Surge and Conditioning

Is it mandatory with McIntosh owners that they always buy McIntosh products?

There are plenty of high quality power conditioners that don't involve paying a premium for the McIntosh name.

I have no idea about other McIntosh owners and what they like or don’t? If you re-read my original post, I own a marantz receiver and I’m specifically asking for other options than the mcp500 as I don’t want to spend $3,000. Thank you for pointing out there are other manufacturers, but who are they and what units are you recommending?  Thanks. 

I did a lot of research for almost a year and ended up with a Furman 15, they do have a 20 amp one also. You can find them on Amazon. Although I could have spent much more, I have found an improvement without breaking the bank. No current limiting which was a big concern of mine. Plus some conditioners don't have surge protection, the Furman has both.

Hope this helps a bit.

Power is often discussed here. Too bad that we don’t have some company reps to help us along. If a Furman really isn’t current limiting to power amps and if it really does filter out a majority of the noise, then how do Shunyata, Audioquest and PS Audio manage to sell their power units? I’m all in favor of getting good value, but my $700-$800 Pangea power conditioners are not anywhere close to my Shunyata. I do believe that Furman is a step up when compared to Pangea.

We also have members that have tried a power product and not noticed a major improvement. I believe this is due to a few factors. First, they might magically have great power out of the wall and then all that needs to be prevented is noise from other components. Secondly, many use products that are only minimally impactful and lastly, some components are undoubtedly supplied with killer power supplies. I must have really noisy power because for me, adding my Shunyata power conditioner was my first jaw dropping change in my system. That said, I’m sure there are many Shunyata power products that would not have made such an improvement.