Monster vs. Panamax (5400-PM vs 5100 MKII)

[tn001d]

I own both panamax and monster. But more monster units. I love them both. There are certain things i like and dislike with both of them.

I dont like how panamax labels there outlets. Why would the receiver be plugged into a delayed outlet ? its the receiver that needs to be turned on first!! Also monster has outlets with special filters for audio/analog/digital/video. Its confusing with panamax if they have these specialized filters for their labled outlet sources.

The lower end panamax conditioners have 4 swtiched and 4 always on outlets. Whereas monster usually only has 2 switched outlets. Frankly, what the hell am i going to do with 4 switched outlets?!! I need power to my DVR, TV, DVD's, VCR(?), and other sources so i can access them or they need power to keep information storage. Luckily the Panamax 5400 has programable outlets(switched, delayed, on).

Consmetically i like the panamax. If monster had an all black unit then i would pick the 5100. Monster isnt bad looking, just the panamax is sharper.

Monster has higher joule rating.. but not sure if it even matters.

Panamax has a front panel outlet which is nice (dont care about LAN or USB).

I dont know if you can do this with panamax, but i have two monsters connected to each other with a 12v trigger cable. When the reciever powers on, its monster activated the other monster's switched outlets. I have an SACD changer in a second rack, and i like to have it come on with the receiver is powered on. Its the only switched piece of equipment i have. Everything else is in the "always on" outlets (HDDVD, BLURAY, CABLE, SAT, RECEIVER, TV)

I really wish someone would open up these power conditioners and say "well this one has better capactitors, filters, and transfomer than the other one". Any electric engineers out there?

I have be covering different forums, and havent reached an answer as to which is better for the same $$ Monster or Panamax (only considering these). Furman, Richard Gray, PS Audio or in a different league, and i wont bring those into the equation.

Some comments or feedback would be appreciated

 

[Panjsheri]

I have the 5500 EX which is the older model of the 5400PM just that the PM has more features but same filtration. I use to work for Futureshop/ Bestbuy and from what I got from the tech guy was the higher end filters like the 5100 are worth your money whereas the lower end ones are not worth the money and unlike Panamax, Monster does spend a lot more money on advertising vs R and D. I am really happy with my Panamax and I don't know if its just me but the Panamax seems more solid and the build is really solid as well and like you said the look is much more sharper. In any case I have never regretted getting my Panamax and never will. Would recommend over Monster any day just ask any high end store which they will buy and 90% of the time they will take the Panamax!!!

 

[tn001d]

Thanks for panjsheri for your thoughts on the matter.

Interesting experience i had with my 5100mkII last fall. The unit shut down twice within 20 min and the bright blu-led light was blinking repeatedly with all other led lights off, even the volt meter was blank . Then it came back on, along with all the equipment. I had no idea what was going on.

I later called monster and they told me there was a under or overvoltage detected by the unit. I guess the new T2 circuitry immediatley shuts power off when the voltage is abnormal.

It was a scary experience but cool at the same time.

 

[MDS]

The lower end panamax conditioners have 4 swtiched and 4 always on outlets. Whereas monster usually only has 2 switched outlets. Frankly, what the hell am i going to do with 4 switched outlets?!! I need power to my DVR, TV, DVD's, VCR(?), and other sources so i can access them or they need power to keep information storage.

Normally you would leave the power conditioner on at all times so having so many switched outlets won't affect anything. If the power conditioner is on, so are the switched outlets. If you shut off the power conditioner then any devices connected to the switched outlets would shut off too so it would be convenient for shutting everything off.

But yeah 4 switched outlets does seem to be a bit of a waste.

 

[tn001d]

Normally you would leave the power conditioner on at all times so having so many switched outlets won't affect anything. If the power conditioner is on, so are the switched outlets. If you shut off the power conditioner then any devices connected to the switched outlets would shut off too so it would be convenient for shutting everything off.

But yeah 4 switched outlets does seem to be a bit of a waste.

I always have the power conditioner on. I was referring to using switched outlets for devices that dont have remote capable power on/off. Like CD players, tape decks, SACD player, things that have hard power on and off switches. That way i leave it in the on position and have the monster turn it on and off with when the receiver is turned on.....

So Panamax vs Monster....

 

[Panjsheri]

No problem anything to help and about your conditioner turning off could be that there was a power spike somewhere in you neighborhood and it was detected and is the reason why it shut off because I know it wont turn back on until the power returns to normal levels. It sucks when you might be watching a movie but its better safer then sorry

 

[tn001d]