Best Power Conditioner Review – Top Rated Models with Buying Guide
Using the best power conditioners, whether you’re at home practicing or on stage performing, is a great way of protecting your equipment against voltage surges and keeping the sound outputs closer to the clarity you’re after. Finding a reliable and affordable power conditioner might not be that easy, given the many products out there. To give you a helping hand, we have taken a closer look at the features offered by some of the most popular models and concluded that the Furman SS6B Power Conditioner is the first option to consider. The 15-foot power cord enables users to employ it on stage or where various pieces of musical equipment are scattered and thus allows for comfortable use. What’s great about this unit is that it was designed to provide protection against unwanted voltage surges, electromagnetic interference, and radio frequency interference that can otherwise affect the sound quality and, therefore, your performance. The metal construction adds to the value of this product. In case this item is temporarily out of stock, a reliable alternative is the HOLSEM Power Strip Surge Protector.
Comparison table
Our Top Choice
This unit is worth adding to your list of options, given its specs and the benefits it delivers. It was engineered to attenuate RFI and EMI and thus to improve sound and picture quality delivered by your electronics. The product also protects against voltage surges that could damage your equipment and comes with six outlets.
Since it ensures the benefits mentioned above, the item is not the most affordable out there.
The product is built to help you improve the performance of your various electronic devices and protect them against damaging surges. It features a durable metal construction and is easy to use.
2nd Best
Ensuring 3-line surge protection, this product is an option you might want to consider if you want to make sure that your electronics won’t get damaged because of voltage irregularities. The item has a rated power of 1800W and provides a 2390J protection. Thanks to the eight sockets featured, you can use it with both regular and more bulky plugs.
Even though rarely, the power button might get stuck and thus fail to work as expected.
Suitable for a variety of workstations and home and office systems, this product ensures overload and surge protection so that you can keep your electronics safe. The durable unit is also user-friendly.
Also To Consider
If you need a product that will help you keep the sonic outputs of your various systems clean, this unit is worth a try. It ensures RFI/EMI attenuation, which will reduce unwanted line noise and thus improve the performance of your equipment. The 15-amp rated unit also provides surge and spike protection so that you can keep your devices safe from damage.
The LED voltmeter might not always be accurate; plus, the item falls a bit on the pricey side.
Built to filter electromagnetic and radio-frequency interference and provide surge protection, this unit should keep your sonic performance free of noise and your electronics safe.
10 Best Power Conditioners (Updated Reviews) in 2020
The market does not run short when it comes to audio power conditioner models, which means that identifying the best power conditioner for your needs might turn out to be a time-consuming task. Check out our list of power conditioner reviews to make a more informed decision faster.
- 1. Furman SS6B Power Conditioner
- 2. HOLSEM Power Strip Surge Protector
- 3. Furman M8DX Power Conditioner
- 4. Pyle 15 Amp 1800W Black AC Surge Protector
- 5. Furman AC-215A Compact Power Conditioner
- 6. APC J25B 8-Outlet J-Type Power Conditioner
- 7. Pyle PS900 Audio/Video AC Power Conditioner
- 8. Tripp Lite 600W 120V Power Conditioner
- 9. WAudio AC Power Purifier with Surge Protector
- 10. Soundavo PMX-3300 Power Conditioner & Surge Sequencer
- Our Comprehensive Buying Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Furman SS6B Power Conditioner
Protecting your audio equipment against voltage surges and unwanted interferences is essential if you want the sonic outputs you get to match that superior quality and your overall performance and gear to be safe and protected. Here is where this power conditioner from Furman comes into sight. The product was built to provide such benefits while ensuring ease of use.
Featuring a 15-foot cord as well as a metal construction, the SS6B is made to stand the test of time and free your practice sessions and stage performances of unpleasant interference-caused noise. The item thus attenuates noise triggered by RFI (radio frequency interference) and EMI (electromagnetic interference) and provides protection against surges.
It comes with six outlets that you can use with different pieces of musical equipment and sports an illuminated ON/OFF switch for easy operation. The switch also renders the unit ideal for when playing in low-light settings.
Pros
This power conditioner was designed to keep interference-caused noise at a minimum and protect your equipment against voltage surges that, in time, could degrade the performance of your system.
The product thus attenuates EMI/RFI noise, which results in enhanced sound quality and thus positively tailors your sonic outputs.
Given the six outlets featured and the fact that the cord measures 15 feet, you can use the product on stage where various systems are employed.
Thanks to the illuminated ON/OFF switch, using it is nothing complicated; plus, you can employ it in dark settings.
The heavy-duty metal construction adds to the durability of this product and renders it reliable for countless practice sessions and gigs.
Cons
Depending on the audio systems you want to use it with, the space between the outlets might be too small; plus, the item falls a bit on the expensive side.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($34.99)
2. HOLSEM Power Strip Surge Protector
Whether you need a surge protector for your home office, theater system, or professional workstation, this unit from Holsem is worth taking a closer look at as it comes with specs that set it apart from other models in this line. First of all, the item ensures 3-line (L-PE, L-N, N-PE) surge protection so that you can keep the various devices and systems you use away from dangerous voltage surges.
What’s more, the product sports a double-break safety switch that will trip off automatically and protect your systems in case of power overload. The heavy-duty power cord ensures premium protection to the various devices you use, and the materials employed can withstand high temperatures.
With a rated power of 1800W, the unit ensures a 2390J protection and comes with six sockets for regular plugs and two sockets that are more widely spaced for bulky plugs. Moreover, the item sports two Smart IC technology USB ports that will automatically detect your device and ensure the fastest charge speed.
Pros
Featuring eight AC outlets and two USB ports, this surge protector is suitable for a variety of office and home systems and workstations.
The product ensures surge and overload protection so that you can employ your different devices and systems without worrying that unwanted damage could occur.
The 2390 joule energy rating renders it ideal for home theater systems, computers, and laser printers, to name a few.
To protect against power overload, the product sports a double-break safety switch that trips automatically in case of power overload and thus protects your devices.
The flame-retardant material used can withstand high temperatures, while the sockets featured will help you employ the item with both regular and more bulky plugs.
Cons
The power button might not work as expected or desired as it might get stuck sometimes; however, this rarely happens.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($33.89)
3. Furman M8DX Power Conditioner
Suitable for a variety of systems and audio equipment, including effects, preamps, and recording gear, this power conditioner is packed with features that ensure not only surge protection but also interference-noise attenuation. You can thus use it when at home practicing or recording your latest musical composition or when out on the stage playing.
The unit ensures EMI/RFI filtration, which means that it lowers noise caused by electromagnetic and radio-frequency interference and thus helps you keep your sonic outputs clean. The item has a 15-amp rating and provides surge and spike protection so that you can rest assured that your equipment is safe and the power remains clean.
The nine outlets will help you connect your various systems while the light fixtures and dimmer knob will enable you to choose the brightness that best meets your settings. The item also comes with a LED voltmeter that shows the incoming voltage.
Pros
If you’re on the lookout for a power conditioner for your audio recording or DJ equipment, this model might be cut out for you as it was built with such gear in mind.
Thanks to the eight rear-panel outlets and one front-panel outlet featured, you can employ this product to power and protect a variety of musical equipment (up to 15-amp load).
The unit provides AC noise filtering, which means that it lowers the unpleasant noise caused by EMI and RFI and thus enhances the sound quality of your performance.
The 14 AWG cord has a length of 6 feet, and the brightness of the two 120V incandescent bulbs employed can be adjusted to match your setting.
It has a 170-joule energy rating and a 15-amp rating, specs that render it suitable for various pieces of audio equipment.
Cons
The voltmeter readings might not be accurate all the time, and, despite the various features it comes with, the product might still be a bit pricey.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($110.21)
4. Pyle 15 Amp 1800W Black AC Surge Protector
Featuring a 15 amp rating with a circuit breaker, this unit is an option you might want to try if you want to protect your gear and keep your audio performance free of unwanted interference noise.
Since electrical and voltage surges can damage your various systems and devices, this product was designed to provide protection against such surges and thus lower the wear and tear of your gear. The item is equipped with eight outlets that you can control using the switch on the front panel. You can thus employ the power conditioner for multiple appliances and systems.
The rugged metal housing ensures stability and durability, while the lightweight and compact construction will make it easy for you to find a place for this unit. Using it is as simple as possible as all you have to do is to press the power switch placed on the front panel to turn it on/off.
Pros
This AC surge protector is worth considering whether you want to protect your audio gear, home appliances, or computer.
The unit ensures spike and surge protection so that you can keep your devices safe from damaging electrical and voltage surges.
The product comes with eight outlets that are placed on the rear panel and can be easily controlled with the help of the front panel power switch.
Given the single rack space metal housing, you can easily find a place for this surge protector at home or the studio, and you can rely on it to do its job for a long time.
Activating the eight outlets once everything is plugged in takes little effort and almost no time as all you have to do is press the power button.
Cons
The rear plugs might be a bit too stiff, and the chassis might not be long enough to fit into a standard rack.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($47.88)
5. Furman AC-215A Compact Power Conditioner
Protecting your systems and equipment against voltage and electrical spikes and surges counts a lot when it comes to the longevity of your gear since such unwanted events add to the tear and wear of the equipment you use. This unit from Furman was built precisely to deal with such surges and protect your electronic devices against them.
It is worth mentioning that the product ensures automatic shutdown when there is a power overload of 137 volts or higher. This means that it will automatically disconnect to protect the connected devices from dangerous power levels and automatically reconnect when the power is back to a safe level.
What’s more, the LiFT (Linear Filtering Technology) featured will make sure the connected devices receive filtered power that is clean, and this means that AC line noise is also reduced, and thus the sonic output or image quality is better. The unit has a 10 amp rating, and it is compact and thus suitable for small spaces.
Pros
Electrical and voltage surges will degrade the various electronic devices and systems you use, yet you can prevent that from happening when using this power conditioner.
The Series Multi-Stage Protection will safeguard your electronics against the most severe surges without damaging itself.
Thanks to the Linear Filtering Technology employed for the construction of this unit, your electronics will receive clean power, and the AC line noise will be reduced.
The Extreme-Voltage Shutdown feature takes protection one step further as it will automatically shut down when there is a power overload of 137 volts or higher.
The product sports a compact chassis and can be easily attached to a TV mount, placed in small spaces, or mounted on a wall.
Cons
The electrical noise reduction ensured might not be satisfying in certain cases, yet this depends on your particular applications and preferences.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($127)
6. APC J25B 8-Outlet J-Type Power Conditioner
If you want to take a step further as far as the protection of your electronics is concerned, and you need a reliable power conditioner, the J25B should not go unchecked before you make your final decision, given its specs. The product is suitable for a variety of electronics, including computers, home theater systems, and audio-video gear.
The power conditioner thus protects your equipment against electrical and voltage surges that can damage the systems and degrade their performance over time. The item also ensures telephone and coaxial surge protection and reduces RFI and EMI to improve audio and picture quality.
The product has an output power capacity of 865 Watts and a surge energy rating of 345 Joules. What is also worth mentioning is the fact that this model comes with a battery backup, which means that the product will eliminate interruptions, and, in case the power goes out, it will save your various files and thus prevent loss.
Pros
Whether you need a power conditioner for your computer, audio-video system, or recording equipment, this model is worth trying as it ensures protection and should do so for a long time.
Since voltage surges, power transients, and blackouts can damage the various electronics you use, the J25B was built to protect your equipment against such damaging events.
Furthermore, the item eliminates RFI and EMI, which means that you can employ it for audio systems and in settings where good sound and picture quality is required.
Thanks to the backup battery, you can rest assured that your various files won’t get lost as it will eliminate interruptions.
The product features eight outlets as well as a Dual-Color LCD that will provide you with information regarding power changes and enable you to adjust various parameters.
Cons
Check out the power conditioner’s dimensions as it might be a bit large and thus not suitable for tight spaces.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($278.97)
7. Pyle PS900 Audio/Video AC Power Conditioner
In case you’re on the lookout for a power conditioner that will help you clean up your AC power so that you can protect the equipment you use and keep the sonic output closer to the quality you’re after, this Pyle model should not be ignored.
The product features the technology needed to eliminate interference and noise, which means that you can employ it for your audio gear as the unit will make sure your equipment receives filtered power. The item supports a maximum load of 1800 Watts or 15 amps, and it comes with a 4-foot cord.
Moreover, the microcontroller ensures a 2-second sequence time, and the item is designed to ensure ease of use. However, a user’s manual is available to help you make the most of it. There are eight outlets on the rear, and the item features a display to provide you with information regarding various parameters, such as AC voltage, in real time.
Pros
Built to help you clean up your AC power, this unit is suitable for a variety of electronics, and especially for audio gear and thus stage performances.
The two stage EMI processing technology reduces interference noise and thus adds to the sound quality delivered by your equipment.
To control the sequencer and do so with precise timing, the item sports a high-performance microcontroller.
The power conditioner features eight outlets as well as a display that shows wiring, AC voltage, ground status, and temperature in real time.
The maximum load for this unit is 1800 Watts/15 amps, and the item comes with rack-mountable ears for easy installation.
Cons
Given the various features it comes with, the product is a bit large, and thus, requires more space for storage and transportation.
The instructions provided might not be as helpful as expected, especially if you have no experience using such items.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($129.99)
8. Tripp Lite 600W 120V Power Conditioner
Severe voltage surges and spikes can damage the equipment and systems you use and add to their wear and tear, yet a power conditioner, such as this one from Tripp Lite, can help you deal with such issues by providing your electronics with protection against them. The item ensures 720 joules of surge protection and protects all three wires of residential power outlets.
To make sure the electronics you use are protected against voltage fluctuations, the product comes with Automatic Voltage Regulation. This will stabilize voltage and ensure a targeted response to brownouts, undervoltage, and overvoltage so that such fluctuations are corrected back to nominal 120V power.
Since line noise can cause a variety of performance problems, the unit also reduces EMI/RFI. Given the six outlets available, you can use it with various electronic devices. The three LEDs featured will keep you informed of the condition of the incoming power, while the compact design will make it easy for you to use it even in tight places.
Pros
The product is built to help you protect your electronics against the damaging effects of voltage surges and features six outlets so that you can use it with various devices at the same time.
Since RFI and EMI can also lead to performance problems, the product also ensures protection against line noise and thus its damaging effects.
Thanks to the Automatic Voltage Regulation, the product maintains safe, nominal voltage and corrects under-voltages, overvoltages, and brownouts.
To enable you to monitor your electronic devices, the unit ensures easy-to-read diagnostics; plus, it comes with a 6-foot AC power cord for easy use.
Due to the lighted ON/OFF button, you can easily and rapidly control the components connected to this item.
Cons
The unit does not have a bracket so that you can secure it down in case you’d like to benefit from such a feature; however, this is a minor downside.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($73.99)
9. WAudio AC Power Purifier with Surge Protector
The electromagnetic interference that is generated by all the different electronics connected to the same network can affect the equipment you use and its performance. Here is where a product as this one can help you make a difference and protect your electronics. Using it is nothing complicated, and the materials employed for its construction ensure durability.
This unit was designed to reduce line noise and thus prevent the systems you use from being affected by the contaminated energy. It also protects against damaging voltage irregularities. This translates not only into improved audio and video quality from your equipment but also into extended longevity of your various systems.
This model is equipped with six hospital-grade outlets and four industrial-grade outlets. The metal construction should enable you to benefit from this unit’s advantages for a long time while its simple design ensures ease of use.
Pros
Protecting your electronic devices against voltage irregularities and surges means decreasing the wear and tear of your systems and adding to their longevity.
The power overload protection ensured will make sure that the sockets are powered off when the total current exceeds 15A.
To improve the audio/video performance of your systems, the product reduces noise caused by electromagnetic interference, so you can use it with amplifiers, TVs, computers, and other such electronics.
Thanks to the ten outlets featured, you can connect multiple devices, and due to the metal construction and aluminum plates, you shouldn’t worry about durability.
The product was designed to ensure ease of use as well and thus comes with a simple design.
Cons
The ON/OFF switch failed to work in some cases, and, despite its features, the product might still be a bit too pricey.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($179.99)
10. Soundavo PMX-3300 Power Conditioner & Surge Sequencer
This unit was built to make sure your systems receive a stable power and provide reliable circuit protection. It is thus packed with quality features that will help you cater to your needs a long time before a new unit is needed.
The product has a 15 amp rating and features three outlet pairs on the rear panel as well as two outlets and a digital LED on the front panel. The rear outlets are switched, whereas the front ones are unswitched. The item was engineered to reduce EMI and RFI, which results in improved sound and picture quality from the systems you use.
The swiveling light fixtures allow you to use the product even in low-light conditions. Moreover, you can adjust lamp brightness thanks to the dimmer switch. The LED featured shows abnormal voltage, zone status, and incoming AC line voltage, just to name a few.
Pros
Featuring ten protected outlets as well as a 15 amp rating with a circuit breaker, this product is built to provide your equipment with stable power.
Since EMI and RFI lead to unwanted noise that affects and degrades the performance of the systems you use, the unit is committed to reducing such noise.
You will find three outlet groups that correspond to three zones ranging from Digital to Analog and High Power outlets, and the product handles 1800 watts.
Since these zones are powered off in a reverse sequence, the unit can be employed for audio recording equipment, home audio systems, and DJ equipment with a power amp and speakers.
To enable you to use the item even in dark settings or low-light conditions, the item sports a dimmer switch.
Cons
The product does not feature any USB ports, which might prove to be a downside; however, this model does offer good value for the money.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($149.99)
Our Comprehensive Buying Guide
Setting up a home studio or getting stage audio gear these days is no longer a challenging process. Thanks to the latest technological advancements, you can find high-performance equipment to record your music, engage in memorable stage gigs, or simply enjoy your favorite tunes at home.
The electrical gadgets and systems you use need a more complex approach in order for them to be protected against damaging electrical surges, voltage irregularities, and RFI/EMI. Here is where using a power conditioner and surge protector becomes essential for the safety of your gear and your performance quality.
If the question ‘do I need a power conditioner?’ has been on your mind, the answer is yes, as such a product will not only protect audio gear but the many electronics you use on a daily basis.
Whether you need the best power conditioner for home studio or the best power conditioner for guitar amp, there are a few factors to be considered before you decide on a model.
Power conditioner types
The market offers a variety of both expensive and cheap power conditioners, and finding the model that best meets your needs might prove to be a bit challenging. Considering the advantages provided by each power conditioner type available is the first step to take.
You will thus find the so-called passive-type filters that offer basic noise-attenuation benefits. Most cheap power conditioner models fall into this category, yet they may be more suitable for casual musicians and players.
If you use expensive audio equipment, and you need a power conditioner that not only protects your gear against surges and spikes, but that also reduces line noise significantly, a balanced transformer type of power conditioner or an AC regenerative type is a better choice.
The former comes with a balanced isolation transformer, hence the name, that will balance AC power feed and reduce noise in a much better and effective way for video and audio components.
The latter is much appreciated for regulating AC voltage, reducing noise, and correcting waveform symmetry. This may not be the most affordable power conditioner type on the market, yet it surely does a great job of delivering clean power to your equipment.
Choosing between these types may seem a bit difficult, but it is probably best to go for a power conditioner audio model that is built on the three-in-one approach, and that thus protects your equipment against surges, corrects the voltage, and reduces noise.
Design and specs
Whether you’ve set your eyes on a Furman power conditioner or an APC power conditioner, taking a closer look at the specifications and design of the product you want to buy is the next thing to do after you’ve decided on the type of conditioner you want.
A good audio power conditioner should be designed in such a way to isolate the individual receptacles or power outlets it features in order to eliminate interference between its components.
Consider the noise suppression rating that is expressed in decibels when you need a power conditioner for your audio gear. The higher this rating, the greater the noise reduction.
Also, check the joule rating of the model you want to purchase. This one refers to the electrical power a suppressor is able to absorb before getting damaged itself. A high joule rating means greater protection.
Sound quality, blackout protection, and other considerations
As we’ve said before, a good power conditioner should not only protect your equipment against surges and spikes but should also reduce radio-frequency and electromagnetic interference. This is of great importance when you need such a unit for your audio gear; therefore, you might want to look for a model that filters such noise.
Since brownouts and blackouts may lead to data loss and other unpleasant events, it is best to get a power conditioner that offers battery backup. Auto shutoff options are also a great addition, and many affordable power conditioners come with such features.
The best audio power conditioner will not only help you protect your gear but will also make it easy for you to take advantage of its features. Look for a product that is easy to use, comes with enough outlets to power all the gear you use and has a power cord that is long enough to cover your specific needs.
Check out some power conditioner reviews as well before buying as you can thus find out more about a certain model that might not be mentioned in the product’s description.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is a power conditioner used for?
Power conditioners are devices built to protect various pieces of sensitive electrical equipment and are thus installed between the power source and an electronic system. What does a power conditioner do then? It can do various things depending on its type, but most products in this line can actually do more than just protecting your gear against power surges.
Such a unit, be it a big or small power conditioner, can detect voltage irregularities that can damage your equipment, correct the power supply in order to prevent lockup, and ensure continuous voltage to your system during brownouts and blackouts.
Many power conditioners, such as some of the power conditioner Furman models showcased above, also provide EMI/RFI filtering, which means that they can smooth out electromagnetic and radio-frequency interference that could otherwise lower the quality of an electronic system’s performance. These devices will thus protect your equipment, reduce noise, and correct voltage fluctuation.
Q: Do power conditioners really work?
If you choose and use the right power conditioners for your specific needs and equipment, then you are likely to see that they actually do what they say they do. However, this depends on a variety of factors, such as the sensitivity of the equipment you use and the quality of the power in your area or city.
For example, if you don’t live close to a Radio/TV transmitter or a power substation, then chances are that your equipment gets clean power, and what you probably need is surge protection. There is a whole power conditioner vs surge protector debate, and since we’ve mentioned surge protectors, such items provide protection against damaging voltage spikes.
Power conditioners, on the other hand, provide more than that. High-end models will reduce EMI/RFI and thus contribute to the audio and video quality of the various pieces of equipment you use.
If the power your electronics receive is clean, a power conditioner may actually not be necessary. However, if you live in an older house and the power you get is known to be ‘dirty’, you can benefit greatly from such a conditioner.
Q: Do power conditioners reduce noise?
When looking for an answer to questions such as ‘what is a power conditioner?’ and ‘what does it do?’, you’re likely to run into definitions that associate such units with surge protection and EMI/RFI filtering.
It’s true that many models available for sale these days are more than devices that provide your electronics with protection against voltage surges and spikes that could otherwise damage your systems.
High-end power conditioners come with RFI and EMI filtering capabilities and can thus reduce the noise in electrical lines that result from TV/Radio stations, mobiles, and other such devices. If this noise gets into your audio/video systems, their performance will show it.
By reducing such noise, a power conditioner can thus improve the sound quality of the equipment you use. However, making sure that you get the power conditioner that meets your specific needs is compulsory.
Ask for a professional’s help and read a power conditioner review before buying as using models that are not suitable for your requirements might actually make the noise problem worse.
