Home Theatre Power Conditioners

JCX5 · #1 12-28-2006, 09:45 PM

Quick question about home theatre Power Conditioners - like the ones sold by Panamax and Monster....

Do all regulate the output voltage? Meaning - is the output 120v no matter the input voltage? The guys as Best Buy and Circuit City are somewhat clueless. Based upon what I have read - I don't think they do this.

Question is - if they do not regulate the output voltage - what's the point? I know they offer basic surge suppression - but I can get that for a whole lot less $$.

Many people state the sound is better, picture cleaner - not sure how much of that is psychological.

Let me know your opinions on these things.

Thanks - John

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Jeff330xi · #2 12-28-2006, 10:24 PM

I'm no expert on this, but some friends of mine that made a living selling very high end HT equipment said that most of the line conditioners don't do much of anything, many of them can actually limit the amount of current your equipment can draw. The exception was Richard Gray's power company which uses massive inductors for line filtering, surge protection, etc. They have a "no risk" trial so you can take it home and if you don't see an improvement bring it back. I don't own one (yet).

-Jeff

X rated · #3 12-28-2006, 10:54 PM

I use a Monster HTS 5100 on my Home Theater equipment, I wanted something better that the basic surge protector and, had enough outlets for all of my equipment. Can't say for sure if my picture and sound are improved, but have witnessed slight changes in the voltage on the digital read out. I thought about using something less expensive, but have a fair amount of $$ invested in the A/V gear and didn't want to cut corners on surge protection. We live in a rural area and power lines are above ground, seems we always experience a power outage or two during the winter months.

mrkbbd · #4 12-28-2006, 11:09 PM

If you have something expensive to protect, like a high-end theater system, then there is no reason not to buy one. Supposedly they keep the power right around 118-120v, never higher, so it's extra protection. Also, many have surge protection capabilities

Quicksilver · #5 12-29-2006, 04:01 AM

Not a recomendation but FYI.

You might want to give this a read. http://www.furmansound.com/products/...f20.php?req=rs

Also http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/g...ower_clef2.htm

ekaz · #6 12-29-2006, 09:23 AM

I have a panamax 5300EX on my a/v stuff upstairs and a monster 3500(?) on the setup on the main floor. I can't say whether there is a definite difference as I'v always connected my equipment to some sort of conditioner. I can tell you that I've never had any power issues with any of my equipment.

JCX5 · #7 12-29-2006, 07:32 PM

Thanks for all the responses.

But - I must admit, I am still unsure if all are AVR's (auto voltage regulators). Surge surpressors - yes. But are all AVR's?

ifly · #8 12-29-2006, 08:22 PM

Panamax 5500EX here and just the Peace of Mind makes me happy I spent the spondos. I have seen the power in the house spike all over the place while all the HT stuff is on as Dryers, Dishwashers, Garage Openers, etc. have kicked in the voltage has varied wildly at times which is not good for delicate electronics.

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