Panamax M5300-PM or APC AV H15BLK Power Conditioners?

[Uberbot]

It is time to purchase my yearly Xmas/Birthday gift for myself. Power Conditioners are not my area of expertise but I spent a couple of days researching and reading and reading. I've narrowed it down to a couple within my budget.

Panamax M5300-PM ($330)
APC AV H15BLK ($250 black $170 Silver)

Basic Pros:
Panamax - great build quality and the look I want.
APC - unlike the Panamax, offers power regulation and at a lower price.

I live in Florida which is a troublesome state but I have had little problems. The only strange thing I notice in my setup is the dimming of the lights when the AC comes on. Granted, I have 7 lights on a dimmer coming off of one switch. If you need more setup info, visit my HT Gallery.

Bonus question - What is the basic thought behind extension cords on equipment going into the power center? I have units like the subwoofers, PS3 and 360 that are pretty far away from where my power center will be.

Any suggestions before I make my final purchase today would be appreciated. I want to make sure I am not missing anything important.

[Hammie]

You may also want to consider the Tripp Lite HT1210ISOCTR. It's currently around $250 on Amazon. I use Tripp Lite in my day to day business (I design data and VoIP networks) and they are really starting to dig into the market share of APC.



My suggestions is that you try to put your HT on its own circuit. That may help alleviate some of the dips. Additionally, extension cords are not the best idea, but if you have to, get good quality ones. The thicker the better (at least as thick as the power cord of the unit you are plugging it into).

I remember someplace where you could buy after market power cords that are longer AND better quality than the ones that come with your gear. Maybe someone else on the forum knows where they can be found.

[liquidice]

I'm in the process of getting these myself, and I think I'm going to go for the APC in silver (really want black, but whatever). My sub is opposite side of room too, and I might just get a smaller APC for that and whatever else I feel like plugging into.

[saprano]

Where did you find that 5300 for $330?

[Uberbot]

Originally Posted by saprano

Where did you find that 5300 for $330?

$330 from secondary sellers with good ratings on Amazon. I pulled the trigger on the 5300 for the front end of my system, honestly, because I like the way it looks and the ratings are solid. I think I am going to use Tripp lites on any other spots that need protection.

Now the question is, do I hook the 5300 up to a UPS? Staples has a CyberPower Intelligent LCD 1500VA 8-Outlet UPS for $150.

UPDATE : I purchased my 5300 from seller laropy and he has been VERY helpful. He suggested I hook my UPS into the 5300 and attach my hard drive based components into the UPS.

[ixlegitballinxl]

those blue lights on the panamax are sexy

[ak808]

I got the panamax 5300pm and it is great. However, according to panamax's website they only honor the warrenty if you buy it from an authorized seller. The blue lights are sexy, but when watching a movie they can be distracting.

[Uberbot]

Originally Posted by ak808

The blue lights are sexy, but when watching a movie they can be distracting.

There is no dimming option on the unit?

[ak808]

there is a dimming option but still I'd rather have them off