Panamax m5400-ex

[IBSTORMIN]

I ran across one of these at a garage sale. I've always wanted to try a power conditioner so I bought it. I am noticing a difference in sound so I'm kinda impressed. Anyone know how this unit compares to others out there? I have another system that I'm now going to need one for (isn't upgrading fun???) and am wondering what my options are. I respect a lot of peoples opinions on this site so I would appreciate some opinions & suggestions.

[IBSTORMIN]

I finally got a chance to really listen to my main system extensively with this unit. Did A-B with and without the unit. It sounds like I upgraded my whole system. I had no idea it could make such a difference. Everything tightened up, bass is less muddy and the highs are extended. Did not know I had any problem with my power. Has anyone else experienced this?

[TheHills44060]

I had a Panamax 1000+ for almost ten years before it died. It was good piece of mind as a surge protector and i liked the voltage meter but i never noticed any sound improvements in my system with it. I haven't owned any other Panamax products but thought I'd chime in.

I now have a Richard Gray 1200C, 400MkIII and 400Pro and quite frankly I don't notice much of a difference in picture or sound quality. Granted i haven't done any extensive A/B testing because it's not that important to me but I see the argument could be made if they are worth all that coin if surge protection is all they are good for.

[Mr Peabody]

I haven't used Panamax and didn't realize they were into the conditioning or cleaning end of things. I'd recommend the PS Audio Duet or Quintet depending on how many outlets you need. I have noticed improvements with these types of products. One of the most noticeable was upgrading power cords. Musicdirect carry the PS Audio and have a return if not satisfied, plus it would make a good shoot out with the Panamax.

[Glen B]

I finally got a chance to really listen to my main system extensively with this unit. Did A-B with and without the unit. It sounds like I upgraded my whole system. I had no idea it could make such a difference. Everything tightened up, bass is less muddy and the highs are extended. Did not know I had any problem with my power. Has anyone else experienced this?

A person with "dirty"power like you obviously have would notice improvements, whereas the person with relatively clean power may not notice a difference, because there is nothing to remove. As far as I have seen, the mass market makers of line conditioning products (Furman, Panamax, Belkin, APC, etc.) all have products that employ similar LC network noise filters as the active technology.

Pictured here are inside views of similar products from four manufacturers. The noise filters consists of commo-mode-chokes (CMCs) and noise suppression caps. The CMCs are the little "donuts" with wire wound around them.

Panamax:


Furman:


Belkin:


APC:


Monster:

[CassidyGary]

It is good that all have products that employ similar LC network noise filters as the active technology.

[IBSTORMIN]

A person with "dirty"power like you obviously have would notice improvements, whereas the person with relatively clean power may not notice a difference, because there is nothing to remove. As far as I have seen, the mass market makers of line conditioning products (Furman, Panamax, Belkin, APC, etc.) all have products that employ similar LC network noise filters as the active technology.

Pictured here are inside views of similar products from four manufacturers. The noise filters consists of commo-mode-chokes (CMCs) and noise suppression caps. The CMCs are the little "donuts" with wire wound around them.

After the conditioner I bought a set of PS Audio's Noise Harvesters and regardless of whether they are lighting up like mad or doing nothing, which I would say reflect the dirty or clean condition of the line, the conditioner still improves the sound. That's great that you were able to provide pictures of the inside of so many conditioners. What are your recommendations based on what you have heard?

[Glen B]

My best power conditioning for the past 9 years has been balanced AC power, which I employ with my 2-channel system. The progression of my DIY balanced power project has been chronicled here at AR at the following link: DIY Balanced AC Power Conditioner

I use a Belkin PF60 line conditioner (internal shot #3 above) with my HT system. I like it for the number of individually isolated outlet banks, programmable turn-on delays for each outlet bank, triggering options, and voltage/current readout. IMO, all of the products pictured above perform more or less in a similar fashion. I would just pick one based on its features and price.