keeper" girlfriend, I wish mine would wanna help buy audio goodies.

I have a Monster HTS 3500 that allowed 270 volts to pass through it before it finally burned up during a test. Just think of what would happen to your fine audio-video equipment connected to such a device. I now own a Panamax Max 5510. During the same test, it clamped at around 130 volts and withstood the same 270 volts that destroyed the Monster Cable and reset itself after the overvoltage was gone. It is expensive at 1299.99 but, it offers balanced power or isolated power with AC regeneration, component video ins and outs, outlets for subs or amps that will not limit current. It also offers adjustable delay settings for the isolated and high current outlets, a plug in lamp on the front and back panels, two voltage sense triggers and dimable meters for amps and voltage. A lot of the same features are available in the lower priced Max models. I sell both Monster Cable and Panamax by the way.

I have a monster PowerBar 2100 and I think it does a great job - totally cleaned up the unbelievable amount of noise on my power lines. I use it for source components only - not for my power electronics.

Monster, unfortunately, suffers some of the same type of reputation as Bose - many here dismiss their products as unsuitable for high end.

I am of the opinion that power conditioning products and power cords reach their point of diminishing returns even faster than most high end equipment (as you can see in my system, I indulge in them, but modestly).

Have fun!

John

Marty, thanks for that eye-opener. warren

I have an HTS-2600, it works just fine. noticeble sound improvement, and only runs 350 bucks.
dont let eveyone lead you to believe you need to spend 700 on a power conditioner. Im hoping that 3600 that allowed 270 volts was just a faulty unit. My HTS 2600 did an excellent job of protecting my equipment during a lightning hit.

remember, the whole point of the power is for A Surge protection, and B to clean the power up.
Its more for A than B, Definatly A is more important than B. The power conditioner is just another tweak.

Plus, Monster's customer service if above first rate. If your power supply crapps out, they will send you a new one, once you reciever that, then you return your old one.

If you buy opne from Ultimate Electronics, SoundTrack, or Audioking, they are distributers and if it craps out you can swap it out for a free new one. I swapped out one that lost its stage 2 circuitry (i assume from the lightning) about 2 years after i bought it, no questions asked.

Also, if a surge frys your equipment while it is protected by monster power, they will replace up to about $40,000.00 of equipment.

So as long as your rig doesent pass the 40k mark, if it gets fried, you get all new gear.

hows that for protection????