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Power strips- too many choices

Out of necessity I need to use a power distributer/ strip.  I am impressed with how many options there are and how varied the reviews of the strips are; even some discussing degradation of the sound.   It seems surge protection would be valuable but cant figure out the other features.  Trying to decide between, Isotek vs Gigawatt vs PS audio.
Don't want to spend too much as there are other cabling needs pending. Further complicating the purchase; I have 7 cords and  at least per the Isotek website it seems that its best to use only one outlet lest resulting in "noise" from the outlier.  ( but isn't the idea of the strip to clean up that "noise") Any suggestions would be appreciated.
mpomerantz
tweak1
3,534 posts
 
It depends on how many sockets you need

See the link plus a quality power strip

https://www.underwoodhifi.com/products/core-power-technologies-av
larryi
3,718 posts
 
I have not made any sort of direct comparisons, so I have no idea which power strips are among the best.  However, I did attend a very impressive Isotek demonstration at a local dealer Command Audio in Falls Church Virginia.  The dealer has a dedicated subpanel for delivering power on dedicated lines to the listening room, so it is a far better environment than is a typical home setup at the outset.  The demonstration consisted of playing music through the dealer's system before inserting the Isotek product for a comparison.

I was particularly impressed by the Isotek power strip--it improved the sound substantially for a pretty modest price (around $500, I believe).  The system was dead quiet to begin with, so the improvement was not heard as a drop in noise level; rather, the instruments sounded more freely suspended in space and there was a clearer sense of notes decaying naturally.  

I ended up buying their higher end products--a Titan and an Evo conditioner, but, I will admit that the power strip delivered a very large chunk of the performance that these much higher priced conditioners deliver.
hobo1452's avatar
hobo1452
85 posts
 
I like Furman for the simple reason that they have always produced products geared specifically for audio systems. Their power strips are all I have used and continue to use and they have never let me down. For my recently upgraded system, I went with the SPR-20i because it is a voltage regulator, a conditioner, and a non sacrificial surge protector. Panamax, a subsidiary of Furman also makes some interesting products.
tuzarupa's avatar
tuzarupa
65 posts
 
Here is an option I do not see mentioned:

BrickWall : https://www.brickwall.com/
I have three of their units now. First one was for the Hi-Fi. Liked it so much I bought two more for second system and router / modem.
Never failed me - even in the middle of outages during monsoon season (AZ) and when sitting on a wet carpet (long story)

Read the info. on the site. Built very solid. Great value.If you only need a power strip then they have options that can fit your need.

They moved from San Diego to Florida not long ago.
sokogear
1,050 posts
 
Furman elite 15 power conditioner gets my vote - You can get good deals on these used. Has separate banks based on equipment type. Better than a 4 gang box and you don't have to worry about starting a fire or hiring an expensive electrician.

Don't think it improves the sound noticeably, but wasn't that much more than a very good power strip and got some surge protection from power outages. If lightning strikes and my house is on fire, insurance kicks in and I would have to buy new stuff. Would be a major PITA.

For a non-house threatening lightning strike, it's supposed to protect the equipment. Anyone have that experience and it didn't work and did Furman step up and compensate you?
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