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Do i need a power conditioner???

post #1 of 77
5/5/10 at 4:25pm
Thread Starter 
Hello...As I continue to learn, I have a question about power conditioners that I can use some help with.

The set-up I am getting ready to hook-up is NOT a home theater system. It is just a simple 2-channel. I am wondering if I should use one of those Powermax Power Conditioners, or a Furman, or some other brand for my equipment. Or, are they overkill? And, if I should use one of them, any model suggestions.

Here is what I have:

1...A Peachtree Nova Integrated Amp. I am only going to listen to I-tune music downloads from my Macbook Pro, through an Apple Airport Express, connected to the Peachtree Nova. So, the Nova has to be plugged in.

2...I also have my new Sharp LED TV that has to be plugged in. The TV will not be connected to any audio system or speakers. I will just watch the TV by itself with the TV's own speakers.

3...I will need to plug in my new PS3 Slim

4...And I will need to plug in my pair of Definitive Technology 2002 TL speakers that have built in powered sub woofers.

I think that means five things that need to be plugged in for now. So, I am not sure what to use or get, what brand, what model, how much to spend, or if I need separate power conditioners for any of the different things that have to be plugged in.

Thanks for any help you can provide.
Dave
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post #2 of 77
5/5/10 at 4:45pm
A good surge protector might be a good idea. You should not need anything else (if you do you might need to rewire your house, or call your utility company, or buy a new generator).
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post #3 of 77
5/5/10 at 5:36pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by dknightd View Post

A good surge protector might be a good idea. You should not need anything else (if you do you might need to rewire your house, or call your utility company, or buy a new generator).

what he said.
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post #4 of 77
5/5/10 at 5:51pm
I personally believe in the use of a conditioner. They are also surge protectors. I ran pro sound both in the studio as well as on the road for 40 years, and, as they say, would not leave home without it. Is it overkill..? Maybe.. however, clean power is clean power. It can't hurt. For what an inexpensive conditioner costs, such as a Furman like you mentioned, to me, anyway, it's worth having that extra degree. And, they look good in a rack..

Most will say that the transformers in modern equipment are built to withstand power fluctuations, and that is true. The bottom line is the electrical grid is far from stable. A conditioner provides stability. For little cost as a percentage of what many spend on equipment.

Now, the nay sayers will step in. I can feel in coming.
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post #5 of 77
5/5/10 at 6:06pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mgkdragn View Post

I personally believe in the use of a conditioner. They are also surge protectors. I ran pro sound both in the studio as well as on the road for 40 years, and, as they say, would not leave home without it. Is it overkill..? Maybe.. however, clean power is clean power. It can't hurt. For what an inexpensive conditioner costs, such as a Furman like you mentioned, to me, anyway, it's worth having that extra degree. And, they look good in a rack..

Most will say that the transformers in modern equipment are built to withstand power fluctuations, and that is true. The bottom line is the electrical grid is far from stable. A conditioner provides stability. For little cost as a percentage of what many spend on equipment.

Now, the nay sayers will step in. I can feel in coming.

I'm not a naysayer, but we do need to separate the issues. Even if we stay with Furman, we have to decide between protection, filtering, and regulation, the last being the most expensive.

Protection is a must somewhere in the home, and if you live where lightning can strike, distributed protection is best. Some at the service panel, and more at the outlets.

If you have noise problems, then filtering is useful. I agree with mgkdragn, it couldn't hoit much, other than one's wallet.

Regulation is costly and probably unnecessary unless you're running electronics more delicate than home theater gear. I do run all my DVRs from UPS backups (which also have surge protection) because short power interruptions (< 1 minute) can kill the HDDs--I found out the hard way. Same for projector lamps. The cooling fan dies in a power failure...
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post #6 of 77
5/5/10 at 6:13pm
Thread Starter 
Hello Everyone...Thank-you for the helpful information as of this post.

With a budget of about $350 tops, and, based on what some of you have said about getting something decent can't hurt, can anyone suggest any particular brand and model. When I have looked on some manufacturer websites, I see so many models, many with some of the same protection features, that I am unclear on what model to get.

I hope since I mentioned by price range, this might help you to suggest a model. that way, I can just look up the model or models you suggest and just order it and be done with it.

Thanks again.

Dave
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post #7 of 77
5/5/10 at 6:49pm
If you don't need a power conditioner for your computer, you shouldn't need a power conditioner for your HT.

Quote:


I hope since I mentioned by price range, this might help you to suggest a model. that way, I can just look up the model or models you suggest and just order it and be done with it.

If you just want to get rid of $350, PM me and I'll send you my address.
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post #8 of 77
5/5/10 at 7:01pm
Thread Starter 
Obviously I do not need a power conditioner for my laptop.

And I apologize if my thread and questions seem rather ridiculous. The list of equipment I listed at the opening of this thread is the first time that I have ever had more than one electronic item in a set-up and yes, I am rather stupid and did not have any idea whether or not I might need something like a power conditioner or just a plain old surge and/or line protector.

Thanks for your helpful response.
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post #9 of 77
5/5/10 at 8:03pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave41200 View Post

Obviously I do not need a power conditioner for my laptop.

And I apologize if my thread and questions seem rather ridiculous. The list of equipment I listed at the opening of this thread is the first time that I have ever had more than one electronic item in a set-up and yes, I am rather stupid and did not have any idea whether or not I might need something like a power conditioner or just a plain old surge and/or line protector.

Thanks for your helpful response.

In most cases you do not need anything besides simple surge protector. It all depends on quality of power distribution system in your house and in your area.

But if you really need clean power, then get professional grade convertor (something like this: http://www.apc.com/products/family/index.cfm?id=163)
Choose the unit based on how much power you need. But be ready to pay for it - it is not cheap.
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post #10 of 77
5/6/10 at 6:02am
Quote:


And I apologize if my thread and questions seem rather ridiculous. The list of equipment I listed at the opening of this thread is the first time that I have ever had more than one electronic item in a set-up and yes, I am rather stupid and did not have any idea whether or not I might need something like a power conditioner or just a plain old surge and/or line protector.

Sorry if my previous reply seemed a bit snide. My intention was to get you to see that your question had gone from, "Do I need a power conditioner?" to "I have $350 to spend, what kind of power conditioner do I need?" It's a common trap.

You don't need a power conditioner unless you know you need a power conditioner—in which case you need one for more than just your HT system (hence my computer comment). Get a good surge protector, and you'll be good to go.
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post #11 of 77
5/6/10 at 7:10am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave41200 View Post

Obviously I do not need a power conditioner for my laptop.

And I apologize if my thread and questions seem rather ridiculous. The list of equipment I listed at the opening of this thread is the first time that I have ever had more than one electronic item in a set-up and yes, I am rather stupid and did not have any idea whether or not I might need something like a power conditioner or just a plain old surge and/or line protector.

Thanks for your helpful response.

You may or may not need a power conditioner. I would surely consider buying one if I have a dam or a factory next door or if I am using some antique electronic transports built before 1970's.

Most electronic equipment manufactured in the recent past have built in power filters.
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post #12 of 77
5/6/10 at 9:14am
Quote:


Most electronic equipment manufactured in the recent past have built in power filters.

Most? As in everything that operates on DC...which is everything except your fridge and lights.
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post #13 of 77
5/6/10 at 9:23am
Quote:
Originally Posted by duvetyne View Post

Most? As in everything that operates on DC...which is everything except your fridge and lights.

Not entirely for the fridge with digital interface.
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post #14 of 77
5/6/10 at 10:00am
...or compact fluorescents or LEDs, or digitally controlled heaters, ovens, stoves....

You can complete the list since you like to be thorough
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post #15 of 77
5/6/10 at 10:42am
Quote:
Originally Posted by duvetyne View Post

Most? As in everything that operates on DC...which is everything except your fridge and lights.

Well. I try to avoid using words with abolute connotation (e.g. "All) in these forums. It is a safety mechanism I developed against people who love to be picky and correct.

But it obviously didn't help!
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post #16 of 77
5/6/10 at 11:10am
Quote:


It is a safety mechanism I developed against people who love to be picky and correct.

Got it...because being correct, in these fora, is not a good thing.
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post #17 of 77
5/6/10 at 2:42pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks to everyone for your help. I do not think the equipment I listed in the first post on this thread will consume tons of power. Again, NO home theater set-up.

My home is fairly new and not near any businesses or factories. All utilities on our street are underground. Not sure if that means anything.

I suppose I can have an electrician check out the outlets in my finished basement where I have everything, then I can decide if I should just get a good surge protector, or expand upon that.

Thanks again.

Dave
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post #18 of 77
5/6/10 at 3:48pm
While your electrician is at your place have him install a whole house surge protector.
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post #19 of 77
5/6/10 at 4:29pm
Thread Starter 
Hello Speedskater...Thanks for the advice, but how expensive would something like an entire house surge protector probably run?
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post #20 of 77
5/6/10 at 9:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave41200 View Post

Hello Speedskater...Thanks for the advice, but how expensive would something like an entire house surge protector probably run?

Not Dave...

If you have room in your service panel, this is an economical option ($84). I had one installed in each of our two breaker boxes. Often, the company that made the panel will offer a matching protector module.
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post #21 of 77
5/7/10 at 4:37pm
First there are two different systems that are called "Whole House" surge prodectors:
a) AC Power at the entrance point of the house.
b) AC Power plus telephone plus cable or dish at the entrance points of the house.

For AC power only cost may be under $100 to $300.
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post #22 of 77
5/7/10 at 5:34pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave41200 View Post

Thanks to everyone for your help. I do not think the equipment I listed in the first post on this thread will consume tons of power. Again, NO home theater set-up.

My home is fairly new and not near any businesses or factories. All utilities on our street are underground. Not sure if that means anything.

I suppose I can have an electrician check out the outlets in my finished basement where I have everything, then I can decide if I should just get a good surge protector, or expand upon that.

Thanks again.

Dave

Or you may hire an electrician to run a 20 amp dedicated circuit to your system location. I was able to accomplish this on my own.





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post #23 of 77
5/7/10 at 11:29pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave41200 View Post

then I can decide if I should just get a good surge protector, or expand upon that.

Quote:
Originally Posted by K Shep View Post

Or you may hire an electrician to run a 20 amp dedicated circuit to your system location. I was able to accomplish this on my own.

What does having a dedicated circuit have to do with surge protection?
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post #24 of 77
5/8/10 at 6:10am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave41200 View Post

Hello...As I continue to learn, I have a question about power conditioners that I can use some help with.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Roger Dressler View Post

What does having a dedicated circuit have to do with surge protection?

A dedicated circuit has nothing to do with surge protection.

However, the OP asked about power conditioning, if you install a dedicated 20 amp circuit and run 12 ga wire to a single outlet, this will alleviate the need for conditioned power at your system location. Clean power at your main breaker is important as well, which may be tested.
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post #25 of 77
5/8/10 at 8:12am
Quote:
Originally Posted by K Shep View Post

A dedicated circuit has nothing to do with surge protection.

However, the OP asked about power conditioning, if you install a dedicated 20 amp circuit and run 12 ga wire to a single outlet, this will alleviate the need for conditioned power at your system location. Clean power at your main breaker is important as well, which may be tested.

Actually, the OP asked a broader question:

Quote:


I am wondering if I should use one of those Powermax Power Conditioners, or a Furman, or some other brand for my equipment. Or, are they overkill?

The discussion evolved to highlight the benefits of surge protection, which is incorporated in the devices he named. As you noted, a dedicated circuit offers no such benefit.

I would submit that unless he detects some overt problem, the dedicated circuit is itself overkill in his situation.
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post #26 of 77
5/8/10 at 9:34am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave41200 View Post

As I continue to learn

Quote:
Originally Posted by Roger Dressler View Post

The discussion evolved.

I find it interesting how members feel the need to define a thread as we see fit. I'm guilty of doing this.

You're correct the discussion has evolved. The point of the discussion is the electrical side of audio, conditioning, surge protection and clean power. The clean power was my idea. Are you suggesting that I shouldn't participate in this thread even though I have experience with power management in my home thus my audio system?
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post #27 of 77
5/8/10 at 3:43pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by K Shep View Post

You're correct the discussion has evolved. The point of the discussion is the electrical side of audio, conditioning, surge protection and clean power. The clean power was my idea. Are you suggesting that I shouldn't participate in this thread even though I have experience with power management in my home thus my audio system?

Not at all. I just didn't want the OP to get the idea that a dedicated circuit would automatically be a worthwhile expenditure in his situation, nor that it would substitute for surge protection.
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post #28 of 77
5/8/10 at 4:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Roger Dressler View Post

Not at all. I just didn't want the OP to get the idea that a dedicated circuit would automatically be a worthwhile expenditure in his situation, nor that it would substitute for surge protection.

Thank you for the clarification.

My audio gear shared a 15 amp circuit with my computer and monitor. Then I installed an in room air conditioner that draws a lot of power and may have created noise on the circuit. So I ran the wire and separated my audio outlet from the 15 amp circuit to eliminate any noise issues that may occur from the other gear residing on that circuit. One of the upsides of owning an old house is the open basement which made it easy to run the wire.
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post #29 of 77
5/9/10 at 9:32am
Quote:
Originally Posted by K Shep View Post

Thank you for the clarification.

My audio gear shared a 15 amp circuit with my computer and monitor. Then I installed an in room air conditioner that draws a lot of power and may have created noise on the circuit. So I ran the wire and separated my audio outlet from the 15 amp circuit to eliminate any noise issues that may occur from the other gear residing on that circuit. One of the upsides of owning an old house is the open basement which made it easy to run the wire.

A very wise approach to the situation. Those compressors can indeed induce a kick.
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post #30 of 77
5/9/10 at 5:45pm
Thread Starter 
Hi Everyone...Please do not take this the wrong way, because I still do not understand a lot of this stuff. But, I must say, I never knew, what I thought was a simple question, would have so many answers and variables.

I only wanted to know where or what I should connect my LED TV, Slim PS3, Peachtree Nova Integrated Amp, and 2 Definitive Technology 2002 TL speakers with built-in sub woofers to.

After reading everyone's knowledgeable responses, I'm still not sure if there is a right, wrong or good answer for me to choose something to plug my equipment into.
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