Power Conditioners

[knightgambit]

I've been looking into Power Conditioners for my AV rack. I'm running a dedicated 20A circuit that I want to protect on the front end. So far, my research has led me to SurgeX or Brickwall.

Strangely, I haven't been able to find a reliable source for Brickwall. The only source I did find, here, appears to be less than reputable. Does anyone know where to buy these?

Also, are there other recommendations?

I'm not looking for a rack mount unit as it can be tucked out of sight on the incoming power. I'm not looking for anything fancy, just good. Panel mount or industrial looking is OK and even preferred if it is cheaper than the rack mount equivalent.

[paulfess]

Why not directly from brickwall ?

http://brickwall.thomasnet.com/item/audio-surge-protectors/eight-outlet-audio-surge-protectors/pw8r15aud?&forward=1

[knightgambit]

That's strange, I tried that link all weekend and it didn't work. Thanks !

[geneward]

How about APC?

I don't know how it compares, but Irecently got the APC H15 in silver for $150 here

http://store.audioholics.com/section/66232/1/apc-silver-product-blowout

Hopefully it will be OK. The price seemed right. I would have preferred black but I guess everyone would have that is why silver is on sale.

[knightgambit]

geneward,

I've looked at those a few times. I've almost convinced myself to go the non-MOV type suppressors, but I'm still not sure.

I just figured out that the Brickwall, and I think the SurgeX, are licensed from Zero Surge. For a simple, no frills, 20A two outlet unit, Zero Surge can be had for under $200, so the price is very close to the same - short quite a few features, but presumably using a technology with a longer life.

The industrial ones are a little cheaper yet. Still have a lot of reading to go before I commit either way.

[geneward]

Price is good though

I probably would not have considered this one except for the $149.99 price. Definitely not at $449. I will have to see what the warranty is. I thought like 5 years.

[Mike_TX]

Surge-X, etc.

I've been looking into Power Conditioners for my AV rack. I'm running a dedicated 20A circuit that I want to protect on the front end. So far, my research has led me to SurgeX or Brickwall.

Strangely, I haven't been able to find a reliable source for Brickwall. The only source I did find, here, appears to be less than reputable. Does anyone know where to buy these?

Also, are there other recommendations?

I'm not looking for a rack mount unit as it can be tucked out of sight on the incoming power. I'm not looking for anything fancy, just good. Panel mount or industrial looking is OK and even preferred if it is cheaper than the rack mount equivalent.

I also was interested in non-MOV based solutions and have a thread at HTS about my search -- link.
The APC "Whitepapers" section as well as the Surge-X info has some good reading.
AVS is filled with stuff including lots of opinions and engineers comments.


Caltech at HomeTheaterSpot has a lot of good info.
You can purchase Surge-X at Full Compass.
Joel Dennis there provided me with some good info. Fast service and cheaper prices then in their catalog if you call and ask.
It is a pro place located near Madison, WI.
Link to Surge-X stuff there - link.

I personally like Surge-X, but own a lot of other stuff.Here is a list of stuff I have now:

HT room (Middle Atlantic rack):
Power: dedicated 20A lines & house surge protection
- Electronics: Surge-X SEQ
- Projector: Furman M1500-UPS-PFP
- Mains/sub: Panamax M2A20

Computer room: Brickwall
Family Room: APC H10

Gym: Surge-X SA82 FlatPak and APC H15
Bar: Surge-X SA82 FlatPak


I hope that helps.

Mike

[knightgambit]

Mike,

Thanks for the tips. I will give Dennis a call since I live just outside Beloit.

I was getting ready to pull the trigger on a ZeroSurge. I can tell by looking at them that the BrickWall is really an OEM ZeroSurge product. I don't think the SurgeX is exactly the same, but may be using the same technology.

So far, the prices I am getting are much better with ZeroSurge - and they offer a true 20Amp unit - with 20A cord and 20A outlets, which I need. The other option is to go panel, but am starting to lean toward something portable and/or line replaceable.

Thanks again - I will also go read about your journey.

[Mike_TX]

Full Compass / Capital Brewery / Caltech

Mike,

Thanks for the tips. I will give Dennis a call since I live just outside Beloit.

I was getting ready to pull the trigger on a ZeroSurge. I can tell by looking at them that the BrickWall is really an OEM ZeroSurge product. I don't think the SurgeX is exactly the same, but may be using the same technology.

So far, the prices I am getting are much better with ZeroSurge - and they offer a true 20Amp unit - with 20A cord and 20A outlets, which I need. The other option is to go panel, but am starting to lean toward something portable and/or line replaceable.

Thanks again - I will also go read about your journey.

Knightgambit -

If you are thinking of a wall unit I would definitely try to contact Caltech (@ HTS).
Since Full Compass does 90%+ of their business via phone/internet they don't have all products on site, but they did have Furman, Surge-X, etc. Especially rack mounted equipment.
Joel was pretty honest about his assessment of what is useful vs. fashionable, etc.
They can also get stuff that is not advertised like rack plates, etc.
Another good source I have heard of but not bought from is Sweetwater.

Since you are in Beloit, it might be worth a trip.
They are located next to Capital Brewery, so you really can't go wrong.:thumbsup:

Good luck!

Mike

[knightgambit]

I also was interested in non-MOV based solutions and have a thread at HTS about my search -- link.
The APC "Whitepapers" section as well as the Surge-X info has some good reading.
AVS is filled with stuff including lots of opinions and engineers comments.

Great reading and helps my search a lot. I really like the looks of the Furman UPS. I will have to see if that fits into the design. Thanks again.

[HAL]

If you are buying the BrickWall unit, the 1R20 Audio unit has no mechanical hum when running big power amps. The smaller units for 15Amp setups hummed here. I use the smaller one on the PC setup.

I have had them running for many years without any power related problems. The PC setup has been running 24/7 for about the last 5 years on the same BrickWall without any issues.

No audio AC power related failures for many years with the 1R20 units.

[knightgambit]

HAL,

Thanks for the info. I'm looking at the 20A unit, so it's good to here that there isn't any hum.

I will be power the AV rack and running a line to the office to power my desktop 24/7, so I will need something that is on all the time. The remote control and stuff like that seems useless to me for a power conditioner.

[Mike_TX]

Great reading and helps my search a lot. I really like the looks of the Furman UPS. I will have to see if that fits into the design. Thanks again.

Glad I could help.
My Furman UPS is in a rack and then connected a wall "inverted" plug that goes to a plug in the ceiling for the projector.
My electrician thought of that.
So, the projector is connected to the UPS.
I also have the DVR connected and would plug in a DVR extender or other HD if I got one.
It was well constructed and heavy.
If you rack mount, look for a front access battery.

Mike

[Mike_TX]

Brick Wall

If you are buying the BrickWall unit, the 1R20 Audio unit has no mechanical hum when running big power amps. The smaller units for 15Amp setups hummed here. I use the smaller one on the PC setup.

I have had them running for many years without any power related problems. The PC setup has been running 24/7 for about the last 5 years on the same BrickWall without any issues.

No audio AC power related failures for many years with the 1R20 units.

I just moved my Brick Wall PW2RAUD2 up from protecting the treadmill to putting before my APC H10 in the family room setup.


Like you, my other BW is before an APC UPS for the computer.
That one is a Brick Wall PW8R15AUD.

I haven't noticed any hum issues with either unit here or in my prior house.

Mike