Line conditioning/surge suppression: Panamax M5400-PM or Monster Product line.

**theIrish1** · 05-05-2011, 10:14 PM

Just wondering if anyone had any experience with the Panamax M5400-PM and could share a review/impression of it.

Retailer pushed a Monster product on me, but I resisted as I've been a fan of Panamax. Would just like to hear if anyone had first hand experience with either.

I'm on the verge or ordering the Panamax M5400-PM.

http://www.panamax.com/Products/A-V-...s/M5400-PM.php

**Loves2Watch** · 05-05-2011, 10:21 PM

It's not really necessary as a high quality $50 surge suppressor is really all that you need. Line conditioning is pretty much snake oil...

**gadgtfreek** · 05-05-2011, 10:24 PM

I use a Cyperpower 1500w UPS, but thats just because I like my DVR's to keep recording when the power goes out

I do have the tv on it though.

**theIrish1** · 05-05-2011, 10:41 PM

Originally Posted by Loves2Watch

It's not really necessary as a high quality $50 surge suppressor is really all that you need. Line conditioning is pretty much snake oil...

Are all of the "features/benefits" of these things bogus?
- Clean Power Level 4+: Panamax PM family’s highest level of power filtration plus voltage regulation ensure components receive a consistent level of clean power. Improves picture and sound quality by eliminating noise across the entire AC bandwidth.
- Voltage Regulation: Improve system performance and prolong equipment life by providing a consistent level of optimal power to your equipment.
- AVM (Automatic Voltage Monitoring): Protects equipment against prolonged over/under voltages by disconnecting the power and reconnecting it when safe power returns.
- 5 Isolated Outlet Banks: Isolating outlet banks from one another prevents noise contamination between components.

I've used Panamax in the past units similar to http://www.panamax.com/Products/Floo...M10-HT-PRO.php. I can buy the M5400PM online for ~$450. You think this would be wasted money?

Originally Posted by elwaylite

I use a Cyperpower 1500w UPS, but thats just because I like my DVR's to keep recording when the power goes out

I do have the tv on it though.

I have 3 large APC batteries in my office (one room away) that I can plug vital components into should the power go out. I've been known to run an extension cord from my office to the TV & receiver so I can keep watching TV.

**gadgtfreek** · 05-05-2011, 10:43 PM

Yeah, I switched from surge protection only to the UPS models a few years ago, I like the gradual shutdown I can do if Im here, especially when the power decides to turn on and off 5 times in 2 seconds.

**theIrish1** · 05-05-2011, 10:52 PM

Originally Posted by elwaylite

Yeah, I switched from surge protection only to the UPS models a few years ago, I like the gradual shutdown I can do if Im here, especially when the power decides to turn on and off 5 times in 2 seconds.

What model CyberPower do you use? I like this one... http://www.amazon.com/CyberPower-OR2...4653902&sr=1-1

Might be more convenient to leave this in the stand, as it would do some (most) of what I want out of the Panamax box as well.

**Loves2Watch** · 05-06-2011, 12:08 AM

Originally Posted by theIrish1

Are all of the "features/benefits" of these things bogus?
- Clean Power Level 4+: Panamax PM family’s highest level of power filtration plus voltage regulation ensure components receive a consistent level of clean power. Improves picture and sound quality by eliminating noise across the entire AC bandwidth.
- Voltage Regulation: Improve system performance and prolong equipment life by providing a consistent level of optimal power to your equipment.
- AVM (Automatic Voltage Monitoring): Protects equipment against prolonged over/under voltages by disconnecting the power and reconnecting it when safe power returns.
- 5 Isolated Outlet Banks: Isolating outlet banks from one another prevents noise contamination between components.

I've used Panamax in the past units similar to http://www.panamax.com/Products/Floo...M10-HT-PRO.php. I can buy the M5400PM online for ~$450. You think this would be wasted money?

I have 3 large APC batteries in my office (one room away) that I can plug vital components into should the power go out. I've been known to run an extension cord from my office to the TV & receiver so I can keep watching TV.

Yes, pretty much...no real proof of those claims and anyway the TV has it's own power regulator.

**Loves2Watch** · 05-06-2011, 12:09 AM

Originally Posted by theIrish1

What model CyberPower do you use? I like this one... http://www.amazon.com/CyberPower-OR2...4653902&sr=1-1

Might be more convenient to leave this in the stand, as it would do some (most) of what I want out of the Panamax box as well.

You just don't need to spend that kind of money...

**theIrish1** · 05-06-2011, 12:15 AM

Originally Posted by Loves2Watch

You just don't need to spend that kind of money...

Right, I know. But the idea of having a battery in cabinet is nice in case of power failure.

My house is only 5 years old and all power lines are buried, but we are fed by a 50+ year old neighborhood with wires in the air.. and can have frequent power outages. A $300 battery (that allows for run time and then controlled shutdown with a power outtage) that also provides surge protection for the 65VT30, the Denon 4311, and the DVR.... paired with a decent surge suppressor for things like the player, xbox, & media center.... seems like money well spent.

**Loves2Watch** · 05-06-2011, 05:41 AM

Originally Posted by theIrish1

Right, I know. But the idea of having a battery in cabinet is nice in case of power failure.

My house is only 5 years old and all power lines are buried, but we are fed by a 50+ year old neighborhood with wires in the air.. and can have frequent power outages. A $300 battery (that allows for run time and then controlled shutdown with a power outtage) that also provides surge protection for the 65VT30, the Denon 4311, and the DVR.... paired with a decent surge suppressor for things like the player, xbox, & media center.... seems like money well spent.

You could purchase a battery backup/surge protector from say APC for about half that...Just a thought. But of course it's your money and your choice...

**chemical360** · 05-06-2011, 07:10 AM

I can only speak on past discssions I have had over designing my new system. I had all kinds of amps, power conditioners etc... going in. Unless you have significant power issues in your home (if you do, your money may be better spent on impriovements) or live in a city or town where the power is terrible, this is unnecessary. A good surge protector is all you need. Yes, the Panamax with their fancy lights make systems look cool but is it necessary?

Talk to any electrician and they will literally make you feel stupid for considering a PC, especially at the price of a Panamax unit.

**theIrish1** · 05-06-2011, 08:27 AM

Good info.. that's why I was asking, thanks guys. So the "High End" Panamax or Monster suppressor/snake oil is out.

As for buying a battery (which would also serve as a surge protector)... I would love to go APC, but anything from APC is way expensive. Tripp lite has some options ~$100 less than the cyber power, but I don't like their stuff as much. Really considering buying a battery still. May just punt on that idea and grab and $85 Panamax M10-HT-PRO.

Anyway, thanks for the input guys.

**gadgtfreek** · 05-06-2011, 09:22 AM

Originally Posted by theIrish1

What model CyberPower do you use? I like this one... http://www.amazon.com/CyberPower-OR2...4653902&sr=1-1

Might be more convenient to leave this in the stand, as it would do some (most) of what I want out of the Panamax box as well.

http://www.amazon.com/CyberPower-CP1...4691696&sr=1-2

Thats actually a lot more than I need, I might use 600-700 with both DVR's and the Display on. I just went big so I'd have plenty of run time.

**CALIBER** · 05-06-2011, 09:23 AM

If you are not going with a UPS, check out this APC

http://www.accessories4less.com/make...er-120V/1.html

This is the one I have and it is way over built and does what it is supposed to do and looks nice to boot.
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-PHILIPS-THEA...-/130440145005

**theIrish1** · 05-06-2011, 09:29 AM

Originally Posted by elwaylite

http://www.amazon.com/CyberPower-CP1...4691696&sr=1-2

Thats actually a lot more than I need, I might use 600-700 with both DVR's and the Display on. I just went big so I'd have plenty of run time.

Yeah, if I don't put my A/V Receiver on it I would need much less. I suppose just running the TV and the DVR would suffice in which case I could go far smaller, or stay the same and gain extended run time.

Originally Posted by caliberconst.

If you are not going with a UPS, check out this APC

http://www.accessories4less.com/make...er-120V/1.html

This is the one I have and it is way over built and does what it is supposed to do and looks nice to boot.
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-PHILIPS-THEA...-/130440145005

Thanks for the suggestions!

**gadgtfreek** · 05-06-2011, 09:33 AM

WHat type of Display do you have?

**rgladiator** · 05-06-2011, 09:48 AM

Any good UPS's that lay horizontal? Mine would go in a cabinet and I'd like to keep in low profile if possible.

**theIrish1** · 05-06-2011, 10:19 AM

Originally Posted by elwaylite

WHat type of Display do you have?

Elway,

Still waiting for the 65VT30. I have not asked for my money back from the retailer yet, waiting to see what they come up with next week. After that I'll make my decision on what I'm doing. Always a chance I will end up with the 64D8000, but still planning for the 65VT30 whether from these guys or another.

**gadgtfreek** · 05-06-2011, 10:23 AM

Thats right. Well, With a Directv DVR, the 64D7000, the TiVo HD and the BDT-110, Im using betwen 500 and 600 watts when the set is on a bright screen.

**theIrish1** · 05-06-2011, 10:28 AM

Originally Posted by rgladiator

Any good UPS's that lay horizontal? Mine would go in a cabinet and I'd like to keep in low profile if possible.

There are several from Cyberpower(as well as others) that are meant to be rack mounted horizontal and put in a rack, but you don't have to put the ears on them for rack mounting. Depending on your power requirements you can buy 1U models that are pretty low profile. Or, you could always just buy a smaller "floor" one and put it on its side as this won't have an effect on it.

I prefer Cyberpower because they have always seemed to have the best "bang for the buck". For enterprise use in a business environment I have always used APC, but they tend to cost a great deal more.