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Power Distributors
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Author:  JayM8377 [ Mon Jul 19, 2010 6:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Power Distributors
I'm building a compact system in a roadcase I bought and I'm looking at rack-mountable power distributors. I've seen them as cheap as $20 and as expensive as $300 for a 1U, 10-outlet strip. What's the difference? Are the higher end ones (i.e. Monster Powercenter 2500) really any better than the simple $20-30 ones?

Are there any recommendations from owners of these distributors? Just looking for some advice.
Author:  mckyj57 [ Mon Jul 19, 2010 7:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Power Distributors
JayM8377 @ Mon Jul 19, 2010 9:35 pm wrote:
I'm building a compact system in a roadcase I bought and I'm looking at rack-mountable power distributors. I've seen them as cheap as $20 and as expensive as $300 for a 1U, 10-outlet strip. What's the difference? Are the higher end ones (i.e. Monster Powercenter 2500) really any better than the simple $20-30 ones?

Are there any recommendations from owners of these distributors? Just looking for some advice.

I find the Furman ones to be nice -- I think I paid $45 for a plain one and $75 for one with a light. The ones with lights can be convenient in dark bars....

I think you would be wasting your money on something more expensive. Mains power is so good so many places these days. And even if it isn't, it is unlikely a power strip is going to save you. Of course if you have a $10,000 rig, you might want to spend more to protect it. Otherwise, save your money.

WARNING: I am an electronics technician, but the foregoing is only my opinion.
Author:  jeffsw6 [ Mon Jul 19, 2010 9:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Power Distributors
The Monster products do not have any technology advantage over $30 RadioShack power strips, and neither do the entry-level Furman products. You are paying for the rack-mount form factor, convenience lights, front receptacles, volt meter, brand, etc. If you compare the surge arrest characteristics of RadioShack stuff to $200 Furmans, you might be "shocked!" ;)

With that said, I do own the Monster PowerCenter 3500s. I bought them because they have the built-in amp meter, so I can keep an eye on things when I am really crunched for electricity. I can also tell complaining customers that, look, my PDU says I am only drawing 6 amps, and this breaker is tripping, so something else is on the circuit, and it's not my fault. I think that is worth the price I paid, and the weight it adds to my rack.
Author:  lyquiddye [ Mon Jul 19, 2010 11:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Power Distributors
The cheaps ones are nothing more than power strips.

I use the power plus II they are like $200 They actully have filters.

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Author:  jeffsw6 [ Tue Jul 20, 2010 2:38 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Power Distributors
lyquiddye @ Tue Jul 20, 2010 2:03 am wrote:
I use the power plus II they are like $200 They actully have filters.

My understanding is the new Furman SMP+ design is functionally identical to every MOV-based surge protector, except they dump fault current onto the neutral bus instead of the ground.

If you mean RF filtering, well, your gear, in all likelihood, has internal power supplies or Wall Warts that already do this.
Author:  mckyj57 [ Tue Jul 20, 2010 3:02 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Power Distributors
I thought we thoroughly went through the filtering thing -- these things don't. You are going to achieve no difference in quality of power. Marginal differences in the Joule rating of the surge protectors? Sure. But unless you pay $500.00 and up you aren't getting lightning protection. You can look it up if you are inclined.

More people have paid Monster more dollars for ridiculous claims than any company I can think of.
Author:  letitrip [ Tue Jul 20, 2010 10:02 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Power Distributors
The only value to buying an expensive rack rider is if you get into the $300+Furmans that have voltage regulation. Those are the ones that do actually manage the incoming voltage to ensure you don't encounter under or over voltage situations. However, in most cases, this is overkill if you're just playing in a club. The exceptions would be if you're running off of generator power or a building with suspect electrical service. Otherwise a $50 Furman is every bit as good as that Monster power center.
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