A short story :)

[John Holmes]

For a few years I've listen to many debate if a surge protector or line conditioner can effect sound. I never bought into the idea that it did...until this past week.

A year or so ago, I bought the Optimus Home Theater Power Center (Pro Series). It was on sale for $49.00 bucks and thought it was better than what I had at the time (which was nothing).

I ran all of my equipment thru it except my sub. An AVP1a,Fosgate amp,DVL-700,32" JVC and later a Sherwood DD/DTS receiver. I never notice any change with any of this equipment inline with the Power Center. So when I got my current receiver (Elite) I just plugged it into the Optimus.

Well, I had a little time on my hands so, I decided to see if I would hear a difference with this unit plugged directly to the wall outlet. By now you already know that I did! I was truly shocked that I could hear one. The bad news is now I'll have to find a new surge unit.

The Optimus actually added some mud to the sound of the Elite. With the Pioneer plugged directly to the wall outlet, the sound was more detailed and clean. What is really sad is, I was happy with the sound before the switch only to find out that it was clouded and could be better.

I felt that I needed to share this because, for the last twenty years, I thought that I had a great ear for sound. I guess I was wrong




"I came here, to chew bubble gum and kickass. And I'm all out of bubble gum!!!" My DVD's

[ThomasW]

John

This situation is unfortunately true of many inexpensive "surge" protectors. Try using the device on everything but the receiver/power amps. These devices usually limit current, and as a result they effect the sound quality.

Something else to consider is that most of the inexpensive protectors are MOV (metal oxide varistor)based. The MOV's deteriorate over time as a result of supressing line spikes.




theAudioWorx
Klone-Audio

[John Holmes]

ThomasW,
What should I look for in a "surge" that, will give me protection and neutral sound? I'm not up on there differences.




"I came here, to chew bubble gum and kickass. And I'm all out of bubble gum!!!" My DVD's

[migliore]

I use a electric panel installed surge suppresor. To filter, I use high-end power cables. Works well for me.

Rob




Reviews and System

[ThomasW]

John

The good in-line protection is from

http://www.brickwall.com

Click on the "to the audiophile" link




theAudioWorx
Klone-Audio

[Lexman]

Nice looking stuff Thomas. I personally use Panamax, and so far haven't had any problems related to it. But I am curious about these Brick Wall units.

Goodluck with your problem John.

Lex





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[SteveF]

Hi, So I take it that you're using one of these units for protection?? I went to the site to put it in my favorites, will get back to it later. Which one are you using ?? And how much didi it cost ?? Did you order it directly from the company ?? Thanks for the information. I never thought this could be a problem, I've got my whole system on 2 seperate small protectors, I guess I'll have to check into this. Thanks again.
Peace SteveF




SteveF

[ThomasW]

Steve F

If your question is what am I using?

The answer is a dedicated 20 amp line, that feeds an old Tice PowerBlock/Titan Series II set-up.

They aren't the little flyweight devices Tice now sells. These are 2-66lb storage transformers. They level the line voltage, and provide a reserve capacity, that enables the system to temporarily draw the equivalent of 25+ amps, from the 20 amp line.

It's really unfortunate that these are no longer available. I've seen nothing better as an all-in-one cure for absolute voltage stability, and complete line filtration. They provide that "middle-of-the-night" sounding clean power 24/7




theAudioWorx
Klone-Audio

[ThomasW]

Steve

Yes they sell direct, just call the toll-free number. Prices start under $200. The great thing about these is, they don't use sacrificial devices such as MOV's, as a result the protection never deteriorates




theAudioWorx
Klone-Audio

[Lexman]

Thanks Thomas for your prompt reply. Do we need to enter any sort of special code so you get your commission? rofl.

Lex





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[ThomasW]

Gee Lex I wish I was on comission, their stuff is $$$. Just talked with them, they will have an E-commerce site up within 10 days.

The larger rackmount devices range from $399-$499 depending on capacity. The smaller "audiophile" units start at $249, and go up.




theAudioWorx
Klone-Audio

[John Holmes]

ThomasW,
Sorry it has taken me a little time to respond. Great site! If you say they're good well...that's good enough for me. I just need to decide which one to purchase. Thank you for for the quick responses and great info!

Lex,
You know what is funny??? I didn't have a problem until I messed with it:B. Ahh, what we learn when we are willing to listen and try!!!




"I came here, to chew bubble gum and kickass. And I'm all out of bubble gum!!!" My DVD's

[P-Dub]

Just wondering, is it okay to use the outlets on the back of my receiver? At the moment I've got my dvd player connected.

At the moment, I've got a medium/cheap priced surge protector. One of those that are advertised to eventualy die. So am I hearing right, that I'd be better off with an el cheapo surge protector?




Paul

There are three kinds of people in this world; those that can count, and those that can't.

[ThomasW]

The outlets on the back of the receiver offer no protection.

Yes, it's much, much, better to use one of the cheap surge protector that nothing.




theAudioWorx
Klone-Audio

[Paul_C]

Thomas;

How do the Brickwall units compare to the VansEvers conditioners or are we talking apples to oranges.

Thanx.

Paul.

[ThomasW]

Paul_c

Sorry I'm not familar with the VansEvers products. I certainly know Mike by reputation, but that's the extent of my knowledge.

Here's a quote from a description of one of his $650 conditioners

Three-stage surge protection is accomplished through use of both Metal-Oxide Varistors (MOV) and gas surge-arrestors.

That pretty much answers any question I'd have




theAudioWorx
Klone-Audio

[Bing Fung]

Stop it John, your making me want to spend moocho denero on a power conditioner




Bing

[Lexman]

My sentiments exactly Bing! lol.

ho ho ho,

Lex





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[John Holmes]

Bing and Lex,
You will find no sympathy from me! I was not afforded that luxury this month. Bah, hum-bug:B




"I came here, to chew bubble gum and kickass. And I'm all out of bubble gum!!!" My DVD's

[ThomasW]

For those a little short on cash, but willing to get their hands dirty, here's a link to DIY line conditioning/surge protection compliments of John Risch. Yes it uses MOV's. But for a DIY application they could be placed in a manner allowing for easy replacement.

http://members.nbci.com/Jon_Risch/surge.htm

theAudioWorx
Klone-Audio