Hey everyone and greetings from Greece : )
I’m using a PS Audio Sprout100 as part of my setup. I love the system overall, but recently the Sprout stopped working all of the sudden. The technician suspects it might be due to power fluctuations or a surge (possibly from a power cut at home).
This has made me wonder: should I be using surge protection or a power conditioner for the Sprout100? If yes, what kind of protection is ideal for an amp like this? I’m looking for reliable protection from over-voltage, spikes, or sags at a decent price.
For example, I was checking this (but I have no clue whether it would actually be an added value or not): PG-P Type F Portable Studio-Grade Power Conditioner & Surge Protector – Black Lion Audio
Any advice or product recommendations (especially if they match well with Sprout’s performance/budget analogy) would be hugely appreciated!
Thanks so much
Surge protection is a good idea for any audio gear, as well as for the other devices that we all have in our homes nowadays and that are apt to get fried if something goes wrong with the power. So you might think about installing a whole-house surge suppressor. Such suppressors are not expensive to purchase but do require the services of an electrician to install.
At any office supply store or hardware store, you can purchase a power strip that supplies surge protection as well as extra outlets. Some of these are quite good at surge suppression (read the specs) but may not be good for the sound quality of your system.
From an audio perspective, the best way is to choose a unit that combines protection with an improved power supply. Many of these units filter the incoming power, while a few companies – including PS Audio – make units that regenerate the power. I own one of these, the P 12. But these are a bit expensive. The basic model, the P3, is now on sale (at least in the US; I’m not sure about elsewhere). You can find info about this here on the website.
As for the unit you mentioned: it looks OK, but I’m not familiar with the brand. Equipment designed for pro audio can sometimes be used in a home system (and vice versa) but the two worlds don’t always interact successfully. I’d start by checking out the P3 and learning about what many of us see as the advantages of a regenerator. If that’s more than you want to spend, then look for other power filters/surge suppressors designed for audio systems.
Addendum: PS audio used to make a unit called the Dectet (click the blue link for info). I’m not sure whether this will be available again or not. Maybe somebody else here will know.
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thanks a lot dear @magister
to be honest i was hoping to spend less than 200$ for my humble setup that’s why i though of seeking for some value for money advice.
But truly thanks for your prompt reply
Understood about the budget. Perhaps you could get an inexpensive suppressor/filter unit from a place that allows you to return it within 30 days (or whatever timeframe). Plug it into something other than your Sprout and let it get some hours on it, then use the Sprout with it and see if you hear any change in audio quality. If your system sounds worse, return the suppressor.
Also, if you see a unit that interests you, don’t forget to check the used market. You can often get good items at a much more accessible price. Are you familiar with hifi shark (hifishark.com)? This is a good way to locate used audio items for sale in Europe as well as North America.
I was thinking also of a power strip with surge protection like this:
Though it’s not “audiophile grade” I’ve been quite satisfied with the Panamax MR4000 for my main system. It’s tripped a few times in the 5 years I’ve had it with no issues.
My Sprout is on an inexpensive generic surge protector that hasn’t been tested yet so I’m unsure how effective it will be. Next time I need to buy I’ll investigate the most important surge protector specifications related to equipment protection. I’d be careful of inexpensive protectors that include conditioning.
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