Are Power Filters Really Necessary?

[Waiterguy]

I am not sure if I really need to spend the extra $100 - $200 on a Panamax or Monster power filter. Is it even neccessary? I have gotten conflicting info as to wether or not it makes a difference. I already have components hooked up to a high end power strip that turns off and stays off till you reset it manually after the slightest surge. I appreciate the help....thanks!

[poogie]

I really believe power filters is necessary. Imagine input power coming in without filter, those tiny electronics and microchips operating in dirty power (fluctuations) causing it to operate more and less efficient wearing down itself. Having power conditioner will give you also the peace of minds.

[bongzilla]

After getting new av equipment, I felt I had to invest couple hundred
to try and keep from getting fried, I live in a area where the power tends to go out during storming.

[Sammy]

I use one, but it didn't cost more than about $30.

[zicmubleu]

Originally Posted by Waiterguy

I am not sure if I really need to spend the extra $100 - $200 on a Panamax or Monster power filter. Is it even neccessary? I have gotten conflicting info as to wether or not it makes a difference. I already have components hooked up to a high end power strip that turns off and stays off till you reset it manually after the slightest surge. I appreciate the help....thanks!

Originally Posted by poogie

I really believe power filters is necessary. Imagine input power coming in without filter, those tiny electronics and microchips operating in dirty power (fluctuations) causing it to operate more and less efficient wearing down itself. Having power conditioner will give you also the peace of minds.

Keep in mind virtually everything in your home theater setup is running the electronics on DC, the power supply in the unit converts the AC into a usable DC power source. Sounds like the OP has a good surge protector which may be all he needs. In my case I have had power surges, brownouts, short power flashes, etc. which really messed up a new TV once so I bought regular computer UPS units to allow the power to remain active even when there are minor power failures. The only big problem with that is during a power outage the clocks run on the UPS timing which is far from perfect and end up being off which affects my DVR programming; normally with a loss of power the DVR clock would run on battery backup and its own timing source which is more accurate than the UPS.

[DonRSD]

i use a regular surge protector

[kingofgrills]

I agree. I cannot blindly say that you would benefit from using a power conditioner vs just a surge surpressor, because I know nothing about your situation. If you have a stable electrical source, that's putting out a constant 120 without dips, spikes, surges, or noise, then you're probably adequately covered.

Unfortunately, my power grid isn't that ideal, and I have experienced all of the symptoms above. Adding the power conditioners to my system, in this case Monster power conditioners, I was able to eliminate noise from the video signal, while lowering the noise floor on the audio side of things.

For me, there was noticable improvement. That doesn't necessarily mean you will experience the same benefits.

[petenad]

I've said this before this coming from an electrician for 30plus years he says not to bother with them. Surge protector yes I have that. Most of the higher end stuff has protection built into their systems. They look fancy though

[walmat]

Originally Posted by kingofgrills

I agree. I cannot blindly say that you would benefit from using a power conditioner vs just a surge surpressor, because I know nothing about your situation. If you have a stable electrical source, that's putting out a constant 120 without dips, spikes, surges, or noise, then you're probably adequately covered.

Unfortunately, my power grid isn't that ideal, and I have experienced all of the symptoms above. Adding the power conditioners to my system, in this case Monster power conditioners, I was able to eliminate noise from the video signal, while lowering the noise floor on the audio side of things.

For me, there was noticable improvement. That doesn't necessarily mean you will experience the same benefits.

To the poster... the above response is absolutely correct. Speaking as an electrician and electrical instructor if your gear is plugged into a dedicated circuit receptacle preferably with an isolated ground and your house/condo etc. has a properly grounded panel AND your electrical service is consistent/clean then filtering is not required. That being said I wired my HT as mentioned and properly bonded my panel to ground and I use only a surge protector. At the least I would recommend a good surge protector and if you've experienced brown outs or power disruptions in the past whether internally caused (vacuum cleaner etc) or externally caused (peak hours on the grid) I would a power conditioner.

[tilapiah6]

Originally Posted by kingofgrills

I agree. I cannot blindly say that you would benefit from using a power conditioner vs just a surge surpressor, because I know nothing about your situation. If you have a stable electrical source, that's putting out a constant 120 without dips, spikes, surges, or noise, then you're probably adequately covered.

Unfortunately, my power grid isn't that ideal, and I have experienced all of the symptoms above. Adding the power conditioners to my system, in this case Monster power conditioners, I was able to eliminate noise from the video signal, while lowering the noise floor on the audio side of things.

For me, there was noticable improvement. That doesn't necessarily mean you will experience the same benefits.

I'm in the exact same boat. I live in an old rented house so the wiring is less than perfect. Whenever the heating comes on or the washer switches a cycle the H15 has to boost the signal. Usually it drops by as much as 3 volts. Also the weather around here sucks so that is also a factor. You can buy the H15, which is a very well regarded power conditioner, for right over 100 dollars now.