Power Strips


I'm just getting into Home theater and was wondering what to do with all these power cords I suddenly accumulated. I've done some reading and realize that upgrading my power cords SHOULD make a difference. BUT, do I just plug these into a regular power strip, as I do not have near enough outlets to plug all this gear into? Comments appreciated as I have no clue.

Thanks
tommyg

Showing 1 response by jameswei

You might like using a "power conditioner." A good one should (1) protect your equipment from power spikes (e.g., when a falling tree branch severs the line to your house, a power spike can occur and damage your equipment), (2) isolate your components from each other so there is no potential for interaction (e.g., digital devices may screw up your analog sound), and (3) reduce noise riding in on the power current (e.g., choppy noise from vacuum cleaners).

I have a regular power strip from Radio Shack that protects one of my systems, but doesn't isolate or condition the power. I don't do a lot of critical listening on this system. I use a Tice Signature Power Block IIIc HP for my main system. It does all three. I like it because it has a lot of outlets, it comes with two power cords that can plug into two different outlets (rather than pulling all its juice out of just one plug/outlet), it is rated to handle all the power my rig requires (some power conditioners have circuitry that maxes out above a certain wattage), and it's built like a tank. There are plenty of other good power conditioners employing a variety of technologies to choose from. Reviewers and aficiondos claim to have heard differences between them; perhaps you will, too. The dirtier your wall power is, the more you might benefit. Happy listening!