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Surge Protection and Power Regeneration Qs

I've been doing my research homework, but could use some advice on AC power for my HT. I have 3 new dedicated AC circuits in a 10 year old house / subdivision (not old power lines). HT = 7.1 - B&W Matrix 803s, 805s x3 and DS6 surrounds, ASW850sub, Classe CA-301 (300Wx2) and CAV-500 (250Wx5) amps, a WD65831 65" Mitsubishi DLP TV, cable service, and Onkyo universal SACD/DVD. A new Anthem AVM50 preamp will arrive soon, replacing my Onkyo TX-NR900.

I know I need surge protection at a minimum, and because of high power amps and 3 dedicated AC circuits, I need 3 units - 1 for each amp, one for everything else. Do I also need regenerated power? What models should I consider, keeping in mind I would also like to cover cable, Internet? (for preamp software updates?), and a battery back up (may be separate component) for the TV's DLP lamp fan. I know this is a tall order, and will require multiple components - but what?

Most used PS Audio doesn't do cable, Panamax does cable but not Internet, I could put a battery backup with internet and cable between these units and my components, but does that defeat the whole purpose?

I want to spend what I need to spend for protection, will buy new if I have to , but prefer used because I can't afford to spend $3K on this stuff - the preamp was a $tretch for me - my toy funds are low. What is minimum protection, what is nice to have for future? BTW - I live in Florida - lightning capital of the US. Thanks in advance for your thots.
celt16
dtsag
119 posts
 
I would suggest the latest offering from PS Audio, as they not only provide protection, but improve sound and video at the same time.

Forget about all their older models. The latest product lines are way better.

Get one Duet on the dedicated lines for each amp. Then get the Quintet/Quintecense/PPP for all your other components depend on your budget. They do protect cable box as well, but not internet. If you really need it, just connect one after the PS Audio stuff.

Let me know if you need a source.
kitchener
18 posts
 
Why not a simple whole house surge protector -- divide to conqueor, and eliminate that part of the gear-requirements. After that, you could get something for all of your source and display gear, with no compromises due to budget, and then when funds allow again, address the amps?
celt16 OP
9 posts
 
I looked at whole house surge protection - the folks that sell them say they are not intended to protect hi-end audio.
celt16 OP
9 posts
 
I understand I can put surge protection in a plug-in unit (Brickwall, SurgeX, Zerosurge), but don't I defeat the purpose when I bring a coax (cable) or RJ-232 (Internet) connection inside that loop, between the surge protection and the component? In that instance, isn't my protection from surge only as good as the surge protection for the coax or Internet connections?
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,696 posts
 
Celt16-
One reason they say this is thay they do not test their equipment with hi-end audio, but with regular appliances. However, there's a definite advantage to putting your surge protection device as close to house ground as possible and, generally, that means at the power entry or breaker box. Any power shunting is only as effective with a low impedance path to ground. So, definitely get a whole-house device but, because of the need for protection on all lines (coax, telephone, etc.) and the potential for induced surges in the house wiring, that should not be your only device.

Kal
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