Hydra vs PS Audio vs Equitech

Dbld -- one way (to get protection at the breaker) is to wire a small high-speed diode from the "house" side of the breaker to ground inside the panel. If there's a surge, the diode will "ground" the breaker instantly tripping it before the surge can go down the line (the fried diode must be replaced but, they're only a few cents) This method does not comply with electrical codes in some areas but it is effective.

Another way is to install devices such as specialized breakers or surge devices mounted at the panel itself (cost a few hundred dollars) designed to protect the several circuits. These are "resettable" and for that reason may not always trip at a low enough threshold to protect delicate equipment.

I recall reading about some of this equipment on these forums, so you might try a search here.

Thanks, I'll look into it some more.

One unit you want to take a closer look at, in addition to the ones you listed, is the Exact Power SP15A, alone or togehter with its balanced brother, the SP15 A. I had the same choice at my time (three or two years ago), and think the EP is superior to the Shunyata and PS Audio, esp. as far as practical considerations - e.g. plugging in power amps, space, and money-performance-ratio are concerned. Take a look at the archives here, and check out their site exactpower.com

I guess I didn't specify in my earlier post, but I use both Exactpower units, the EP-15A (regenerator) and the SP-15A (balanced power unit). Either one can be used alone, but the optimum setup is to use the EP to supply (unbalanced) power to the front end stuff (amps, powered speakers and/or subs) and also to power the SP unit (balanced power) which can then supply all the front end/source stuff. This is what Brent Jackson at Exactpower recommends and I have found it works beautifully.

Gary Dodd from Dodd audio is now making balance power conditioners, I sold my bpt 3.5 sig plus, and bought 2 Dodds, and a power cord for the same $$$. IMHO, they are MUCH better, AND cheaper. I am also waiting for Jim Weil's latest, and greatest Sound Applications linestage.

JMO

Good Luck