Surge Protection that includes CAT5

[sleepysurf]

I've upgraded my A/V setup to include a Sony 52" XBR4, and am now looking for a surge protector (+/- power filtering) that includes CAT5 protection (since I'm using a wired Squeezebox as my primary audio source).

Only device I've found thus far is the Tripplite HT1210ISOCTR, but it's guts don't look particularly robust, as seen in this review... http://www.laaudiofile.com/ht1210isoctr.html

I already have a Monster HTS 3500 MKII, which I'll use for the video side. My budget for the audio setup is ~$300. I've got a dedicated 20A line (clean power), so just want something mainly for good surge protection, with or without power filtering. I do need at least 6 power outlets.

Any suggestions?

 

[DTB300]

I would wait for Cherian to chime in here on good power protection both surge and conditioning. I thought I remember him recommending the PowerVar's as a good solution.

 

[sleepysurf]

Ahhh, the Belkin PF60 also has CAT5 protection, and great reviews. Internals look a lot beefier as well.

 

[theWB]

Not to hi-jack the thread, But can someone explain why you would need to have surge protection for a Cat 5 connection. I know and understand why we need power protection. But don't know why we would need Cat 5 surge protection. The reason I ask is my music server is hooked directly into the internet via a Cat 5 connection to my computor. Both my music server and computor power sources have surge protection, would I still need some sort of protection for the Cat 5 connection? Is there such a thing as data surges?

 

[sleepysurf]

ANY wired connection into an A/V system is capable of frying components from a nearby lightning strike. It doesn't necessarily have to come thru the power line. A phone line, network, or coax connection are equally susceptible.

 

[theWB]

ANY wired connection into an A/V system is capable of frying components from a nearby lightning strike. It doesn't necessarily have to come thru the power line. A phone line, network, or coax connection are equally susceptible.

Thanks,Alan
I guess I'll have to rethink the protection of my system.
I have a Cat 5, phone line, and coax running in my system,
all unprotected!!

 

[Brian_74]

Ahhh, the Belkin PF60 also has CAT5 protection, and great reviews. Internals look a lot beefier as well.

I'm very pleased with my PF60. You have ethernet, phone, coax, the works, plus tons of outlets and power filtering in 6 isolated banks. Should fit in your budget easily. Actually, the phone jack is also RJ45 so really you could have two protected lines of any kind.

 

[sleepysurf]

Just an update. The original PF60 from Amazon arrived damaged, with loose parts rattling inside. The replacement arrived intact, and I finally hooked it up tonight. Wow, what a surprise! Compared to the Monster HTS 3500 MkII that I was previously using, the Belden is a LOT cleaner sounding, with tighter bass and faster transients. I never realized how much the Monster design "veiled" the sound. Now, I suppose the Belden is perhaps also "coloring" the sound, but if so, it's a lot more "musical" than the Monster. I'm relegating the Monster unit to the video side of my setup.

Also, as mentioned in my RMAF thread, I won a PS Audio Power Plant Premier at RMAF! However, some folks told me the high current demand of my Belles amp might not work well with a power regenerator. Given the fantastic sound of the Belden unit, I've decided to sell the PS Audio PPP when I receive it, and put the $$ towards the ML Motif! I'm hoping to sell it locally, but if no takers, will post details here before placing on A'gon.

 

[Cherian]

You can add cat 5 protection with Cylix products. Attached is a web link. Just make sure you ground it right. This way you can buy the best power conditioner and then add cat 5 protection to it.

http://www.cylix.com/cylix/products/mtj.html