PureAV power conditioners/surge protectors

[CooLJ92]

Any heard any good reviews of the new PureAV powerconditioners from Belkin? I saw a couple of new models at my local Best Buy.

Anyone uses them? Any reviews?

I was also looking at the new APC H (H10 and H15) series conditioners soon to be out.

Is it worth investing in one? I currently have a small Monster Cable conditioner, but was not sure if I should upgrade.


Any positives or negatives will be appreciated.


Much appreciated.

jj

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

A good surge protector is all you need. Get one that accepts a cable feed also. I bought one with a large insurance policy against damage to my equipment from wallyworld for under $25. Your receiver has capacitors to regulate the incoming voltage and can deal with small spikes. It also has fuses in case of the lightening strike, but the $25 surge protector is a great buy if you have multiple components hooked up. I'm not one who puts much faith in power conditioners, especially ones by Monster Cable. I've never had an issue with unconditioned power in my 22 years of listening experience. I'm also one who doesn't take to heart expensive interconnects.

www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=3425261

www.nbotv.com/index.cfm?page=products/products_detail&productid=403

PS, I do own a UPC for my computer system - Belkin. Keeps the system up in case of power failure, but is useless when the cable feed goes - no internet! Also a nice peace of mind. No difference in the LCD when the vacuum cleaner or fridge kicks on.

 

[sjdgpt]

A lot of the Belkin and other surge protectors have built in line conditioning.

(check the specs on the back.... typically 55 or 60 db of noise reduction which is more than sufficient, unless you have a real big problem)

I am big fan of the combo units. A low cost surge protector can be adaquate for electrical surge protection, but for just a few bucks more you can get the added line conditioning.

Rat Shack has a great unit for $55. Office Max had some Belkins for under $40.

By the way, the Monster equipment is great stuff, it is just a weeeeeee bit over priced.

 

[BeerMe]

I bought the 8-way pure av board from belkin. I had a interference problem which it fixed.

With the added lifetime unlimited dollar warranty, it adds peace of mind.

What you will have to ask yourself is, do I need a new power conditioner or am I better off saving for something else?

 

[azsoundman]

Belkin Power Conditioning Units..

I own a Belkin Prue A/V AP41300 line conditioning unit. It controls my Jolida JD801A integrated tube amplifier and Denon DVD-3910, Arcam CD player and
HD cable box etc. My speakers are a pair of Energy Veritas V2.3Vi's, and a Artison dual 10" subwoofer. In other words I listen to a lot of music and do watch about 5 or 6 DVD's a month. First let me say the Pure A/V PF-60 blows
my previous Monster HTS stage 2 unit away in protection and the delay on/off switching is a big benifit to using the tube amplifier. I will respectfully very much disagree with a previous post regarding audible differences between these types of units and higher quality interconnects. The bass is noticeably deeper and tighter, Soundstage depth and seperation of instruments are greatly improved and music as well as dialog in DVD's also
seem 'more life-like' and all I can account for this is the PF-60(uses a 12GX3) and the replacement of the original IEC power cord to a 13GX3 on the amplifier and
the 'Cobalt Ultimate Speaker' cables as well. The amplifier runs Much cooler
the 'head-room' seems a lot greater and the 'musicality' even to my friends who doin't know a damn thing about A/V gear ALL have asked WHY my system sounds much better than before! I would look at the Belkin model's
PF-30, PF-31, or PF-40 available on line at Amazon, X-10, or other retailers for a price quote and BTW Change that power cord on that AVR-3805 at least to a Monster Powerline 200 or other high quality AC cable and let the "Magic"
work for U too! Even a pair of Polk RTI's I Guarantee Will sound Better! Guy's if U think U CANT hear the difference between Power, Cables, Interconnects, and Speaker Cable.. U have Never experianced the difference.. IMHO!!! Please understand when I say 'specifications' do NOT alway's tell the whole story about the differences between similar products.. Just like a magazine such as "Consumer Reports" which rate's Peanut butter and Underware should not be your guide for buying high quality A/V gear.. Take any 'Advice, Opinion, or Recommendation' as just that.. Try it for yourself...
Over 30+ years in the Music & Hi-FI business does 'teach' U how to listen and to trust your ears!

 

[cool miles]

Is this for your clock radio?

A good surge protector is all you need. Get one that accepts a cable feed also. I bought one with a large insurance policy against damage to my equipment from wallyworld for under $25. Your receiver has capacitors to regulate the incoming voltage and can deal with small spikes. It also has fuses in case of the lightening strike, but the $25 surge protector is a great buy if you have multiple components hooked up. I'm not one who puts much faith in power conditioners, especially ones by Monster Cable. I've never had an issue with unconditioned power in my 22 years of listening experience. I'm also one who doesn't take to heart expensive interconnects.

Sorry to be sarcastic but electricity makes all that noise on your system. It takes away from what you are hearing and causes you or your spouse to want the sound turned down. Electricty does not come consistantly and often other items in the house or apartment are also using electricity making the power irregular. It is good enough to keep things moving, but it most definetly effects the quality of sound you are hearing from your stereo. Is the purpose to play the stereo or have it sound as good as it can?

If you have no issue, it is only because you do not know how your system would sound with a good conditioner like say "Audio Prism" or others. Trouble is that they are expensive.

I am not young either, but the fact you have not noticed is more to do with not testing as every improvement on power and a stereo is noticable . You can not convince me a $25 surge protector from Wal Mart is all that spectacular in even protecting your equipment. Do you know anyone who has ever made a claim?

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Next you'll be pushing expensive interconnects.

 

[awesomebase]

It works great!

I've got the second-best PureAV Power Conditioner and it does its job admirably. I would suggest getting one if you have either LCD or DLP front or rear projection TVs as it will help protect both the processors and the bulbs. Also, I do notice a lot less visual and audio noise, especially when we have guests over and there are many lights and appliances on. I think it is a good investment if you don't pay retail for it! I got mine for about 65% off of the MSRP.

 

[CooLJ92]

Thanks guys for all that input.

Much appreciated.

I think I will invest in one and see/hear the difference. If I am not satisfied, I will return the unit.

This weekend I purchase a APC surge protector with noise filtering at my local Office Max and plugged in my 12" woofer. I did notice the bass to be tighter. I assume it helped out.

Anyone have the Richard Gray units? I know they are a bit expensive.

Again, thanks and I will keep you posted on the results.

jj

 

[MacManNM]

Sorry to be sarcastic but electricity makes all that noise on your system. It takes away from what you are hearing and causes you or your spouse to want the sound turned down. Electricty does not come consistantly and often other items in the house or apartment are also using electricity making the power irregular. It is good enough to keep things moving, but it most definetly effects the quality of sound you are hearing from your stereo. Is the purpose to play the stereo or have it sound as good as it can?

If you have no issue, it is only because you do not know how your system would sound with a good conditioner like say "Audio Prism" or others. Trouble is that they are expensive.

I am not young either, but the fact you have not noticed is more to do with not testing as every improvement on power and a stereo is noticable . You can not convince me a $25 surge protector from Wal Mart is all that spectacular in even protecting your equipment. Do you know anyone who has ever made a claim?

This is absolutely not true. This is akin to high priced interconnects, or bi-wiring speakers

1.most places have good clean line voltage.

2. all of your equipment is DC and the power supplies filter the piss out of everything

The only reasons one might need a line conditioner are:

1.You live next to an airport or a place that causes problems that you can see a higher freq interference on your AC line voltage.

2. Low line voltage.

3. Unstable or constantly changing line voltage.

 

[awesomebase]

More to the point...

This is absolutely not true. This is akin to high priced interconnects, or bi-wiring speakers

1.most places have good clean line voltage.

2. all of your equipment is DC and the power supplies filter the piss out of everything

The only reasons one might need a line conditioner are:

1.You live next to an airport or a place that causes problems that you can see a higher freq interference on your AC line voltage.

2. Low line voltage.

3. Unstable or constantly changing line voltage.

Well, I don't live next door to an airport or have low line voltage issues since my house is 1.5 years old. But I can tell you this. Just plug your TV into a regular powerbar and then into the line conditioner. Do it first with nothing else in the room or in the rooms adjacent to it. Then try it with even your Hoover on or your fridge kicking in and you'll see a noticeable difference. Granted, I don't know how many people would actually care to watch a movie while someone else is vacuuming the house, but, with nearby appliance and virtually anything that has a motor or compressor, it is a good item to have. How necessary it is will be subjective to anybody that posts. I bought it because I know first hand how sensitive digital equipment is to differences in power and to powerline noise. I feel it is worth it, but my experience is going to be much different than your probably. I don't think you do any harm to your system to have it. Just know that you can not have a UPS with it, so you must choose one or the other. Have fun!

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Agreed - have fun. Thank you.

FYI, anyone who hasn't read these articles on cables, interconnects, and power conditioning should do so.


http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/audioprinciples/index.php

 

[ccotenj]

gee, and i found this link on the page that you linked to:

http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/monster_HTS-3500a.php

to a audioholics review of a (gasp) power conditioner made by (gasp) monster that (gasp) positively gushes about the product...

whereas i agree with the sentiment that "wire is wire" (given equal quality of raw material, etc.), i also know that electrical interference isn't just a "psychoacoustical phenomenon"...

 

[MacManNM]

gee, and i found this link on the page that you linked to:

http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/monster_HTS-3500a.php

to a audioholics review of a (gasp) power conditioner made by (gasp) monster that (gasp) positively gushes about the product...

whereas i agree with the sentiment that "wire is wire" (given equal quality of raw material, etc.), i also know that electrical interference isn't just a "psychoacoustical phenomenon"...

See Post#10 (gasp)! Ever think buck doesn't have any interference problems?

 

[azsoundman]

Again... Just READ These..

Agreed - have fun. Thank you.

FYI, anyone who hasn't read these articles on cables, interconnects, and power conditioning should do so.


http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/audioprinciples/index.php

How can U keep a straight face and say line conditioning, speaker cables and
interconnects DOINT make a difference after reading what UR referring everyone too? Check out www.hometheaterhifi.com and read the Stereophile
guide to home theater. Its not just me who's saying its worth trying in your system!

 

[NetGeek]

I have the Pure AV PF60

I paid $150 for it at Fry's and I like it very much. I was able to notice a slight difference in PQ on my HDTV, it removed some “noise lines” that would appear on my screen. High Def not only gives you a better picture, it also shows any imperfections you might have not noticed in SD.

This is a rack-mounted unit that also comes as a power-bar for those that prefer to hide it behind their systems. It not only filters & protects against surges but also separates Audio / Video components to different power paths. It has both switched and non-switched outlets and I like this as I can cut off all power to my Receiver when I am making speaker / interconnect changes without having to un-plug the Receiver. It also knows if the plug is wired incorrectly and has a ground post if 3-prong devices are connected.

Although I do try to unplug my system when a storm approaches or when traveling I am not always there to do it and a quality surge protector gives me an extra peice of mind having lost equipment to lightning in the past.

Besides it has one of those really pretty blue super-LED’s that tells you everything is OK.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

How can U keep a straight face and say line conditioning, speaker cables and
interconnects DOINT make a difference after reading what UR referring everyone too? Check out www.hometheaterhifi.com and read the Stereophile
guide to home theater. Its not just me who's saying its worth trying in your system!

AZ, you are really digging yourself a hole. Why don't you ask Gene or Clint their opinion since mine doesn't seem to hold water. Here's your home theater hifi article on power cords.

www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_11_4/feature-article-blind-test-power-cords-12-2004.html


Conclusions

To many in the engineering community, blind ABX is an accepted experimental design. Using the blind ABX protocol, we failed to hear any differences between an assortment of generic power cords and Nordost Valhalla. Therefore, we cannot conclude that different power cords produce a difference using the blind ABX protocol. However, we also cannot conclude that there are no differences. We simply failed to prove that differences can be detected to a statistically significant degree using a blind ABX protocol.

John Johnson, who comes from a scientific background, suggests that if there are differences between cords, they appear to be so subtle that a blind ABX test cannot discern them with small numbers of participants. Failure to discern them could be due in part to the time it took for cable changes, and the possibility that accurate auditory memory is shorter than that. It may be necessary to switch between cords in a much shorter time.

Unfortunately, as John notes, we don't know of a way of accomplishing fast power cable changes, since, unlike interconnects which can be simply switched between A and B with the equipment all still powered on and playing music, changing AC power cords requires turning the equipment off, switching the cords, and then powering them back on.

The test was a grand and noble experiment at best and a bust at worst. Make of it what you will.[/COLOR]

 

[mtrycrafts]

How can U keep a straight face and say line conditioning, speaker cables and
interconnects DOINT make a difference after reading what UR referring everyone too? Check out www.hometheaterhifi.com and read the Stereophile
guide to home theater. Its not just me who's saying its worth trying in your system!

Huh??? Read Stereopile??? It is a hype, a bs of a mag, it caters to mythology, voodoo, etc, nbot audio facts. But, no one is prevented from being gullible and buy all that hogwash.

 

[azsoundman]

AZ, you are really digging yourself a hole. Why don't you ask Gene or Clint their opinion since mine doesn't seem to hold water. Here's your home theater hifi article on power cords.

www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_11_4/feature-article-blind-test-power-cords-12-2004.html


Conclusions

To many in the engineering community, blind ABX is an accepted experimental design. Using the blind ABX protocol, we failed to hear any differences between an assortment of generic power cords and Nordost Valhalla. Therefore, we cannot conclude that different power cords produce a difference using the blind ABX protocol. However, we also cannot conclude that there are no differences. We simply failed to prove that differences can be detected to a statistically significant degree using a blind ABX protocol.

John Johnson, who comes from a scientific background, suggests that if there are differences between cords, they appear to be so subtle that a blind ABX test cannot discern them with small numbers of participants. Failure to discern them could be due in part to the time it took for cable changes, and the possibility that accurate auditory memory is shorter than that. It may be necessary to switch between cords in a much shorter time.

Unfortunately, as John notes, we don't know of a way of accomplishing fast power cable changes, since, unlike interconnects which can be simply switched between A and B with the equipment all still powered on and playing music, changing AC power cords requires turning the equipment off, switching the cords, and then powering them back on.

The test was a grand and noble experiment at best and a bust at worst. Make of it what you will.[/COLOR]

First of all I have read the article U are referring to, and U would have to be crazy to spend the kind of $$$ that the Nordost Valhalla power cords cost...
2nd I can tell U upgrading from a stock 18Gx3 power cable that came on my Jolida JD801A Tube amp. to a 13Gx3 cord made a very noticable difference in the operating temperature of the amp, and improved the gain and low end. Was it a lot of money? NO it cost me $60.00 Bucks! 2nd I suggest U read the
section on the 'speaker cable faceoff's' and those perhaps may shed some light on "Why" there is a difference between those as well. I did replace a set of Monster 1.4bi-wires with a set of Cobalt 3M ultimate speaker cables again at a cost of $150.00 which is less than75% of most 'esoteric' brands and again there was an improvement with my tube amp. So U see i'm not telling anyone to spend 'Stupid' money on any of these things but I can without reservation tell U that there IS a difference! Now in your case I would suggest
U replace the cheap chinese POS power cord on your Denon AVR-3805 with a simple Monster powerline 200 8ft. cord (less than $50 bucks) Buy at least some 10G or 12G speaker cable which can be had for less than $1.00 a foot so its in anyones price range and add a Belkin PF30 line conditioner which can be had on the net for $118.00 dollars including shipping at www.x10.com a couple 'decent' sets of interconnects again if your still using RS or HD entry level product again a very small 'investment' considering the rest of your gear, and 'borrow' from UR local Denon dealer a DVD2910 and I bet even on those RTI 10's U will hear and see if UR using component video on your TV a rather 'improved' Audio & Video quality for yourself. Just a suggestion.. IMHO..
after all Whats the harm in try'n it for yourself?

 

[azsoundman]

Huh??? Read Stereopile??? It is a hype, a bs of a mag, it caters to mythology, voodoo, etc, nbot audio facts. But, no one is prevented from being gullible and buy all that hogwash.

U are of coarse intitled to your opinion.. Perhaps The Absolute Sound or the Sensible Sound would be more to your liking.. or at least Sound & Vision or
Home Theater magazine.. we all can learn a little something from any of these.. As they say... Take what U Need and Leave the Rest..