Suggestions for a surge protector < $50

Bejoy · 11-15-2004, 06:45 PM

Hi All,

I wish I had enough $'s to get a brick wall or similar units, but right now I am looking for some surge protectors with noise filter(has dirty power) in the $30 to $50 range. Any recommendations?

I looked thru Panamax and the Max8 series seems to fit my needs. How are they compared to similar priced Monster/AR units?

Bejoy

Stephen Hopkins · 11-15-2004, 10:13 PM

My local higher end B&M recently dropped Monster Power Centers after a convincing demonstration from Panamax. They were able to fry several monster units (the stores actual stock) and when Panamax units succesfully shut down and protected anything they were connected to. The panamax people replaced the monster units w/ higher valued Panamax units and they've been selling them with a furvor ever since (and the guy I deal with there says at less markup).

I've been planning on adding a Panamax Max 4300 which is their least expensive component sized unit w/ voltage regulation and the least i've found it for is $120 online. They do have some surge protector style units for around $30 online that have basic EMI/RFI noise filtration. Take a look at the PM8-EX. 8 outlets w/ EMI/RFI filtration.

Tim K · 11-15-2004, 11:35 PM

I recently picked up an Isobar12Ultra from Tripplite. They seem to make solid products at a reasonable price. I got mine from Buy.com for around $60 with a coupon, but they have some smaller models for less.

Chu Gai · 11-16-2004, 06:02 AM

Interesting story Stephen. Any chance you've got more details?

Stephen Hopkins · 11-16-2004, 10:13 AM

Panamax brought in a machine that somehow simulated varying volatages including large surges. They took a few monster power centers that the store had in stock and were able to completely destroy them by feeding them very large surges. They then fed the same surge to Panamax products and they shutdown (blocking the surge from getting to any protected gear) and suffered no damage. Panamax replaced the destroyed monster items w/ equivalent Panamax items free of charge. Since the demo the shop has dropped monster and has been selling Panamax, even at slightly lower margins than Monster.

**HTF Ads**

Troy_A · 12-08-2004, 11:45 AM

I don't know if it's any good (I just ordered one), but accessories4less has 2 Acoustic Research power conditioner units for half price. ($39.99 and $44.99)

Philip Hamm · 12-08-2004, 01:25 PM

Quote:

I don't know if it's any good (I just ordered one), but accessories4less has 2 Acoustic Research power conditioner units for half price. ($39.99 and $44.99)

I'll bet they're fine. If I were shopping today I'd get the computer surge suppressor that is sold by www.cablesforless.com . I'm not a believer in power conditioning unless you absolutely KNOW that you have a problem and it has been diagnosed by a competent electrician with the proper tools.

Kenneth Harden · 12-08-2004, 10:54 PM

I 2nd the Panamax story. I heard the exact same word for word from co-workers who did Panamax stuff.

IIRC:

Monster = MOV = cheap and BLOW during a surge
Panamax = Series type = safe, shut down, and reuse at 100% of new.

Matt_Smi · 12-08-2004, 11:25 PM

Glad I read this thread; I was planning on buying a Monster 2600 for $240 on e-bay this Christmas but now I am looking at the Panamax 4300, 4310 and maybe even the 5100. All can be had for pretty good prices on e-bay, I even found the 5100 for $250. I really like how these units have over/under voltage protection which shuts the unit down if the voltage is too high or low (similar to the UPS I have for my PC). I don’t think that the monster unit had this feature and it is very important IMO.

Philip Hamm · 12-09-2004, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Monster = MOV = cheap and BLOW during a surge

Hey that's fine on a $20 surge suppresser, that's how they're supposed to work. However, a $100+ unit? for my HT I use an APS computer surge suppressor and a Powermax RackMax.