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Let’s delve into the best home theater power managers to protect you and your devices.
If you’ve got a home theatre set-up, chances are you’re going to have some expensive audio equipment that needs reliable protection should the worst happen.
Maybe you’ve finally found the ideal TV for watching sports or got around to upgrading your TV’s sound system with a soundbar. Whatever state your home theater system is in, it’s probably going to need protecting if you want to make it last.
Before launching into the best home theater power managers, let’s make sure we understand exactly what they are.
A home theater power manager is basically a device responsible for regulating AC power distribution, keeping you and your devices safe. Like a surge protector, it will protect you from power surges, with added features that include improving the quality of electricity, distributing the power properly and eliminating noise. They can also help organise your cables, improving the general ambience of your home theatre set-up.
So, do you need a home theater power manager?
If you live in a place frequented with lightning or power surges, then a home theatre power manager is crucial in keeping you and your devices safe. You’ll also be better off investing in a power manager if you have an expensive sound system. Ultimately you want to do everything you can to prolong the life and improve the performance of your devices.
So, without further ado, let’s get stuck in – here are the best home theater power managers we could find.
Best Home Theater Power Managers
Best overall home theater power manager – Panamax MR4300
Price Check: Panamax MR4300 via Amazon
The Panamax MR4300 has no shortage of winning features making it one of the best power managers for peace of mind.
Coming with nine outlets that deliver surge protection power filtration and monitoring, the MR4300 is a high quality, affordable choice for most home theater systems.
The cover is very comprehensive – if you have Antenna, ethernet or coaxial cables that require surge protection, they’ll be covered too meaning you’ll have a reliable flow of high definition and high speed Internet signals to your system.
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One of the standout features is AVM (Automatic Voltage Monitoring) which means all sources of power coming into the device are being monitored. This means in the event of a power spike or even under-voltage, the MR4300 will smartly shut off the power supply to your equipment to keep it protected. If this happens, you’ll see a flashing red light which will stop once the safe level of power voltage returns.
Another brilliant feature that is exclusive to Panamax is their Protect or Disconnect technology. It basically means that in the event of a power surge so strong that it’s beyond the ability of MR4300, then the AC power is permanently cut off to all connected equipment to prevent it from getting zapped.
Overall, these features make it a brilliant choice for those with expensive sound systems who are after absolute peace of mind that their devices will be protected.
Best home theater power manager under $200 – Furman M-8×2 Merit X
Price Check: Furman M-8×2 Merit X via Amazon
The Furman M-8×2 Merit X offers a comprehensive cover for a friendly price.
With a total of 8 power outlets, this bad boy can take a wide range of equipment which is ideal for large sound systems that need protection up to a 15A load.
Like the Panamax MR4300, the Furman effectively filters AC voltage to your equipment to ensure peak performance from your equipment. It also performs extreme voltage shutdown in case of a major surge. The rear outlets have been spaced especially to accommodate adapters and bulky cables, meaning you shouldn’t have any trouble plugging all of your devices in.
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Its RFI/EMI interference filters work to prevent noise from fluorescent lights, radio transmitters, and other sources of ‘electronic pollution’ which might be responsible for contaminating the AC line, another welcome feature.
The Furman AC-215-A also has an easy installation process, ideal for mounting on the back of a flat-screen TV, or else in another remote location due to its compact size.
Overall, this power manager ticks the most important boxes and offers brilliant value for the price.
Price Check: AudioQuest Niagara 1200 via Amazon
The Niagara 1200 is an impressive power manager and conditioner which hits the mark in terms of protecting your components and cleaning the noise from your electrical lines.
As a considerably more expensive power manger than our other two selections, we have to ask if the Niagara 1200 is worth it. We’d say that if you’re an audiofile who can afford it, then go for it.
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At the back, you’ll find two high-current sockets meaning you’ll have no problem plugging your subwoofers straight in without limiting the current to everything else. With a total of 7 power sockets, you should be able to connect everything important with total security that all your devices will be safe from a power surge.
Though the Niagara 1200 still ultimately performs the same tasks as the Furman and Panamax managers, it definitely shines when it comes to cleaning the AC power. If you have a Hi-Fi sound system, the Niagara 1200 might just be worth it.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between a home theater power manager and a surge protector?
In a nutshell, a surge protector ensures your home electrical system is protected from AC voltage spikes and surges which may occur. A home theater power manager also performs this role, with a number of additives including electrical filtering, lower response times and protection from under-voltage.
Do home theater power managers reduce noise?
Generally yes – an important part of the home theater power manager’s job is to ‘purify’ dirty power which helps to eliminate or reduce noise, potentially by eliminating a ground loop which is a common cause of noise in our homes.
What is the difference between 500w and 1000w home theater?
Because there is more power in a 1000W home theater, it will be able to produce a louder sound.
Do home theatre power managers affect sound quality?
Yes, they can improve sound quality in several ways, including reducing the noise that comes from a ground loop.
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