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Best power conditioning under 400 bucks

I'm looking for surge protection and to clean up the power coming from my wall (currently I'm running directly into the wall with the amp and off a cheapy power strip for everything else). Currently I can't spend much more than $300 so was looking for recommendations new or used, and I'd like to be able to plug my amp into it was well without restricting its performance (McCormack DNA 0.5 Rev. A). I was contemplating the BPT CPC if there are any thoughts on that unit, but I'd welcome all thoughts/ideas.

By the way, I'm not looking to add warmth or anything like that -- just hoping to clear things up a bit and achieve a quieter background along with some surge protection. Thanks for any thoughts.
soix
17 responses Add your response
dne
141 posts
 
I've found the Shunyata Hydras to be amazing -- very substantial improvement in sound. Hydra 2 used is $250 but only has two outlets, though you can add a double plug or power strip with great results. Hydra 4 is around $500 used, I believe. Shunyata Guardians are about the same as the Hydras. However, you'll also need a powercord with a 20 amp connector. A fine cable is the Shunyata Diamondback -- used is about $100-125 or so.

I can't recommend the Shunyatas enough,
larryken
537 posts
 
PS Audio Duet
shadorne's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
shadorne
7,467 posts
 
APC H15 is worth checking out - no bragging rights - it just does what it supposed to do.
Post removed 
roc_doc
55 posts
 
Second the Duet, great bang for the buck in my system. Completely lacks frills, but does not restrict your current and does a very nice job.
dtsag
119 posts
 
PS Audio's Duet for $199 and Quintet for $349. What can you ask for any more. You lucky Americian.
jeff_jones
418 posts
 
http://www.sola-hevi-duty.com/products/powerconditioning/mcr_port.htm#Selection%20Table

Not sure about cost, but should do what you want without the audiophile mark up.
philjolet's avatar
philjolet
2,305 posts
 
Audience AR1p used for about $350

I could not believe the improvement in my system
ras422
182 posts
 
Furman elite pf 15i--should be able to find one used for 400 or less
larryrx7's avatar
larryrx7
137 posts
 
I will put in a second on the Furman pf 15i...hard to beat for the price. Very cool pull out lights too.
soix OP
8,600 posts
 
Thanks for all the good suggestions. Looks like I've got a little homework to do here, but fun homework.

I need at least four outlets and don't want to pay for another power strip to expand capacity, which somewhat rules out the Shunyata and Audience options at this point given my budget. The Brickwall unit probably has the best surge protection but has a series filter that I'm concerned may limit the performance of my amp, but I'm not sure about that. Still looking into the others.

Any other thoughts greatly appreciated.
ras422
182 posts
 
if you want go a step up to the furman ref series --you won't look back
chayro
2,921 posts
 
Plug a $50 Wiremold strip into an AR1p and enjoy. Amazingly good. I'm now using an AR6 and, while I haven't compared the two systems head to head, my aural memory tells me the AR1p/wiremold didn't give up much to the AR6.
soix OP
8,600 posts
 
Wow. After doing a little digging the AR1P seems really interesting. Would the wiremold strip (or any other power strip) offer isolation between outlets to prevent noise being transferred from my digital components to the rest of my system?
chayro
2,921 posts
 
No - the wiremold strip does not offer isolation between the outlets, but I wouldn't worry about it. Just worry about the sound. If it sounds great, do you really care? If you love the AR1p and demand the additional isolation, you can sell it for about what you paid (S/H) and get yourself a used AR6 or 12.
fmer
38 posts
 
Hello I'm using two ar1p with my system along with two eichmann power strips. I CAN tell you for the money they are very good usually you can find them on gon but they go quick Good luck fmer
wader1971
77 posts
 
Check out SurgeX - built like a tank and best of all made in USA!
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