Nice cheap power Conditioner/surge protector

treejohnny

treejohnny

Junior Audioholic
Hey, I have read where these have switched outlets...is there a dc trigger for amp to turn others on ? I want to be able to be lazy and use amp without trigger on.
 
MikeMcM1956

MikeMcM1956

Enthusiast
Here's a review on the Etheral, not high end but not bad if you don't have anything:

http://www.hometheaterspot.com/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/136930/

It also looks like Phillips did buy Newpoint (www.newpoint.com), and the Theatre Director line isn't even shown on the website any longer. They also made a Theatre Director UPS unit, the whole line looks pretty short-lived. Can't find any real reviews on any of them.

You pay yer money, you take yer chances....

Mike
 
jagxtype

jagxtype

Audioholic
just ordered the etheral. Got the $10 off from google so got it for $40. What do i have to loose at that price! They didnt have the newpoint at all anymore.
 
treejohnny

treejohnny

Junior Audioholic
I have found the newpoint online and still available. Has anyone opened it up to look inside yet ? I am trying to find a power strip that will turn on amps without the trigger on. If there is room inside of the newpoint I could add a relay to switch outlets on, and maybe even solder in potentiometer (glad spell check worked) to adjust the front lights.
 
Soundman

Soundman

Audioholic Field Marshall
Here's a review on the Etheral, not high end but not bad if you don't have anything:

http://www.hometheaterspot.com/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/136930/

It also looks like Phillips did buy Newpoint (www.newpoint.com), and the Theatre Director line isn't even shown on the website any longer. They also made a Theatre Director UPS unit, the whole line looks pretty short-lived. Can't find any real reviews on any of them.

You pay yer money, you take yer chances....

Mike
For the price, I don't think you're taking much of a risk, seeing as you get the same warranty as you would with some of the bigger name stuff. The unit looks to be well built. It just appears that they couldn't compete with other well known companies, so Phillips bought them out. Here's a user review I found on ANANDTECH:

"Discontinued model from last year, they tried and failed to get into the high end market dominated by Monster/PS Audio/Furman/Panamax.
MSRP on the 10 outlet model was $220, currently selling for $59.99/free shipping. They have a smaller 8 outlet model for a few dollars less, and a larger 12 outlet unit for $71.99. I think this 10 outlet unit is the best for the price. I ordered it las week, it took about 4 days to arrive. The build quality is very good, and it looks like something that belongs with my fairly nice home theater equipment.
To my ears, I feel there is a slight increase in sound quality with this in the loop.This is using digital out from an Oppo SACD player to a JVC RX-D702B digital receiver, out to some Definitive Tech Mythos 1 speakers. It may well be placebo, and certainly if you don't have a fairly high end system it won't have a noticeable improvement. But even if it is all in my head, I am still getting beter protection than my old Belkin surge protector, and it certainly looks cool."

Obviously, this is just a user review, so I wouldn't put too much weight on it, but I have seen a number of them just like it. The bottom line is if you're looking to save a few bucks, it looks like a good way to go, IMO. :D
 
treejohnny

treejohnny

Junior Audioholic
I cant find anywhere what the newpoint amp draw can go up to. Is it in any of your manuals ??
 
runninkyle17

runninkyle17

Audioholic
All I can say about the Newpoint is that it just plain works. I tested my amp without the power conditioner and there was a notable hum in the speakers. Hooked it up with the newpoint, no hum. This is a great value and really works.
 
64met

64met

Audioholic
Get what U pay for???

OK guys; someone plz explain to me how this unit is so inexpensive? I just ordered a new amp; and in lieu of a dedicated circuit for it; I am trying to find a very good surge/filter; with a hgh J rating? This 12 from Newpoint says its J rating is over 5,000??? At this price point; is this too good to be true???

Thxs for any replies!
 
orAgon

orAgon

Junior Audioholic
OK guys; someone plz explain to me how this unit is so inexpensive? I just ordered a new amp; and in lieu of a dedicated circuit for it; I am trying to find a very good surge/filter; with a hgh J rating? This 12 from Newpoint says its J rating is over 5,000??? At this price point; is this too good to be true???

Thxs for any replies!
This is my guess: Newpoint has been acquired by Philips and Philips probably isn't at all interested in selling merchandise with another manufacturer's name on them. This would explain why these things ended up at Buy.com. This leads me to believe that quantities are limited so if you're planning to get one, you better hurry. :)
 
64met

64met

Audioholic
Thanks to Project 86!

Great find! After reading through thIs thread again; decided to order the 12 from Newpoint! The Joule rating on this is insane!! Figured at this price point; it was worth a shot.

Thxs again!
 
P

project86

Audioholic
For the price, I don't think you're taking much of a risk, seeing as you get the same warranty as you would with some of the bigger name stuff. The unit looks to be well built. It just appears that they couldn't compete with other well known companies, so Phillips bought them out. Here's a user review I found on ANANDTECH:

"Discontinued model from last year, they tried and failed to get into the high end market dominated by Monster/PS Audio/Furman/Panamax.
MSRP on the 10 outlet model was $220, currently selling for $59.99/free shipping. They have a smaller 8 outlet model for a few dollars less, and a larger 12 outlet unit for $71.99. I think this 10 outlet unit is the best for the price. I ordered it las week, it took about 4 days to arrive. The build quality is very good, and it looks like something that belongs with my fairly nice home theater equipment.
To my ears, I feel there is a slight increase in sound quality with this in the loop.This is using digital out from an Oppo SACD player to a JVC RX-D702B digital receiver, out to some Definitive Tech Mythos 1 speakers. It may well be placebo, and certainly if you don't have a fairly high end system it won't have a noticeable improvement. But even if it is all in my head, I am still getting beter protection than my old Belkin surge protector, and it certainly looks cool."

Obviously, this is just a user review, so I wouldn't put too much weight on it, but I have seen a number of them just like it. The bottom line is if you're looking to save a few bucks, it looks like a good way to go, IMO. :D

Hey that's my little review from Anandtech! I think I caused about a hundred people to buy these units. I'm actually quite proud!

Seriously though, my 10 outlet unit is still going strong after several months of use. I coudn't be happier with it.
 
K

kiwiaudionut

Audioholic
Me Too !

12 outlet unit on the way. I've always used an Adcom ACE515 that I believe cleans up & filters all the current spikes etc, but does not offer large surge protection. I guess I'll just plug my Adcom into this Newpoint unit and I should be totally protected !!
All my gear is stacked to the ceiling in a media closet, so no worries about the bright blue lights!
Oh, and if I may be so bold, thanks to the initiator of this thread (project86 I believe) for the link and recommendation from all of us !
 
Last edited:
K

kiwiaudionut

Audioholic
Just got it, but i have yet to install it.
Build quality is Terrible ! For the price though I can just about stand it. If I'd paid anything close to MSRP, I'd be hopping mad!
The top case was bowed up out of place and the paint was applied by some 8 year old ! The unit is so light, I'm wondering if it is one of those single circuit board china specials. Yes - made in China!
Interesting that project86 states that it is "built like a tank" !
I think maybe buy.com is down to selling seconds !
I'll be looking at returning or exchanging it.
 

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