Does a costly surge protector really matter?

perrin · 07-31-2003, 02:18 PM

I am wondering if I should get a surge protector for my home theater. I live in the Seattle area, and brown outs and lightening are very rare for this area. I am using a standard, inexpensive power strip for my Sony Wega 27" TV, Denon 2802 receiver, Sony C670D 5-disc DVD player, and my digital cable box. Would a surge protector make any difference such as Monster Cable?

perrin

Bill Kane · 07-31-2003, 02:57 PM

Perrin,

If you are under the impression that Monster = costly surge suppressor, the answer is Yes. But wait, there are dozens of surge protectors under $50 if you want basic insurance against a surge or spike that may or may NOT ever strike – that’s insurance for ya, who knows?

For example, the Panamax POWERMAX 8 COAX model (with terminals to connection your incoming cable tv coax) goes for $29 at this online dealer POWERSYSTEMSDIRECT

Anything similar that’s rated at least 1600 Joules can be found at OfficeMax and other mass electronics stores, too, without mailing costs.

At this level, it’s basic peace-of-mind like plug it in and forget it (so long as the idiot lites keep lit).

bill

perrin · 07-31-2003, 03:06 PM

Thanks, Bill.

I will look into that site you have listed to find more information.

perrin

Bill Kane · 07-31-2003, 03:21 PM

..and more than one ever needs to read here in SEARCH for SURGE PROTECTORS...

Jon_Welker · 07-31-2003, 06:06 PM

I had the same question a few months ago, and here's how I looked at it. I talked to my insurance agent regarding the matter, and I have a $500 deductible on my homeowners. I would basically have to eat my DVD changer if my whole system got fried (total approx. value = $8000). I thought, what the hell, what's another $100 or less for one of these surge protectors which offer a total connected equipment replacement policy. I picked up one of the Panamax models (DBS I think), and as long as you have everything hooked in (including Sat and/or CATV), you're covered for life. Sounds like the cheapest insurance policy that I have ever come across.

**HTF Ads**

Chu Gai · 07-31-2003, 06:36 PM

now does that cover full replacement costs? let's say your TV is no longer made, how will they compensate you?

Gary Silverman · 07-31-2003, 09:22 PM

Brown outs and lightning might not be a problem in Seattle, but what about utility equipment failures, large commercial and/or industrial facilities, cars hitting utility poles? All of these can cause problems with the power to your home. Invest in surge protection. It's cheap insurance. Even if you have homeowners insurance that covers this kind of damage, the time you'll be be without equipment while you go through the claims process, and then the shopping process isn't worth the money you'll save by not purchasing some form of protection.

Chu Gai · 07-31-2003, 10:57 PM

those are legitimate issues Gary.

Jon_Welker · 08-01-2003, 01:14 AM

Chu,

I believe that it would be similar to those extnended warranties at BB and/or CC, where if your model is no longer made, then they have to compensate you with something similar by the same manufacturer. Don't quote me on that, as it is a very good question you bring up. I'll have to double check with their website/customer support. As always, if nothing else keep receipts, take digital pics, burn them on a CD and keep at a separate location just in case sh!t ever really hits the fan.

Dave HW · 08-03-2003, 10:09 PM

i don't question the value of surge protection. However, I just bought an RPTV. The saleman tried to sell me a monster surge protector and tried to see me on the fact that only was it good for surge protection, it significantly improved the signal. Is this true and does it matter?

Dave

Jon_Welker · 08-03-2003, 11:23 PM

Dave,

I'd be a little weary if the cat is trying to sell you one of those fancy power center line conditioner thingies. I'm sure somebody out there can swear up and down and sideways that they noticed in an improvement in sound or better PQ, but these things run upwards of $1000+. For that kind of jack, I'd rather have more/upgraded components. I do suggest in dropping the $100 or less for a good surge protector. Also, I'm a little skeptical of Monster in general knowing what I know from this forum and from retailers. I, personally, would pass on anything fancier than a good surge protector.

Frank joe · 08-04-2003, 12:19 AM

i am confused as i read the statements above. i purscased a monster hts 5000 surge protector and power line conditioner as well as stage 4 filtering. list price was 700 bucks. i ordered it from the soundprofessionals webiste for 340 deliverd to my door. if you look at the time it took you to research all your gear and how long it took to put it all together, not to mention all the monies that were spent. itn's it worth some peace of mind not to have all the equipment hit by either lighting,( do you have a satellit reciever of outside antenna hooked up to your tuner for fm reception) or surge as the power going off and on. i have personally heard of people loosing their equipment ( phones , computers hard drives, tv's ect.) to the things i have mentioned. but, i have never heard of anyone loosing their equipment that has a good (not under 200 bucks)
surge protector. so the choice is clear ( was to me).
i think so far i have spent 15-20,000 dollars on my equipment over the years. a few hundred for peace of mind was well worth it. just putting in my thought. frankie