Power Advice

[aberkowitz]

Hi all- didn't see a thread regarding power protection, and since I know very little about it I could use some advice. My system currently consists of:

TV: Samsung LN-S4695 1080p LCD
AVR: Onkyo 805
Speakers: 2 Infinity TSS-SAT4000, TSS-Center4000, 2 Infinity SAT 1100
Sub: Infinity TSS-Sub750
Media: PS3, Samsung 1080P7 DVD Player (Soon to be upgraded to an HD DVD), iPod dock, Motorola Dual Tuner HD DVR

All of this is currently plugged into an older version of what is currently the Monster Power HTS 800 (No audible surge alarm, ~1350 joule rating, $75,000 in protection).

Now for my question: Should I upgrade my power management system to something better (or at least not 2 years old) or does what I have sufficiently cover my equipment? Obviously I'm well covered in terms of the Dollar value- my system is only around $6000-7000 for total replacement, but I'm more concerned with whether the long term health of my equipment would be better maintained with a different power solution.

 

[mtrycrafts]

... Obviously I'm well covered in terms of the Dollar value- my system is only around $6000-7000 for total replacement, ...

Read the fine print on that warrantee It takes over after your home owners insurance. So make sure you have good insurance yourself first.

That protector should take care of ordinary surges. Direct lightning is too powerful.

 

[Briant73]

Let me start off saying I'm a home audio/video person but in no way am I an electricial engineer or power expert. There are some good articles and threads on this site detailing what to really look for in power protection by people better qualified than me to talk about it.

I will ask - Are you happy with your current power center? Does it meet all your needs? Has it to your knowledge seen a lot of spikes and such? I would keep it as long as you don't think it's been used up (mov surge protection degrades after time and use) and your happy with it. Save the money for something else. Some people claim you need to practically spend as much as you did on your HT equipment for power needs. Unless you live in an area with known surges andpower problems, you probably can get by with any decent surge protector.

If you'd like something with more power connections or additional protection for video/audio, or just want something more pleasing to the eye do some research and find what you like.

As for what I am running, I use panamax surge protector, a monster surge strip, and a avr750 smart ups. I got the ups to avoid brownouts and keep my dvr running during brief power outages.

 

[aberkowitz]

Bryant- I appreciate the straightforward response. I have done a decent amount of reading on the subject, however much of it seems to be from the school of "spend as much as you can" on power protection. I'm quite happy with what I have to date, and seeing as how I'm not in a high surge area I will probably keep what I have. I just wanted to get some opinions from actual users as opposed to trying to read more articles filled with electrical terminology!

 

[Briant73]

Spending a lot won't hurt you other than in the pocketbook. I know there are varied thoughts on power protection, some people claim you need to massage the power and correct it, others claim you need to have multiple surge protectors, and others claim a five dollar power strip from the local mart store will do the job. I believe most electronic manufacturer's know there devices may operate in varied environments and do their best to engineer for that.

Things I look for - UL certification, good warranty, name brand company.

If you feel your power has spikes or runs too high/low you might want to try a unit with auto voltage regulation.