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Surge protector

Hello all. Just need some advice on a surge protector for my amp and preamp. A few months ago we had a thunder and lightning storm. It blew out my ac condenser in my central ac conditioner. Now am worried about that happening to my ARC Ref 6 preamp and my Krell FPB 600 amp. Right now they are on a dedicated 20 amp line that both my amp and pre are using. I listen to my system practically everyday and leave my amp on stand by all the time. My amp and pre amp. I really do not want a surge protector with a power conditioner as I have read that the Krell FPB 600 sounds best the life expectancy lasts longer if plugged directly into electric receptacle. Would I loose any Sonics from a surge protector? Should I just unplug the amp and preamp when I see a storm brewing? But then what if I am not home to unplug? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks to all. Cheers. 
128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xtattooedtrackman
snapsc
681 posts
 
This subject recently had a lot of discussion that my prove helpful. 


https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/new-home-power-protection/post?highlight=Lightning&postid...
tattooedtrackman's avatar
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tattooedtrackman OP
884 posts
 
@snapsc. Thank you for that information. Very helpful. 👍
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kijanki
4,430 posts
 
tatooedtrackmen, It is hard to tell what is sufficient since lightning can have different forms.  Nothing will protect against direct hit and everything else depends on the distance and location.  More protection is always better.  I decided to get circuit breaker type because I don't have enough space in my panel to put more circuit breakers.  They recommend for protection device very short connection to a circuit breaker with no pig-tails.  Since it is against the code to connect two wires to the same breaker (without pig-tailing) I would need two extra 20A circuit breakers and I don't have space for it.  Perhaps one day I will get electrician to install extra panel and add more surge protection.
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tattooedtrackman OP
884 posts
 
@kijanki. I understand with a direct hit from lightning all bets are off.  I was only thinking about a power surge. Thank you very much for all your advice and links. It was and is very much appreciated. 👍





erik_squires
16,243 posts
 
Whole house surge protectors are definitely worthwhile, but I still recommend high performance surge protection near any sensitive electronics.

Here is an article on my current thinking on the matter:
https://inatinear.blogspot.com/2019/04/power-management-for-frugal-audiophiles.html

Best,
Erik
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