Monster Power Centers & Conditioners

[Bango]

Ok here's the deal, I have a Monster Cable Powercenter HT 800. About a month ago, it died on me, sent it back to monster, and they sent me a new one. Now, I've been hearnig a lot about these Power conditioners from Monster. I'm looking at a Monster Home Theatre Reference HTS 3600 Power Center with Clean Power. What if any are the advantages of this over my little surge protector? Is it worth the $350?

Monster Home THeatre HTS 3600

Monster Surge Protector

[Beta Man]

Not sure I notice a difference, but I have a Monster line conditioner, and I needed a second one for a second system, and I bought a Belkin (I think) from Buy.com for like $40 and I've looked it up, and it goes for $180 at quite a few sites...... not that price is always a good determination of a products worth, but for the same price as a good surge protector, it's a pretty slick unit.


Here is the one I got for my other system..... just having a 10 Foot long cord makes it nicer than most surge protectors!

http://www.buy.com/prod/pureav-ap110...202352763.html

[Durentis]

Probably nothing really noticeable.

If you do really want a power conditioner for your stuff, look outside of the Monster brand (see link in my sig).

[Dust]

I was shocked at the difference my power conditioner made to my audio. Even my wife and my daughter noticed the difference. Everything was so much clearer and cleaner after the power conditioner was installed.

I'm not sure if it made any difference with the video as I switched the TV out at the same time.

I didn't believe that it would make any difference, but the salesman told me I could return it if I thought it didn't make any noticeable difference over my surge protector. I never returned it.

I would say it is worth the $350.

[Dagger]

From the standpoint of cleaner power, I'm not sure.

But, here's what I'll say. I had a $2000 plasma TV get zapped after a surge. I had it hooked to a moderately priced surge protector (about $50). Thought that was plenty. In order to use the warranty, I would have to get a TV repair guy come and check the TV (out of my pocket). IF the TV repair man verified that the TV was broken due to a surge and IF Belkin could trace it to a faulty surge protector then they would pay for the repair or fair market value for a replacement. Lots of ifs. Fortunately, I bought it at Costco before the change in return policy.

I have the Monster HTS 3600 and I got it because of the extremely high surge protection at that price point. It's probably absolute overkill, but better safe than sorry. If you have thousands of dollars in equipment, why are you going to spend only $50 to protect it?

I've heard debate if power conditioning actually works in newer homes regardless of manufacturer, Furman, Monster, APC etc.

[guitarist155]

i would look into some other companies also. furman, apc, panamax, they all make some really good ones. i use a furman and love it.

here are some other threads on this, this question is asked alot. just need to search https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread...er+conditioner
https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread...er+conditioner
https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread...er+conditioner

[Tyler2106]

Save your money and don't buy a Monster power conditioner...they are so overpriced and aren't any better then the others...I use the Tripplite power conditioner that works great...it does the same exact thing as the 3600 but for a 1/3 of the price...take a look at them if you want...www.partsexpress.com and search for Tripplite...it runs about $160 and is just as good as the 3600!!!

[kingofgrills]

Originally Posted by Dust

I was shocked at the difference my power conditioner made to my audio. Even my wife and my daughter noticed the difference. Everything was so much clearer and cleaner after the power conditioner was installed.

I'm not sure if it made any difference with the video as I switched the TV out at the same time.

I didn't believe that it would make any difference, but the salesman told me I could return it if I thought it didn't make any noticeable difference over my surge protector. I never returned it.

I would say it is worth the $350.

Same here. I'm not a fan of Monster cables at all, but their reference power conditioners are actually good. I too have the 3500 Mk II, and it immediately cleaned up video noise on Dish HD and lowered noise levels with CD playback.

I think the benefit you receive is dependent on each individual's conditions. We have a local Mexican radio station that is about 1/2 mile from my house. Its proximity generates audible noise and interference on my telephone and radio reception, so who knows where else it hits. The power conditioner helped clean all that up.

I would recommend people get a good power conditioner, and not just a surge protector. I don't think spending thousands is necessary to get a good one. Since you probably spent thousands on your system, make sure it's protected and given a chance to look and sound its best. Besides the Monster reference line, I would recommend checking out Richard Gray's power conditioners as well. They always get excellent reviews.

[Tyler2106]

Originally Posted by Durentis

Probably nothing really noticeable.

If you do really want a power conditioner for your stuff, look outside of the Monster brand (see link in my sig).

I took a look at the thing in your sig and that graph doesn't surprise me a bit...that is why Monster is so popular and most people buy their cables thinking they are the best out there...but really they are no better then off brands...I have had cables fail on me from Monster and my friends optical cable failed on him just a little bit ago!!! I am never going to buy a Monster cable product again!!! And I feel bad for the people who spent that much on their products...luckily I didn't spend to much on them before I learn they marketing b.s.!!!

[btf1980]

I use Richard Gray Products



http://www.richardgrayspowercompany.com/

[Beta Man]

I have read good things about Richard Gray products..... a little out of the price range I was looking to spend when I researched Line Filters/Protectors.

[Clark Kent]

I think the necessity of power conditioning really depends on your local electric grid and wiring. I've lived in parts of the country where the power was rock solid and other parts where the power was a mess with frequent problems. I do agree it's necessary on more expensive equipment.

[btf1980]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

I have read good things about Richard Gray products..... a little out of the price range I was looking to spend when I researched Line Filters/Protectors.

The Richard Gray helped me out quite a few times. I live in NYC, so we have thunderstorms every now and then. Had a nasty power outtage, and all my gear was intact. My friend, not so much. He had a $10 surge protector from Radio Shack. Result? Fried 6010 Kuro.

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by btf1980

The Richard Gray helped me out quite a few times. I live in NYC, so we have thunderstorms every now and then. Had a nasty power outtage, and all my gear was intact. My friend, not so much. He had a $10 surge protector from Radio Shack. Result? Fried 6010 Kuro.

I live in Cleveland.... The Brown-outs originate here, and our Rivers have been known to catch on fire..... I know all too well the need for surge protection!

[kalkin84]

considering that the HTS3600 retails for $499, i'd say $350 isn't too bad.

i can't tell you that you will or won't notice a difference. it will MAKE a difference, but whether or not you will perceive it is not something we can tell you