jpman70

Do I Really Need a Power Center ?

Hello Everyone,
My local store sales guy included a $500 Monster Power Center (model HTS 3600) in the HT quote he gave me (my total budget is about $10k). Do I really need to spend that money. They quote benefits like "smoothing" the voltage to my components??
Thank you!

Jim Mcc

Re: Do I Really Need a Power Center ?

Monster is the most overpriced equipment out there. You do need one, but that price is absolutely ridiculous. I bought mine at Home Depot for about $40, which includes surge protection, noise filter, etc.

Alon Goldberg

Re: Do I Really Need a Power Center ?

A friend of mine owns Fidelity Acoustics RFM-2 loudspeakers, along with a Naim stack (CDX2, NAC 282 Preamp, NAP 250 Poweramp and a Hi-Cap power supply), for his stereo speaker system. Total system costs over $15,000. This is one of the most wonderful speaker systems I've ever had the pleasure of listening to.

All of his components are connected to a $60 Belkin surge protector. I had this very discussion with him regarding power conditionners, and his opinion is that the $500 can be spent much better elsewhere in your system, for instance putting this towards your speakers, room treatments or amp will make a far greater difference in your overall system than spending the money on a power conditionner.

I can assure you his system sounds phenominal with just a powerbar. I should also mention that he owns and designs the Fidelity Acoustics brand, and works for one of the top hifi stores in Canada (top B&W, Classe, Rotel, Musical Fidelity, and Naim dealer in Canada). I'll take his word for it. I'm convinced I don't need a power condtionner.

Glen B

Re: Do I Really Need a Power Center ?

Unless you have major voltage fluctuation problems in your home, you don't need any "smoothing." Something with surge protection, basic noise filtration and overvoltage protection is enough. Check out the Belkin PureAv PF30 and PF31, available heavily discounted for $83.24 and $137.53 respectively at Provantage.com. That's more than 50%off MSRP. I have made dozens of purchases from this retailer over the years. I own a model PF30 which I use in my HT system. A lot of people like the Belkin PureAv stuff. Below I've included a couple of links to threads about issues similar to yours.
http://www.provantage.com/belkin-ap2...0~7BELD010.htm
http://www.provantage.com/belkin-ap2...2~7BELD00Y.htm
http://www.htguide.com/forum/showthr...ghlight=belkin
http://www.htguide.com/forum/showthr...ghlight=belkin