No device protects from all anomalies - despite so many protestations in audio stores that make that claim.. Define each anomaly to obtain a solution for that anomoly. A short list of other anomalies were in a previous post. Do you need protection from any of them?
One common threat to electronics and other hardware is a transient that seek earth ground. Lightning (storms) is only one reason for such transients. Discuss lightning because those other sources create a similar anomaly. Does not matter if you never have a thunderstorm. You need lightning protection because stray cars, linemen errors, etc look like lightning to all appliances.
That anomaly is averted by upgrading single point earth ground connected low impedance (ie 'less than 3 meters') by a 'whole house' protector.
That is a solution for one type of anomaly. Some other anomalies were mentioned. Protection from other anomalies means defining the anomaly before anyone can recommend a solution.
Provided was a least expensive solution to avert damage from one anomaly often described as a surge. These protectors and the also so important earthing electrodes are obtained in any electrical supply house. Or from better stocked stores such as Lowes and Home Depot. This was detailed previously.
Because so many audiophiles have little electrical knowledge, then many magic boxes are constructed for a few dollars to sell for $100 (ie Monster). In part, because so many want a 'magic box' solution for everything without first doing what is always required; first define the problem / threat.
For example, many will recommend a Surgex to protect from lightning. Somehow that series mode filter will stop what three miles of sky could not? Yes, most myths are that easy to expose. Surgex does near zero surge protection. As a series mode filter, it is excellent as a noise filter. It addresses one anomaly quite well. And is all but useless for another electrical anomaly.
One solution was provided for making one anomaly irrelevant. Do you need that solution? In the past ten years, have events (all of which act like lightning) caused appliance damage? Well, when the solution costs about $1 per protected appliance, then why would you not earth that proven solution anyway?
To say more means you cannot say, "I want protection." Say, "I want protection from xxxx." Since nothing exists to protect from all anomalies. Suggested was a solution for one typically destructive anomaly. A solution that means most attention is on earth ground; not on what is simple science - a 'whole house' protector.
Thank you. Most folks here will not agree with this but I
completely understood what you are saying. Whole house protector to create that earth ground to help stop what 3 miles of sky cannot. I will add a whole house surge protector to my service panel by a qualified electrician ASAP. I'd like to point out I would have added it anyways BUT the fundamental knowledge about what it does precisely would have not been there. Now I know. A ground earth connection. A slightly higher method of protection than a stand alone surge protector priced at $50 bucks.
How about line conditioning to remove static noise from components and/or interconnects? I'm assuming maybe the high end units will only pro provide such support?
Let's look at a high end offering from monster.
Signature Series™ Home Theater Reference HTPS 7000 MKII PowerSource with Dual Balanced Pure Power™ Transformers and Clean Power™ Stage 5
features exclusive Monster® Dual Balanced Pure Power™ circuitry for the lowest noise, best picture, and sound performance.
"combines the world's finest filter circuitry designed by Richard Marsh, uses triple shielded transformers with uniquely switchable balanced or isolated settings that will subdue any noise or ground"
Snake oil? Or will it actually work and
do something?
For example, a quick search on the site will reveal a review completed by Gene on a Monster HTS 3500 Home Theater Reference Power Center
Monster HTS 3500 Home Theater Reference Power Center | Audioholics
Hers what Gene had to say:
"At first, when I read the back panel's claims to have specific inputs for digital and analog components, I shook it off as marketing gimmicky. However,
upon further inspection of the internal components, I came to really appreciate the difference in filtering techniques and topologies for each of the specified inputs. Monster Power did their homework here in providing a surge suppressor with custom filtering tailored for each specific component in a home theater system."
We can agree that it isn't a heavy box filled with paper weights. We can also agree that the product has some form of electronic enegineering principles in it.
" The HTS 3500 did particularly excellent in resolving problems with my cable reception. "
" I also discovered that our reference system seemed to have a slightly cleaner sound when hooked through the HTS 3500. Furthermore, the noise floor appeared to drop slightly, especially on analog signals, during quite music passages. "
There is some merit to the isolation technology in the device I suppose as Gene wouldn't fall for over hyped claims because we all know it's not his style here....should I remind everyone what audioholics.com objective is? Pursuing the truth in Video and Audio!
Assuming I have no need for a power center other than to connect all my devices into one convenient box that looks rather nice I wouldn't mind receiving some benefit of less noise floor for analog sources....or even having it clean up my tv cable picture which looks impeccable at the moment. Just something nice to have?
So, the Signature HTPS 7000 MKII with Dual Balanced Pure Power™ Transformers may have some benefit at a cost ratio of slightly higher than what is probably available in the reference series which I don't doubt may
do the same thing equally as effective but that's where my expertise wouldn't know and which is why I ask you guys. What device can give effective noise floor filtering? Certain electronic principles we should look for in a product? Is it what Gene came across? Or is this too an overly hyped product?
