[infinitesymphony]

Are there any cheap (under $100) power strips that don't contain surge protection stuff like MOVs? All I need are more outlets--if I could plug everything directly into the wall, I would.

 

[uzziah]

do surge protectors mess up your audio?

 

[infinitesymphony]

I've seen these discussed recently (and now that I look at them, they were also used at my university's recording studios):

Naim/Wiremold AC Strip. Would this work for my purpose?

 

[infinitesymphony]

Quote:

Originally Posted by uzziah /img/forum/go_quote.gif do surge protectors mess up your audio?

In my experience, yes. I've tried:

APC power strip
Tripp-Lite Isobar Ultra line conditioner
Furman PL-Plus power conditioner

Even though they seem to use different topologies, all of them affected the audio in a similar way:

black background
sharp, clear transients
lack of midrange
"compressed"-sounding; dynamic range compression, which in turn leads to--
claustrophobic soundstage/imaging

Those effects aren't all bad, but even the ones that sound desirable contribute to an overall quality of unnatural sound. Not to mention that everything sounds a bit muddier if the amplifier is also plugged into a strip / conditioner. Plugging in sources leads to a more acceptable sound, but in all cases (and after a lot of A-B'ing), I've preferred wall power.

 

[velogreg]

Eichmann makes a non surge protection power strip with six outlets. I bought it to A/B against mov/ non mov. PS Audio products and finally gave up after a while. The Eichmann was fairly cheap as I recall.

 

[infinitesymphony]

Quote:

Originally Posted by velogreg /img/forum/go_quote.gif Eichmann makes a non surge protection power strip with six outlets. I bought it to A/B against mov/ non mov. PS Audio products and finally gave up after a while. The Eichmann was fairly cheap as I recall.

Thanks for the recommendation! Another to add to the list... It looks like the Eichmann Express power strip sells for $49.95 almost everywhere.

Any idea how it compares to the Naim/Wiremold strip? The N/W strip is the same price but has 3 more outlets.

Edit: Err... It appears that the Eichmann Express requires a separate Eichmann AC cord in order to work. The price is $49.95 before buying the cord.

 

[HumanMedia]

Quote:

Originally Posted by infinitesymphony /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks for the recommendation! Another to add to the list... It looks like the Eichmann Express power strip sells for $49.95 almost everywhere. Any idea how it compares to the Naim/Wiremold strip? The N/W strip is the same price but has 3 more outlets. Edit: Err... It appears that the Eichmann Express requires a separate Eichmann AC cord in order to work. The price is $49.95 before buying the cord.

You can use any cord with an IEC connector. If you are a DIYer you can take the IEC's off and wire an existing cord directly into it. I use two and they are pretty good for the price.

 

[derekbmn]

The Wiremolds can be bought cheaper here...Wiremold
I love them and won't use anything other than these.
Edit... Disregard the text saying there are circut breakers.(It's wrong there are none)
Edit 2... Well It looks like Wiremold may have changed the design recently and eliminated 1 outlet and added a circut breaker. I would call Allied and make sure before ordering.

 

[infinitesymphony]

Why, how many outlets are on your Wiremold strips? The addition of a circuit breaker is a bad thing, right?

 

[derekbmn]

There are 9 outlets on them. Yes IMO the addition of a circut breaker is a bad thing. I REALLY like them as compared to ones with CBs etc. The outlets are wired in series as opposed to parrallel like most other power strips and are all star grounded. (eliminates all possibility of ground loops). You place the highest current using device (your amp(s) first closest to the wire entry side of the outlet, then preamps etc on downs to your sources (cd player,TT) last.

 

[infinitesymphony]

It looks like the one on Allied Electronics has 9 outlets. Wouldn't the addition of a circuit breaker require the addition of a reset button? I don't see one on the strip.

I created an account at Allied and sent an e-mail to my "account manager" asking about the circuit breaker.

Have you dealt with Allied before, and if so, how are their shipping prices?

 

[derekbmn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by infinitesymphony /img/forum/go_quote.gif Have you dealt with Allied before, and if so, how are their shipping prices?

Not great but it still should come out cheaper than buying them off Ebay. Great service though.

 

[infinitesymphony]

Ack, another electronics site that refuses to calculate shipping costs until you've already paid. Is there a good explanation for that anymore? It seems like the weights and shipping rules could be attached to the products and calculated on-the-fly...

</rant>

Their customer service is good, though. Here was their response to my question about the Wiremold strip:

Quote:

"Our description on the 533-9218 is incorrect. Basically it is a power cord, no switch and no circuit breaker, just exactly what you are looking for. Content - our web page shows this has built-in circuit breaker, according to this literature it does not. It appears the catalog might be incorrect as well on page 797."

Ordered!

 

[infinitesymphony]

Here's the actual specification sheet for the Wiremold strip, for those interested:

Quote:

Specification Sheet Model #: L10320 Maximum Rating: 60HZ, 15A, 120V Housing: ALUMINUM: 2” W x 1-3/4” D Unit Color: GREY Overall Length: 13-3/8” Type of Receptacle: 5-15R (15A 125V) BLACK OUTLET Qty: 9 Spacing: 1-1/4” CENTER TO CENTER Circuit Breaker: NONE Switch: NONE Cord Type: 14/3 SJT Type of plug: 5-15P (15A 125V) MOLDED ON PLUG Cord Length: 6 FT Color of Cord: BLACK Cord Location: EXITS THE SIDE CHANNEL Mounting Type: (2) BLACK STEEL MOUNTING EARS Approvals: NONE Type of surge: NONE

 

[infinitesymphony]

I received the Wiremold power strip about a week ago and have since tested it against my other equipment. It's great! For all practical purposes, just as good as the wall. My problem has been solved.

So, I highly recommend the Wiremold power strip if you don't mind its lack of surge protection or power conditioning.