| mgmdx |
I am in the process of upgrading my TV to a Panasonic 58" plasma and plan on getting HD programming through Comcast cable. TV will be connected to my old home theater system through Yamaha receiver, running with Boston Acoustics towers, and Energy center channel and surround speakers.
I was thinking of using just a surge protector, something similar to this Home Theater PowerCenter™ HTS 1000 MKIII with Clean Power™ Stage 2. I was told by a salesman that I will get significantly better picture and sound from my home theater system (in addition to protecting equipment) if I use a power conditioner, such as one of these units from Monster Power. I was also advised that I need a power conditioner with at least stage 3 (Monster Power 3600 and above) to run the equipment that I have.
I think both types of units (power bar and power conditioner) will provide sufficient surge protection, but before I make a decision I wanted to get opinions from the audiofiles here.
- will I see a noticeable difference in picture and sound quality between just a power bar vs. power conditioner?
- which of the Monster Power units would you recommend (1600 series, 2600 stage 2 series, or anything above that) and why?
- what minimum level of "clean power" would be sufficient to run the equipment I have?
I understand that the higher-level more expensive units are probably better, but I am not trying to go for the top-of-the-line solution, rather, I am trying to find the most cost-effective practical solution that will fill my needs.
Thanks. I appreciate your responses. |
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| dj-mdx2 |
I won't be able to resolve the ongoing debate about power conditioning, but after combing through a lot of AV sites and reviews, I finally settled on this little baby. It's a Furman AC surge suppressor and filter. I'm using it on my wall-mounted Panny 50" plasma. The great thing about the Furman is it's compact and can be mounted right behind the TV.
BTW, a lot of the reviews about Monster Power conditioners although glowing seem like they're overrated. I don't think a power conditioner will provide enough protection against voltage surge. |
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| msu79gt82 |
quote:
Originally posted by mgmdx
I understand that the higher-level more expensive units are probably better, but I am not trying to go for the top-of-the-line solution, rather, I am trying to find the most cost-effective practical solution that will fill my needs.
Thanks. I appreciate your responses.
Have you looked at Panamax? I am very happy with the Panamax M5400-EX :cool: :1: The closeout pricing at a Tweeters going-out-of-business sale didn't hurt any :D www.panamax.com
quote:
Originally posted by mgmdx
- will I see a noticeable difference in picture and sound quality between just a power bar vs. power conditioner?
While can't say that picture quality went up per se; I do NOT have any more glitches randomly across the screen. I can see the Volt and Amp meters moving back and forth nearly constantly and I am now convinced that these power variations were giving me glitches - they are now gone. But the picture quality is the same.
I would have to say no more glitches is well worth the expense. |
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| mgmdx |
| Thanks for your input, guys. Any other opinions/recommendations? |
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| Maik |
| I have been using the Monster Home Theater unit for a while. While I would say that I feel more comfortable, I do not think that it makes much of a difference to the picture quality. I am running a Pioneer Elite TV through my Pioneer receiver. Only suggestion that I would make is to consider Direct TV as opposed to Comcast (unless Comcast is fiber optic). I had both as well as an antenna and the differences between the 3 are startling. Comcast was a very distant 3rd place on HD material. Insufficient bandwidth I suspect. |
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| texrb |
quote:
Originally posted by Maik
I have been using the Monster Home Theater unit for a while. While I would say that I feel more comfortable, I do not think that it makes much of a difference to the picture quality. I am running a Pioneer Elite TV through my Pioneer receiver. Only suggestion that I would make is to consider Direct TV as opposed to Comcast (unless Comcast is fiber optic). I had both as well as an antenna and the differences between the 3 are startling. Comcast was a very distant 3rd place on HD material. Insufficient bandwidth I suspect.
I agree 100% with MAIK. I switched from Comcast 5 yrs ago to DISH & the picture quality is far superior. My neighbors still have cable (now Charter) & are amazed at how much better my picture looks. I have the monster filter on one TV but not the others & I see no difference. I plan to upgrade to FIOS or Uverse when it becomes available in my neighborhood. One of our friends just switched from DISH to Direct TV & then to Uverse. The difference between satellite & fiber is quite clear & the cost is the same for programming. |
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| nytflyt |
I have the Tripp Lite HTRL15UPS and have been very happy with it. It does a very good job as surge protection, battery backup and regulated power supply.
Earl |
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| jhue |
There is some nutjob that posts in the USENET news group alt.home-theater who flames anyone who thinks anything other than a whole-home surge suppressor installed at your electrical service entrance is worthwhile. You might want to check out some posts there to see if is any useful info to be gained there.
And if you have a large budget, take a look at the PS Audio Black Pearl.
http://www.psaudio.com/images/home/images/blackpremier_01.jpg |
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