Best surge protector/power center? please help

[bigbassdave]

Hey guys,
I need to get a gift for my Dad this year. He just ordered a very nice home theater set up with 50" plasma large floor standing speakers ect... I am thinking about getting him a high quality surge protector or power center (not really sure what the difference is between the two). My budget is under $150. Also, while we're at it, I have two home theater setups in my home and use very cheap surge protectors. I have never had a problem. Is it really worth it to get one for over a hundred bucks?? Thanks for your help

 

[CaliHwyPatrol]

This should suffice.

<a href=http://monstercable.com/power/productPagePower.asp?pin=1901&LastPage=Home%20Theater%20Power>Monster HTS 1000 MKII</a>

Normally I wouldn't really recommend Monster, but we get it for $59, so it isn't a bad price.

A surge protector will keep surges out, like it says. A "power center" like Monster calls them, does other things as well. The main thing is power filtering, which filters out all the noise and crap in your power so you don't get hum in your speakers, and snow in your tv. Some models will even allow you to run video, phone, and audio lines through them to clean them up as well.

~Chuck

 

[jaxvon]

I would get something beefier than that monster. The current rating is lower than I'd want on a whole HT setup. I'd personally opt for this:

http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=4004149

 

[BMXTRIX]

I would check eBay - there are some serious ones from Monster there. Not the little rinky dink ones, but the HTS series boxes that can handle solid loads and go in like a component, not a 'power strip'.

ie: http://cgi.ebay.com/MONSTER-POWER-CENTER-HTS-2600-SUPERB_W0QQitemZ5841414017QQcategoryZ67780QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

(a little more than your current budget...)
http://cgi.ebay.com/MONSTER-MP-HTS-3500-MKII-REFERENCE-POWER-CENTER-New_W0QQitemZ5841537806QQcategoryZ67780QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Watching my cash and wanting it now...
http://cgi.ebay.com/Monster-HTS2500-HTS-2500-Reference-Power-Center-Boxed_W0QQitemZ5842660092QQcategoryZ32830QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

There are other companies including APC and Tripplight that make good stuff, but for 150 you can get something a definite step up from the power strips.

 

[WndrBr3d]

Current rating on power strips is a bad benchmark to purchase on. I could have a line of MOVs and rate my power strip at 1 bajillion joules surge supression.

Rule of thumb is go with a brand you trust.

 

[jaxvon]

Current rating on power strips is a bad benchmark to purchase on. I could have a line of MOVs and rate my power strip at 1 bajillion joules surge supression.

Rule of thumb is go with a brand you trust.

I wasn't clear. I wasn't talking about the goofy and often misguiding joule rating. I'm talking about the amount of amps it will allow through. I guess it would've been more accurate to specify power rating, referring to watts. You don't want to be running close to the limit because you bought a small strip.

 

[HiJon89]

This should suffice.

<a href=http://monstercable.com/power/productPagePower.asp?pin=1901&LastPage=Home%20Theater%20Power>Monster HTS 1000 MKII</a>

Normally I wouldn't really recommend Monster, but we get it for $59, so it isn't a bad price.

Where can these be found for $59? Thanks

 

[Tsunamii]

Tripplite does have some phat products. We use them here at work for most of our server equipment. They do make a new home one with pretty lights and everything. Check out there home page. I think it goes for $150 or so depedning on where you get it.

 

[bigbassdave]

Where can these be found for $59? Thanks

As a Circuit City employee you get big discounts on certain things.
Well thanks guys I went with the one you suggested Chuck. I needed it quickly so I just bought it with the in store discount of $103. Anyway, my Dad seems thrilled and all his speakers are here. We are just waiting on the TV Oh before I forget, MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone!