Hey JV,

Those are both "MOV" technology surge protection which basically means that performance degrades over time with surges. No one can predict what/if/when/how big future surges will be. I won't pretend to be an EE because I am not. But in that range of price/joule ratings, Panamax pretty much rules. Monster Power is not bad at all, but A/V gurus call it overpriced for what it is. Still, it does what it says. There are some "Series Mode" devices available that are better but cost a bit more. See http://brickwall.thomasnet.com/categ...ge-protectors? That is the stuff that A/V gurus drool over.

Anyhow, in the $ range you are looking in, check out http://www.panamax.com/products.cfm to compare to the MOV Monster Power equipment. They are comparable in surge ratings so it comes own to how much value you put into the 'filtering' capability, which may not be important to you. For example, the ability to clean up a video signal or lower the noise floor on your amplifier. The clamping rate for surge protection is similar on these devices. I have a Monster Power HTS5000 on my big system and Panamax M5300 my living room system with a plasma, they both have been great. My bro, (who is a big wig with Sennheiser and an EE), has metered both of them in various scenarios and says they are very similar. For the Belkin, they really don't list enough specs on the Sony link to know how fast it protects during a huge spike. The joule rating is good in that $ range though. Sorry, I can't comment much more about the Belkin although the products I have had from them have been solid performers. I like that brand.

Bottom line, IMO in that $ range you are looking at you can get good surge protection. It is waaaay better than plugging into an AC outlet directly. Good for you for thinking about these things, so many people ignore power protection and don't realize how important it really is. You would be in good shape with the Monster and probably the Belkin device. But take a look a Panamax too, and series mode Brick Wall products too. Smart of you to take time to get the right power protection for your gear.

Gracias, man! I am looking for that combo of surge protection and power filter, I have surge protection now with my Sony 36" flat screen CRT system, but I need to "clean up" the power and get better surge protection, so a device that's a 2 in 1 would rock.

I see a Panamax dealer about 10 miles from work, thanks to that link you provided. I will go there tomorrow and look at their pricing. Going back to the SonyStyle store tonight as well, for the new LCD touch screen remote, so I plan to take a peek and see what kind of power filter/surge protection they are using for their in-store setups there.

JV

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JV

What gets us into trouble is not what we don't know...it's what we know for sure that just ain't so

Cool. I see that you have several Tweeter stores in your area. They are now Panamax dealers too. Either way you go, I think you will be in good shape but definitely let us know what you end up with. Sounds like a super duper super bowl party is in the works..... just a guess...

i just have one thing to say... FURMAN!! I have the Furman elite 15pf and all i have to say is glorious. i am the operations manager for a high end home theater/ home automation company and we use furman and richard grey and both are amazing. Richard grey is the best around but if you are looking for great protection combined with power factor correction and a low price furman is the way to go.

Dshue,
Yep Furman is great. So is the Richard Grey Power Company stuff! Just not sure either are in the price range for the regular consumer. Are you saying you have some X5world buddy pricing on the Furman equipment??

JV, these guys couldn't have said it better. I didn't know you were shopping for a SXRD too? That is awesome, congrats man!

The future bro-in-law got me his company price on the SXRD through the business he works for, almost a grand under retail before tax, so we jumped on it. Now the buying HDMI/optical cables and accessory shopping begins, the REAL expense of this whole deal

JV

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JV

What gets us into trouble is not what we don't know...it's what we know for sure that just ain't so

I didn't realize that there are audiophiles on here. The SXRD's are the bomb. I just put one on layaway this afternoon. I too was able to work a super deal and got it for a grand under. I owned a custom theater install company a few years ago, so I was able to use a contact to make a sweet deal. I can't wait 'til the last nail is put into the new house and I close...(about 3 weeks) Let the home theater moding begin. By the way, I'm a monster power man myself. I've got some buddies that swear by panamax.
Monster is somewhat overpriced, but the equipment does what it says it will. JV, I don't think you'll go wrong either way..............Phil

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JV! after you get it all setup, give us some feedback on the SXRD... been on the fence on that one and would to see some honest reviews. Thanks!