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Surge Protectors

Hello Friends, 

I recently added a dedicated 20amp circuit just for my Dutch & Dutch 8C's (active speakers). In addition to some vibration control (T podiums) the setup sounds amazing. I couldn't be happier with the 8C's, and the impending firmware upgrade adding BACCH to the system is just a big fat cherry on top. I'm nearly at the end of my journey in terms of buying/upgrading. 

 At the moment the right speaker doesn't reach the new outlet so both speakers are plugged into a surge protector, which is plugged into the new outlet. 

My question is this, is my surge protector ($26 Belkin with 12 plugs from Amazon) a bottleneck, or in any way limiting the benefits of the new circuit? 

 

 

128x12869zoso69
dougthebiker
184 posts
 

You’re kidding, of course.

rlb61
742 posts
 

@erik_squires Please explain why you no longer recommend Zero Surge, Brickwall, etc., as a good choice. I’ve been using a Brickwall 8 outlet audio model for years, in addition to a whole house surge protector, and have never had an issue. I am a big proponent of series mode versus MOV, and am puzzled by your position.

erik_squires
15,726 posts
 

@rlb61 If you already own them and have used them for years there’s no reason to change. They’ve already delivered their value to you and will continue to do so, but in terms of new purchases I think they’ve been dethroned as the best buy.

I tried to make my reasoning clear in my blog post but here is the summary:

  • They are no longer the only one’s relying on series mode protection.  Furman with SMP has it too and it's very good. TrippLite has some models which seem to perform as well but I'm not 100% sure if it's series mode or not.
  • Zero/Brickwall no longer test as well as other units in terms of let-through voltage. The legendary low let through and low response times they gained fame for have been bested. See the Wirecutter article I link to.
  • For the price they lack features we may want which Furman has, things like switched outlets, built in voltage regulation, active noise filtering, power factor correction, etc..

Of course ZeroSurge, Furman and TrippLite offer many different models but a straight up comparison between a ZeroSurge and a Furman with SMP and Lift makes the Furman a better buy.

 

goose
669 posts
 

Do you really want surge protection or just a method to reach your new 20 amp circuit?  The answer may be different.

69zoso69's avatar
69zoso69 OP
75 posts
 

Thanks @goose,

The answer is "both".

I've invested a tidy sum on my system, and I feel incredibly lucky to finally be able enjoy listening without constantly thinking about tweaks or upgrades. I simply wish to protect my investment. Whether that means installing a whole house surge protector or a plug-in wall unit really doesn't matter so long as I'm not going backwards by introducing any deleterious effects. 

If the whole house option is the way to go then I'd simply buy a longer power cable to reach the outlet. I'm not using anything super exotic or expensive (AudioQuest NRG X3).

If there are added benefits to the plug-in wall option (ie. noise filtering) well that's just an added bonus, but not something I really need. 

Being a 20amp circuit I just don't know which option is the best in terms of protection and fidelity. 

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