Monster PowerCenter HTS 2600 MKII v.s. APC H15 Power Conditioner

[The sound guy]

I'm getting ready to buy my first power conditioner/surge protection.

(I think) I have it down to the Monster HTS 2600 MKII and the APC H15. The only specification I could find to compare is the joule rating:

HTS 2600 MKII - 5750 joule rating
APC H15 - 5270 joule rating

Some professional writers give the opinions of it actually making your system sound and look better. If that happens, then it's a bonus. My main issue is protection. I'm real anxious to get a down-to-earth recommendation from the people like you who use the products everyday, even if it means recommending a different brand.

Thanks in advance for any and all help.

 

[bongobob]

I've got an APC and am quite happy with it. I stay away from Monster because of all the marketing mumbo jumbo.
As far as making your system sound better I have grave doubts no matter what anyone says.......

 

[DMD123]

I had a APC H15 in my system before I upgraded to a PurePower APS1050. I had no issues with the unit and would say it is a better choice than the Monster. The APC has automatic voltage stabilization which is a must if you own a LCD TV.

The reason I am using the PurePower unit is that it has a battery back up to protect my SXRD light bulb. It retails for $2500 but I won it in a contest so it was no money out of my pocket. When it did come to my hard earned cash I went with the APC H15. It's a great unit! To bad mine is sitting in a box!

 

[Jack Hammer]

I'm using the previous Monster power center, 2500mkii ($110 refurbed). It works fine for surge protection. As far as sound and picture qualities go, I couldn't tell any difference at all between before and after. Maybe i'm not 'sensitive' enough or maybe there's no noticeable difference. I don't recall having 'noise' in either sound or picture prior to using it, so I really can't say either way.

The one thing I don't like is the plugs do not sit securely in the back of the unit. They are not falling out, but they do hang out enough to show its definately not a snug fit. I believe there was a nice review of it on this site a few years back, might be worth checking the reviews section of the main page.

Jack