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Panamax Power Conditioner: Keep or Upgrade

I have a Panamax Max 1500 Surge Protector/Power Line Conditioner which I have had in my system for approx. 15 years.
Recently I began the process of upgrading parts of my system. Wondering if I should replace the Panamax due to its age and the advancement in technologies over the time period?
Any recommendations on this?
I am looking for thoughts and feedback on whether the Panamax is still serviceable, especially from those that have experience of this model, or maybe look at other parts of my system?
Thoughts on the Panamax and if majority feel it’s time for an updated model, please let me have some recommendations. Budget to mid-range price ranges. Would like to keep it, as we all would, the best bang for the buck!
Not going to outline the rest of my system, so I get feedback just on this power conditioner question. Especially because it is the oldest piece in my system.
Thanks for all comments and thoughts!
Big E
ianhorseman
pmm
232 posts
 
If it`s sacrificial, or has MOV`s( which degrade over time depending on how many instances they protect from surges or spikes ), it may be best to replace it.

Furman, or Brickwall, would be excellent replacements.
ianhorseman OP
10 posts
 
Thanks for the responses so far.
Wondering if I haven’t had any issues with the Panamax, Ishould just leave well alone, despite its age?
Anyone had any experience with the iFi Powerstation?
Not cheap (about $500) but seems interesting.
https://ifi-audio.com/products/powerstation/
vinylvalet
899 posts
 
I like the PowerStation; IMHO the best option in its price range. I have several in secondary systems and in the recording studio.

For my main stereo where I don't have cost constraints, I use the Puritan Audio Labs PSM156.
ericsch
752 posts
 
I had a Panamax M5100 for several years. Replaced it with an Audioquest Niagara 1200. Furman is also a good option.
rixthetrick's avatar
rixthetrick
1,060 posts
 
I am sorry that I cannot provide any information of a suitable product in a very inexpensive price range.

If you have the budget, the Puritan PSM156 works very well, and is one of the cheaper solutions that deliver at it’s level of performance (that I have encountered). Go online and look at internal photos, you will see individual isolation between each outlet, compare that to others, though it may not promise to be the best, it sure shows the engineering intent.

Maybe someone can direct you to a free trial, I think the importer offered a money back period - mine sure didn’t go back.

As you’ve not discussed your system, and yeah I understand where you’re coming from, but my digital has much lower noise floor.

Generally, I would never suggest an over the budget solution, however if you were to stretch it - this is one buy that might be worthy of such a lack of discipline.
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