Surge Protectors & Power Conditioners
I currently live in Florida so frequent storms, sandy soil (which is a poor conductor for grounding) and aging local grid infrastructure. I’m trying to deal with the resulting electrical noise, voltage spikes, and electromagnetic interference. Unfortunately with no basement, running a new dedicated power line is not an option. I’m looking at surge protectors/power conditioners as a possible solution.
I'm reading just enough to be dangerous about the impact of filtering on sound which is not always positive and the large power draws from amps that filtering can interfere with unless the unit has some kind of power reserve generation or some outlets that are unfiltered.
I'm looking for recommendations that will not require a second mortgage. The equipment I'm trying to protect/optimize: darTZeel 468 & 18ns, Lampi Aphrodite, Aurender n30sa and HeadAmp BHSE. Many thanks
I like my PS Audio P15, however my amp sounds better plugged into the wall. That will be the trick, finding one that does not adversely affect the amp sound. Definitely start with the whole house surge protector if you don’t have one already. And based on your equipment, you can afford to break the bank, don’t skimp. |
You're looking to address both protection and cleaning up the power. As already noted, a quality surge protector at the main panel is a cost-effective approach for some peace of mind. Reality is nothing can protect from a direct strike but for the majority of issues this is great protection. Especially since you can't run a dedicated line I would consider models that "regenerate" the power. I had the Furman 20i Reference already mentioned and now have both a PS Audio P15 and P20. Recommend both brands. In my case for both SS and tube mono amps I preferred plugging them into wall with the Furman. With the PS Audio units I have not been able to hear a difference and like the additional level of protection. I expect having enough headroom in the conditioner(s) is key. |
I too live in Florida and I don’t understand the need for a basement to install a dedicated line. Mine runs through the attic. For protection, you need to consider a three prong approach. FPL offers a whole house surge protection that they install on your meter. It’s not expensive. When a power surge damaged my amp, they reimbursed me the full price I paid for it new although it was over 4 years old. As for power conditioners, your choice is unlimited I use Synergistic Research and have no complaints about it. At the fuse box, I used Eaton CHSPT2ULTRA Ultimate Surge Protection 3rd Edition. Amazon carries it.. Good luck. |
This comes up about once a month so I wrote several blog posts about it:
https://speakermakersjourney.blogspot.com/2023/10/time-for-new-surge-suppression.html |
