2. amps-preamps
  3. 172960-67065

Good or Best Surge Protector

Hi, I am moving to an area in rural Colorado where lightning strikes are prevalent and the power company not the most reliable.  I have a pretty nice system that I want to protect from lightning strikes or power surges from the power company.  My system is: Rockport Avior II speakers, Audio Research REF 160S amp, Audio Research REF 10 Preamp and Phono Stage, Aurender W20 SE, Ayre DAC, Galibier turntable with Kuzma 11 point arm and Van Den Hul cartridge and 2 REL G1 subs.  I don't know a lot about power so was wondering if anyone knew of a good power surge protector --for example, are the furman protectors any good or are they junk?  Thank you in advance for your help and advice. 

Ag insider logo xs@2xgasherbaum
facten
2,726 posts
 

I live just outside of Memphis and when storms come through we get a lot of lightning. I went with a whole house surge protector at the breaker, but also have Blue Circle power conditioners that also have surge protection. Just focusing on the protection side of things , whole house protectors are warranted in areas with a lot of lightning, but don’t get fooled into thinking that they won’t get taken out by lightning. You need to monitor them to make sure that they haven’t and if so get them replaced. I've had to have replacements installed twice. So if you get one installed you also need a conditioner that offers protection directly at your equipment. Look into some of those suggested by lalitk

thecarpathian
4,154 posts
 

I've also heard good things about the Audioquest Niagara series conditioners/protectors.

Crutchfield sells them with a generous 60 day return policy.

laps
88 posts
 

I have a Shunyata Hydra 6 and it has never failed to protect my audio system.

bojack
630 posts
 

APC S10 or S15: rock solid dependable, works as advertised, and most importantly does not require one to take out a second mortgage. I live in South Florida, which is a veritable lightning magnet, and this thing has saved my system countless times. Get one and forget the rest.

erik_squires
15,657 posts
 

Make sure to get a whole house surge protector.  Those will help a lot of things, including preventing fires in the wall wiring.

For your most precious gear I recommend Furman with Lift and SMP. 

Keep in mind a lot of boutique power conditioners are not actually tested or listed as surge suppressors.  Make sure any you buy are.

 

 

More to discover