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Power conditioning / surge protection

I have some decent Rega stuff. It's currently plugged into one of those surge protectors you get for 20 bucks at Staples. The odds are against it (and I'm insured), but I want to be sure a surge doesn't wipe out my gear. Also, if I can get a better sound by "conditioning" the power, then great. Although I have no way of knowing if there's anything funky about the power I'm getting from the wall. One hears a lot of claims, and I could easily spend $400+ if I wanted to (which actually I don't). So I'm asking for general advice along these lines - thanks in advance.
doggydaddy
zd542
5,339 posts
 
" It's currently plugged into one of those surge protectors you get for 20 bucks at Staples. The odds are against it (and I'm insured), but I want to be sure a surge doesn't wipe out my gear."

As far as sound quality goes, you just have to experiment and see what you like best. When it comes to protecting your gear, you have to be really careful. Surge protectors can help in some cases, but not always. For example, I don't know of any power product that protects against lightning. If you are not sure, unplug your gear.
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drrsutliff
858 posts
 
Look at one of the Audience aR1p units listed for sale here. Excellent unit that you can plug a decent power strip into and have very nice line conditioning and surge protection. Excellent reviews online. I use one with a CryoParts power strip 2 and feel it is worthwhile in my system. I do plug my amp directly into the wall though the unit is noted to be non current limiting.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,462 posts
 
I've tried many power conditioners and have not been successful in finding one that doesn't do harm in some way. Sure they change the sound, but I personally could live without them
roscoeiii's avatar
roscoeiii
1,155 posts
 
Drrsutliff,

How does the aR1p affect the sound of your amp when it is plugged into the conditioner?

I have seen these recommended for amps, so curious to hear your experience.
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
if your area is affected by surges, you need an industrial grade surge protector such as TrippLite. all of these fancy units will serve the purpose of the clean power, but if bad will come to worse, you'll kiss your amp good buy.
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