Build quality, ease of set up and use

Worsened my noise floor

This is a review of the HTS1000, which has fewer outlets than the HTS2500, but both have Monster''''s "Level 2" filtering system, so they are roughly equivalent. I''''ve got a Denon 3801 receiver, Denon 3700 DVD changer, Polk RT35i fronts, two sets of Polk RC60i celing surrounds, a Polk CS245i center, a Polk PSW350 sub, and Monster M series connects and cables. I began to notice an annoying hash sound from one of my broadcast cable TV stations. It was a sibilance -- a static crackle and hiss on vocals -- particularly on the NBC affiliate nightly news. I was told by an audio installer in my area that it was because the local NBC affiliate was broadcasting with low-tech and antique 1970''''s era equipment, and he recommended a line conditioner. Well, I auditioned the Monster HTS1000 for a weekend and found that while it helped the hash problem somewhat, it greatly increased the noise floor! Yes, the background buzz and hum became much worse! Again, this is all just on the one TV channel. I didn''''t notice any appreciable difference in ambient noise on any other TV station, radio broadcast, CD, or DVD. I know some reviewers found that these Monster line conditioners improve over time, but I''''m sceptical, so, I returned the unit and I''''m contemplating dropping bigger bucks for a Tice or ChangLightSpeed conditioner. I wish I''''d had a better experience with the HTS1000, but I was very disappointed with the results that I obtained. It seems line conditioners are very situation-specific and success on one electrical/sound system may not mean success on another.

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Generic GE surge protector

Looks, value espically from Lightning AV, and ability to clean up my signals either from cable or satellite.

None.

One of the reviewers previous said that one thing he noticed was that the longer the unit stayed hooked to his equipment ( I have it now for about a week ) it actually improved over time!!! I will vouch his remarks. After the first couple of hours, I came back to turn on the my tv and found that all my fuzzies gone. UNBELIEVEABLE!!!! I have basic cable and satellite and it cleared both up. It was very easy to hook up and it looks very impressive. I have the following system: Toshiba 32" Sony STR-DE945 Stereo Receiver Sony SAT-A50 Satellite Receiver Sony DVP-C670D CD/DVD Player Sony SLV-779HF VHS Monster Cable HTS-2500 JBL Speakers

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General powersticks.

protection, sound improvement

cheaply built

Buy this if you have your system hooked up to a $10 power strip like I did. It cleared up all my problems and it really improves sound!

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$10 power strip

bullet-proof surge protection; lots of outlets; delayed turn-on; excellent line conditioning without loss of power

because it's a single chassis, all of my power cords have to reach the back of the piece while it sits on my rack

I run a 2-ch preamp, dvd/cd, external DAC, receiver (as surround processor), a projection tv, a satellite box, and a huge Enlightened Audio Designs 5-ch amp putting out 400 watts/ch to my 4-ohm Magnepan speakers. The key for me is whether this piece can clean up the hash from my electronics while simultaneously allowing unimpeded power to be sucked through the line from my amp. Well, the answer is an enthusiastic "YES!". I did an A/B test with my equipment at home, with the idea of immediately sending it back if it degraded the sound in any way. It didn't; in fact, it made the sound clearer. YMMV, so, as always, try for yourself....

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Panamax

Nice looking product, color coded plugs

Facing plate for plugs could be thicker - it bows in every time a plug is inserted. See below.

I thought that I would give this product a try after reading the reviews here. I have an Adcom line conditioner, but it only has 1 unswitched outlet, and I desired to plug my TV, VCR and other components into more than a simple surge protector.

However, on my system (an older Sony 909 ES receiver and CD 701 CD player), the "switched" filters appeared to mute some of the brightness of the music. If I plugged the CD player into an unswitched outlet (such as the one labled "CD"), the music appeared fine - no better, but certainly no worse than with my Adcom. But I really wanted the CD to be switched with the receiver, and as I kept trying various CD's, I could not help but hear the slight muting of the highs in the music. I also connected my TV antenna (no cable) to the 2500 - I did not see a change in the reception.

I decided to keep my Adcom for now, and return the Monster. It appears to be a fine product, though afterwards, my local high-end audio shop, who actually sells the Monster 2000's, recommended other products (much more expensive though...). They thought that the Monster claims are overblown. But I think one has to try it to see.

I bought mine on the net at Global-Mart for $210.95 (including shipping).

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Adcom line conditioner

High protection level, sequenced turn on, great build quality

Owners manual a little light

Just a note to all that might be considering a power line conditioner, specifically the HTS 2500 from Monster. After some research, I ordered one of these for $225 and installed it over the weekend. Still too soon for anything comprehensive but I thought I would share some early observations.

The unit appears very well constructed of fairly heavy gauge stamped steel painted black. Dimensions are about 19 X 10 X 4. The front panel is very clean looking with 5 small LED’s and one silver on / off button; which may not be needed depending upon how you use the unit (more later). The rear panel has 10 color-coded power outlets divided into three sections. Six outlets are not switched and are on unless the front panel button is set to off. The four remaining outlets are switched with two of those being timed for last-on / first-off devices (amplifiers). The switched outlets can be controller via a 12 volt input trigger (cable not provided) or by a current-sensing power cord from a pre-amp switched outlet (cable provided). Three sets of in / out coax “F” connectors are all gold plated. There is also a phone in / out jack set. All nicely laid out and clearly labeled. An 8ft. high current power cable rounds it out. Pretty much all the connectors I should need for a while.

I won’t bore you with the specifications as you can find them on monstercable.com. I will say that the 1300 joule rating was one of the two main reasons I selected this unit, the other being the sequenced amplifier outlet with the current-sensing trigger. There were a few other reasons but protection was definitely one and 1300 joule is a great number. I didn’t know how much to expect regarding the two stage filtering and the rumored positive effects on video and audio quality but figured that would be a bonus IF it occurred.

Hookup was straightforward. I used the current-sensing cable from a switched outlet on my Sony E9000 pre-amp to the HTS2500 and plugged my amps into the sequenced outlets. Works great. When the E9000 comes on the amps come on about 20 seconds later.

As for improvement in the video quality it’s a little too soon for specifics. I can say that a nasty ground-loop problem is gone and the picture seems to have much more detail. I was even able to lower the contrast and brightness a notch. My sound was always pretty good and I need to view a few more DVD’s before final determination. My wife commented that the dialogue seemed much clearer that usual (without knowing I had installed a line conditioner). At this point I would have to say I am very satisfied. Looks great, solved a few power-on problems, got better protection for my equipment, and PERHAPS got a better picture and sound. I’ve spent $225 before and gotten a lot less. I'll go with a 5 star on value and a 4 overall simply because I have only had it for a weekend.

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Panamax 1000

Performance; ease of installation

None

The HTS2500 has improved overall sound and video performance by at least 20%. My system's midrange is now far more dynamic and has a broader soundstage. Video imaging is also crisper and more vivid. I believed I had dirty power on the system circuit due to a light dimmer. I guess I was right because the power conditioner has made an incredible difference. Plus I have the added security of a high performance surge protector.

My system includes:
B&K AVR2200
Thiel 1.5s
Sony DVP7700
Klipsch Powered Sub
BP2X Rears
Sony XBR35

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None

Well built

I really don't see any improvment, LEDs.

I gotta be honest, I don't see any audio improvement at all. I'm using a Yamaha RX-V870 receiver and Paradigm LCR-350's and I just don't notice any difference what so ever, if anything the sound is a little subdued. Don't have the video hooked up.
The LEDs are way too bright.

Other than this being a surge protector, I don't see any real use for it.

After plugging this unit in the noise floor in my system dropped noticeably. I had a small barely audible hum in my tweeters, but that has been eliminated entirely. A popping sound in my speakers when my printer was running has also been eliminated. In my system, it has made an audible improvement in the clarity of the sound. Highly recommended to anyone living in areas where the AC is less than pure (such as in California, where brown-outs and blackouts have been the norm of late).

Video/audio filtering non-existent

If you want to buy a pricey powerstrip...this is the one for you. There was a slight improvement on the audio signal however there was very little in the way of video improvement. Trust me when i say, unless you're as anal as i am about your picture, you don't need this product. I'm running the Philips widescreen 30" and the picture is great and I notice very little improvement via the conditioner.

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none