Monster Power Center/Conditioner...Does it matter?

[mufasa005]

Dear all...

I am considering a power center/conditioner for my video/audio sets. Does it really matter to have one, in terms of quality of the pictures. Can one really tell the difference?

Also, what does "joules" mean? I understand it's reflecting how much protection there is from power surge, right? How high is sufficient (1500)?

Thanks all in advacne.

[lordsmurf]

Yes, having power conditioner is good idea, but no, Monster is overpriced and a rip. Any UPS battery backup surge box with AVR (auto voltage regulation) will be fine.

[normcar]

Yes the Monster Power Center is way overpriced, and does not include UPS battery backup. UPS battery backup will prevent system problems that occur if your computer powers down without exiting windows properly. This is more important in the summer when entire powerplants are added to the system during hot days which create power spikes, and brownouts when the power is not high enough to prevent your system from rebooting.

[piano632]

Don't have a Monster Power Center, but I do have 2 Panamax surge protectors which have line filtering. They lessen the noise coming thru the AC line making video and audio cleaner - enough of an improvement that I wouldn't want to be without them. About the same amount of improvement you'd see/hear upgrading to premium-quality cables.

They do make cheaper ones than those listed here, but this will give you an idea:
http://www.panamax.com/products.cfm?group=1&sec=group

joule rating = how much cumulative surges it can absorb before the unit is fried (higher the better, but also more expensive).

[Soopafresh]

If anything, a power conditioner will extend the life of your equipment. An $80 UPS will give you some good protection. A 750 ought to cover it, probably more than you need.