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Need Advice on Power Protection/Clean Power

Hello All,

Not sure if I am posting in the correct section but here goes.

I need advice/suggestions on adding on equipment to give my rig protection from power issues.

I have 2 goals (as most do):

- Protect audio/video equipment from power issues
- Improve the performance of my equipment, mainly audio, if at all possible

Currently I have 10+ pieces of equipment connected to a couple of Monster Power Strips.

The equipment that I wanted to mainly protect and improve performance upon is:

- Integrated Amp
- Audio/Video Receiver
- DAC
- Phono Pre-Amp
- TT
- TV
- Universal Blu-Ray Player (used strictly as a CD Transport, eventually will be replaced by a better transport)
- HTPC
- Subwoofer

Additional Equipment that I would like to protect but could potentially keep plugged into existing monster power strip:

- DVR
- Blu-ray player (separate from the above mentioned one), this one is used to watch movies


Equipment that I could keep plugged into existing:

- Chrome Cast Stick
- Remote Hub Base Unit
- Firestick
- Wireless Speaker Module

My research so far has led me to all kinds of brands and solutions.

My budget is probably around $1500 max (not including power cords or other inter-connects).

Here are some options that I have thought about:

- PS Audio Detect Power Conditioner and  Power Port Classic AC Upgrade Receptacle
- AudioQuest AC Receptacles (or PS Audio) and Niagara 1200
- AC Receptacle (PS Audio or Audioquest) and Decware ZLC

Two units that I am curious about and seem like it could work in conjunction with the above mentioned equipment:

- ADD-Powr units (one of their more entry level offerings)
- Shunyata Venom Defender

My system is very entry level and I am wondering if any of these products are even worth it?

I would definitely like to provide better protection but If I can actually improve the sound, then I would very much be interested in that.

I am just wondering if my system would really reveal any improvements.

Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. 

Thanks
128x128jay73
jay73's avatar
jay73 OP
219 posts
 
Hello,
Does anyone have any opinion on the High Fidelity Cables MC-0.5 Power Conditioner?
Or perhaps, anyone used this before?
Thanks
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,906 posts
 
After waiting quite a while I rolled the dice and got two. Then, I got another. They were all B-stock and were 35% off which made them quite the bargain.

After having them for some time now, I've put off getting something like a Audioquest Niagara 1200 conditioner, as the sound just gets better and better. 

I don't know how long they take to break in, but the improvements were heard pretty much straight away. Taking them out has an immediate effect. Doubling up on one outlet sounds strange at first (a little too much leading edge and diminished mids and base) but it all gels nicely in a few days. 

Now that summer is over and I don't run the wall AC, I've noticed some more improvements in the areas of detail, soundstage depth (see-through) and better, tighter base. 

There was a holiday sale of 40% off their products so a quick email or phone call may get you the same if you're interested.

All the best,
Nonoise
mesch
3,524 posts
 
Nonoise, just to make sure I understand, you are using 2 Decware ZLCs? I looked that conditioner up and must say it seems to offer great potential on a cost/benefit perspective.
cissado
113 posts
 
The Decware ZLC looks enticing to me. 
Are you guys plugging your amps into the ZLC? Right now, I go straight into the wall unless I'm certain it won't degrade sound. The ZLC seems capable of this though.
Also, what is the 10 amp load statement on the unit? If I have a 20 amp circuit, I can only use 10 amps worth of amplifiers, etc, into it? I have 3 amps and 10-12 pieces/plugs and may need 2 units. 
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