Benpax

Power Conditionors?

Are power conditioners needed? The local rep told me that the Panamax conditioner will not only protect my system but also improve the video and audio quality. He claims the electricty is dirty. These components are costly and i'am not to sure if they are worth it. I use a quality surge protector isn't that enough?

gene c

Re: Power Conditionors?

A good surge protector should be more than enough. You can get more out of that money by using it to get better speakers, improve room acoustics, etc. I received a Monster 3500 refurb as a X-mas gift and while it looks cool in my rack I wouldn't have paid for it myself.

Kevin Magee

Re: Power Conditionors?

I think some power conditioners do offer sonic improvements. It is however dependent upon how clean the power is that you are currently getting. I think surge protection is much more important. As for sound improvements, I think you get subtle improvements but at a significant cost for the conditioner compared to the benefit. If you already have a good surge protector, I would not be in a rush to buy a conditioner. A good solid surge protectors that I like are the ones from Brickwall.

bassman99floyd

Re: Power Conditionors?

I'd say it would all depend on the quality of your equipment, if it is worth buying one or not. I bought a Richard Gray 4 outlet line conditioner for my HT, and after I plugged in my system I immediately heard better cleaner sound. I would never give it up now, and after my friends heard the difference, they bought one for their system's too.

If your speakers cost in the hundreds, I would say you probably wouldn't get your money's worth by buying one. If your speakers cost in the thousands, it's definitely worth the money. I couldn't belive how much more lifelike and accurate my system became.

The Man

Phaseshift

Re: Power Conditionors?

My experience with this sort of product is that you can get surge protection out of it first and foremost, but sonic improvements?? Tough to measure for sure and audibility of sonic bennies is questionable at best.

For video, I would be curious to hear from anyone that has done some analysis on signal to see if the HF trash is a big deal and if so, does the conditioner act as an effective filter in the band that the issues are prevalent.

PhaseShift

www.rscamaro.com