Surge Protector that won't affect SQ

Mike

Audioshark
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Sarasota, FL
Can anyone recommend good surge protectors that won't affect SQ?
 
Hmm, perhaps something from the Panamax line? I run a Panamax M5300EX (I think they have a newer model of that one now)and it has saved my bacon a couple of times. I'm not aware of any effect on sound quality though so I really can't speak to that. That is to say, even with my meager system that Marantz 5400 and what have you sounds damn nice and it along with everything is connected to the Panamax. That's all I got.
~Eric
 
Sorry Mike, but Surge protection takes something of the audio
That's why I have my amps direct to the wall
:(
 
Can anyone recommend good surge protectors that won't affect SQ?

I use one of these and extremely happy with it.....before I finished my room I had over a dozen conditioners at the same time doing side by side comparisons, I spent over eight months weeding one out at a time.

audiencear12tss.JPG
 
Yup, I think your out of luck.

The whole house protectors work prob the best and degrade the least. Most of those you can set on a breaker and turn the breaker off for critical listening thus removing the protection for that time period.

The least offensive surg protectors seem to be the ones that use (i think this is what it's called) MOV technology.
 
Yup, I think your out of luck.

The whole house protectors work prob the best and degrade the least. Most of those you can set on a breaker and turn the breaker off for critical listening thus removing the protection for that time period.

The least offensive surg protectors seem to be the ones that use (i think this is what it's called) MOV technology.

Here some info on MOV.....

A metal oxide varistor consists of a bulk semiconductor material (typically sintered granular zinc oxide) that can conduct large currents (effectively short-circuits) when presented with a voltage above its rated voltage. MOVs typically limit voltages to about 3 to 4 times the normal circuit voltage by diverting surge current elsewhere than the protected load. MOVs may be connected in parallel to increase current capability and life expectancy, providing they are matched sets (unmatched MOVs have a tolerance of approximately ±20% on voltage ratings, which is not sufficient).

MOVs have finite life expectancy and "degrade" when exposed to a few large transients, or many more smaller transients. As a MOV degrades, its triggering voltage falls lower and lower. If the MOV is being used to protect a low-power signal line, the ultimate failure mode typically is a partial or complete short circuit of the line, terminating normal circuit operation.

If used in a power filtering application, eventually the MOV behaves as a part-time effective short circuit on an AC (or DC) power line, which will cause it to heat up, starting a process called thermal runaway. As the MOV heats up, it may degrade further, causing a catastrophic failure that can result in a small explosion or fire, if the line current is not otherwise limited. An undersized MOV fails when "Absolute Maximum Ratings" in manufacturer's data-sheet are significantly exceeded.

MOVs are often connected in series with a thermal fuse, so that the fuse disconnects before catastrophic failure can happen. When this happens, only the MOV is disconnected. A failing MOV is a fire risk, which is an original reason for the National Fire Protection Association's primary concern is protection from fire.

When used in power applications, MOVs usually are thermal fused or otherwise protected to avoid persistent short circuits and other fire hazards. In a typical power strip, the visible circuit breaker is distinct from the internal thermal fuse, which is not normally visible to the end user. The circuit breaker has no function related to disconnecting an MOV. A thermal fuse or some equivalent solution protects from MOV generated hazards.

If a surge current is so excessively large as to exceed the MOV parameters and blow the thermal fuse, then a light found on some protectors would indicate unacceptable failure. Even adequately sized MOV protectors will eventually degrade beyond acceptable limits, with or without a failure light indication. Therefore, all MOV-based protectors intended for long-term use should have an indicator that the protective components have failed, and this indication must be checked on a regular basis to insure that protection is still functioning.
 
All I need is something that will protect my new Classe amps and preamps while I run them through 600 hours of break in during lightening season.
 
All I need is something that will protect my new Classe amps and preamps while I run them through 600 hours of break in during lightening season.
You should just buy a cheap one and run the setup with a CD player for 600 hours straight . Then start listening. That way sq is not an issue.
 
Ordered two Panamax surge protectors - just to get me through lightening season here in Florida and during break in. Thanks everyone!
 
So I never thought about this until I read this thread. Then I forgot to ask this question for a couple weeks. Lol . I use an acoustic research power strip. From what I'm reading here , this is hurting my sound quality??? And plugging straight into the wall would be better?
Guess I need a conditioner but until I get one is there anything I can use to plug 4 items into 2 outlets that won't hurt the sound? Like a normal 2>1 outlet converter from Home Depot ?
 
I ended up with the Panamax FWIW. We've had about 10 big lightening storms in the past week already.
 
I hear you, I pull the 2 power cords and I'm done, the lightning gets bad sometimes that sounds like explosions, and sometimes in the middle of the nights. I think I will give a try to the Audience after I'm done with the audio system as I see positive review on this piece
 
You guys get some weather down there. Although it feels good in February .
I have a friend near Orlando , said the roof just blew off his shed in a big storm.
Mike how is the Panamax on your sq??
 
You guys get some weather down there. Although it feels good in February .
I have a friend near Orlando , said the roof just blew off his shed in a big storm.
Mike how is the Panamax on your sq??

I haven't tested it without it to be honest. I've been just burning in these amps/preamp/speakers.
 
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