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UPS or surge protector/power conditioner? And if UPS, recommendations please under 1K

Hello All,

 

Need some expert help/advice here. I currently have my rig plugged into the Furman Elite 20pfi power conditioner. Everything including my subs are plugged into the Furman. I have my 5 channel power amp going straight to the outlet. The outlet is a dedicated 20 amp circuit.

I have been looking into switching to a UPS instead. I have read great things about the CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD. 

I need a minimum of 12 outlets.

 

If a UPS is the way to go any recommendations for a 12 outlet minimum UPS under 1K?

Thanks so much in advance!

kingbr
erik_squires
16,441 posts
 

The Furman is the way to go.  Excellent noise reduction, and surge protection.

Most UPS units generate a great deal of AC line noise, not to mention don't have the surge protection Furman has.

The one area where you might want an upgrade is in voltage regulation.  I use a Furman voltage regulator in front of my Furman Elite.  It keeps the voltage constantly within a 7V range. 

If you are worried about your voltage sagging, get a meter like this one and keep an eye on it during the day and as you play music:

Also, pay attention to the N-E voltage, which should be 2V or less.  If it rises during playing you may need an electrician.

 

erik_squires
16,441 posts
 

PS - Furman makes all in one units with all the features of the Elite plus voltage regulation, or you can get a unit like this one to put before your Elite.  I use this to keep wall warts for streamers and Ethernet switches on a separate clean circuit vs. my analog side:

 

kingbr OP
369 posts
 

Thank you so much! I have read so many different things in regard to UPS', some where they say they're better than a power conditioner, some say the other way around...That's why I came to the experts here - so thank you again for the advice and the confirmation on the Furman😃

I should have also mentioned that I have a whole house surge protector as well...And the funny thing is we never lose power here! Cannot remember the last time we lost power. Have been so very fortunate in that regard and the weather here in NH can be quite temperamental🤣

Thanks again guess I'll be sticking with my Furman!

erik_squires
16,441 posts
 

I should have also mentioned that I have a whole house surge protector as well...And the funny thing is we never lose power here!

 

That’s great. Please keep in mind that the whole house vendors, along with the NEC recommend a whole house protector for things which cannot be disconnected. GFCI outlets, fire alarms, home automation and the silicon circuits in modern washers and dryers. They still universally recommend point of use protection for sensitive electronics, meaning your TV, computers and audio gear.

I lost a laptop during a thunderstorm. Whole house suppressor but charger was in a random outlet. Bam. Only piece of gear damaged that night. Everything else I have Furman or Tripp-Lite on.

Also, Furman with SMP has advanced protection for brown-outs and white-outs.  Long times when you dont' have a surge but the voltage is not within spec.  The Furman will disconnect until the voltage comes back to normal.  Some Furmans require a reset, some will automatically restore power, but you get the idea. 

kingbr OP
369 posts
 

Thanks so much Erik! Appreciate all the advice and recommendations man! IGreat info!

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