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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
ianhorseman OP
10 posts
 
Again, many thanks to everyone for reading my post and offering their input. Think I will probably research and shop around on several of the options mentioned. Based primarily on age and the upgrades on a couple of my other components, think it’s time for a change.
Will keep the Panamax for a secondary system I am also pulling together.
Maybe I’ll start with a dedicated power line off the mains box too?!
It never ends……….

tvad
11,620 posts
 
Maybe I’ll start with a dedicated power line off the mains box too?!


Wise choice. Consider installing an Environmental Potentials EP-2050 whole house surge protector and noise filter at the service panel as part of the installation.
rixthetrick's avatar
rixthetrick
1,060 posts
 
Environmental Potentials EP-2050

@tvad - it doesn't shunt to ground? Interesting, I've been installing lightening protection on oilfield devices recently, and they use heat from a surge to open a circuit to shunt to ground, using pretty heavy gauge wire.

This uses 14AWG, still reasonable amp and voltage handling, but doesn't shunt energy to ground (not even a distinct ground with different potential?). If it's not redirecting it, is it converting the energy?
Okay, you got me fascinated.

Anyone who thinks anything will handle a direct lightning strike is dreaming..
Unless your nuts enough to try this bad boy out >
https://inhabitat.com/lightning-proof-bolt-tents-will-keep-you-safe-in-a-storm/

@ieales - kidding, I'm with you regarding lightening. And no, I don't have that crazy tent.
jb1
97 posts
 
I tried the iFi Ac Purifier and didn't like it. It had a negative effect on the dynamics of my system so I gave it away. I never tried the power station. I know it has an AC Purifier built in so I  think it would have the same effect. However. it might work in some systems, just not in mine. If you decide to try it, you would want to check out the return policy.
erik_squires
16,060 posts
 
Anyone who thinks anything will handle a direct lightning strike is dreaming..

Very few surge damages are caused by direct lightning strikes. In this case you probably have a fire on the side of your house, and losing an amp is the least of your concerns.

There's a lot of damaging surges, caused by lightning or accidents or power company switching, which can be dealt with by surge suppressors pretty effectively.  Around here it is simply impossible to unplug things when lightning might be near by.  Storms can roll in suddenly when I am away from home and a lot of my equipment isn't audio but work related.  The usual network and computer infrastructure a remote worker needs.

From a personal perspective a couple of times when I've had my Furman with LiFT and SMP out of the loop I noticed it.  Things were better with it in.
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