What is the best non-conditioning surge protector


Currently, I have an AudioQuest Niagara 1200 power conditioner with surge protection. I thought I loved it until I decided to unplug my Atoll IN300 from it and plug it into the wall (just so you know, I don’t have an audiophile duplex in the wall). I was expecting the sound to be brighter with a little more coloration. To my surprise, the Atoll sounded so much better than it did connected to the Niagara. I could actually hear my components and how amazing they really are. So next, I decided to unplug my Pontus ii and Hermes from the Niagara, and the sound improved even more. I’ve had the Pontus for a month and liked it (the soundstage is gigantic) but thought the Qutest had more detail and was wondering why I bought the Pontus. Removing all three from the Niagra, I have fallen in love with the sound of the Pontus and my setup. I think the Niagara’s conditioning completely changed the sound of my system resulting in loss of detail. I have a Furman and hooked up the Pontus and Hermes to it and it sounded the same as when they were connected to the socket. I want to protect my setup so my question is, what is the best non-conditioning surge protector on the market?  

128x128stevebohnii

@ozzy - I’m using a cheap Audioquest NRG-Y3. I know I should step up but I want to buy a better power cord for the pontus ii and then upgrade the power cord on the 1200. I’m using a Cardas Clear on the Atoll. I’m sure if I upgraded the NRG-Y3 the 1200 would sound better. I have to say, the Atoll connected to the out sounds pretty good. The shunyata venom ps10 sounds pretty intriguing too. 

@stevebohnii 

After reading your last two posts here, your system will remain seriously compromised and won’t sound best if you don’t fix the foundation of your system. If you plan on using a power distributor/surge protector/conditioner or whatever to feed power to your components then get the best one you can afford with high quality power cord before you spend money elsewhere in your system. 

I agree.

"If" you were going to keep the Niagara 1200 I would put the best power cord you own on it since it will power several components.

ozzy

Did you over-rate the conditioner so it could handle surge current?  Total Watts with headroom?