Power Conditioning on the Cheap

@mitch2 yeah, when you know what’s actually in the box you have to giggle

varistors change sound in a way some may find appealing, but squash dynamics big time. The outlets are very high quality and probably do offset their impact to a certain extent, but I would remove them in a heartbeat..

As Eric mentioned the Furman units are surge protectors first and top notch. I think the idea of “conditioning power” is dubious. However, keeping voltage as constant as possible along with surge protection is a smart thing. I need surge protection like Eric, in CO, t-storms can be monsters. Very real deal. This year I’m installing a whole house surge protector and dedicated line. For now I too use a Shunyata Hydra 6 for my amps and front end along with the Furman PTS-6 for digital, TV etc. they haven’t failed me yet. The new Viper block looks like a winner IMO. I like Shunyata gear, it has served me well overall on the power side of things. I’m considering an upgrade of my block to a unit that can do all my system as one… not sure what that will be just yet.

I think the most important question you need to ask yourself is how robust of a surge protection unit you need. If your needs are minimal then I think about any decent block would get you where you want to be.

If you guys could only experience the PI Audio UberBuss with a Power Factor Correction of 1 plugged into a 30A dedicated line, you’d know what power conditioners were really capable of.

And I speak from experience.

Before you start talking about what equipment you can buy, find a really serious electrician (where are you, geographically?) who can "audit" your electrical set up. I spent money on power, but made sure the basics, starting at the service entrance, were in order.

Mr. Fremer did a video about the noise from his Generac (Mike?) which turned out to be a combination of long standing electrical problems, starting with corroded contacts where the meter plugged in.

In my estimation, it’s all an expensive bandaid until you address the basic delivery of power to your house, building and system.

See what you have and deal with the problems there first; the rest should come easy. I did not stint (this isn’t about saving money, but it may be that you need very little to "condition"). With "conditioning" or black boxes, I’m always afraid of baby with bathwater. To me, before spending money on conditioners and black boxes, it make sense to assure you are getting the best results from the power provided to you. A lot of residences and commercial spaces have terrible power that can be corrected by good practices. That’s where I’d start.

Thanks for all the responses.  I'll take it all into consideration.  Since more than one of you has mentioned installing a dedicated line I was wondering what something like that typically costs.  I live in three story old Victorian just outside of Boston where the electrical panel is in the basement and my listening room is on the third floor.  It is however, directly above the electrical panel so it should be a pretty strait shot between the two.  Also what gauge wire should I use 12, 10, 8?  Thanks again.