This is our review of the best home theatre power conditioners for 2024.
A power conditioner acts as a filter for the “dirty” power and keeps your home theatre system safer and allowing it to function for a longer time.
It prevents your home theater from being damaged by spikes and surges in electricity.
The best home theater power conditioners protect your equipment and home theatre system and appliances in the case of extreme surges (over or under voltages) in power and also filter out unnecessary noise.
The risk you run when not getting a power conditioner is your expensive home theatre equipment being damaged.
An expensive home theater power conditioner provides you with the peace of mind of knowing this will likely not happen.
I have 10 years plus experience working with audio products and reviewing them and am consequently best placed to help you.
After testing 13 home theatre power conditioners ourselves, our view is that the best home theater power conditioner is the.
Furman AC-215A
SMP (Series Multi-Stage Protection Plus)
Unparalleled clamping voltage
LiFT (Linear Filtering Technology)
E.V.S. (Extreme Voltage Shutdown)
Every person’s home theater system and life are different.
So, I’ve included 13 reviews for different types of power conditioners as well as what they are good for.
Here is a snapshot of the best home theatre power conditioners.
Click on the left to find out where to get one and click on the right for the full review below.
We have also prepared a buyer’s guide in addition to the power conditioner reviews below so that you can contrast and compare for yourself.
13 Best Home Theatre Power Conditioners
1 – Furman Power Conditioner SS6B
Why We like It
Cable Satellite and Telco Connectors provide advanced protection to connected equipment.
Series Multi-Stage Protection Plus (SMP+) for the highest level of AC surge suppression; Automatic extreme voltage shutdown safeguards your valuable equipment against dangerous wiring faults.
Zero Ground Contamination Circuitry assures the delivery of pure AC power thus protecting critical audio/video components.
Advanced Linear Filtering – Significantly decreases contamination and AC line noise. This helps to produce improved audio/video clarity.
Reduces the mechanical buzz produced by appliances – Takes care of little noise and buzz produced by equipment such as monitors and also helps to attenuate/reduce many noises.
Extreme Voltage Shutdown – Protects your devices in the event of over-voltage conditions.
Click any of the links below to get yourself a pair
2 – Accell PowerSquid Surge Protector Power Strip
Why We like It
Easily accommodates up to 5 bulky transformer plugs – This means that with its 5 transformer-friendly receptacles, compared to a standard surge protector, the PowerSquid® provides far more flexibility and results in no waste of outlets.
Provide 1080 joules of surge protection – This provides immense protection, especially for your sensitive electronics.
Power Outlet Arms Protect Your Devices’ Power Cords from Wear & Tear – the power outlet arms are very helpful in helping prevent damage to power plugs of connected devices and additionally bend to accommodate pull force from almost any direction.
The PowerSquid® Noise Reduction Filter decreases line static caused by “dirty” power. This makes sure that your equipment is isolated from power-produced noise and thus providing not only a clearer but superior picture and sound.
Outlet Surge Protection – This means that your connected equipment is not exposed to harmful surges, because as soon as the Flexible Surge Protector gets to the peak joule rating it ceases to conduct power.
Click any of the links below to get yourself a pair
3 – Pyle PCO850 15 Amp Power Supply Conditioner
Why We like It
SPIKE AND SUGE PROTECTION – With 50 joules of energy dissipation and 1200 amp peak impulse current, you can rest assured that your equipment will stay safe and your power will stay clean.
this is especially useful when voltage fluctuates, swells, or spikes during storms and power outages.
Built-in AC Noise Filters – Eliminates unwanted radio frequency interference(RFI) and electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Not only does this prolong the service life of your electronics, but this enhances the stability of your equipment.
9 OUTLETS – The surge protector power strip allows you to turn one outlet into nine. This is because the machine includes 8 rear and 1 front outlet.
MASTER POWER SWITCH – This enables power/energy saving, by allowing you to completely shut off the unit when not in use or when unattended.
INCREDIBLY STERN AND LONG LASTING – The unit is made from stern materials with a sturdy steel chassis and an aluminum front panel.
The 6 feet long power cord is designed to withstand light tugging. This means you can therefore convert any standard AC outlet into a mini charging station for your most prised devices.
1U RACK MOUNTABLE – The design is optimized for 1u rackmount installation This results in hassle-free cable management and additionally provides a neat look to your workstation.
Click any of the links below to get yourself a pair
Best Furman Power Conditioner
4 – Furman PL-PLUS C 15 Amp Power Conditioner
Why We like It
Exclusive SMP technology
Ensures the optimal amount of surge & spike protection available in the market
Noise Filtration (LiFT)
Provides AC power filtering so as to provide clean power for unparalleled video clarity and audio
Voltage Protection through Advanced EVS circuitry
When any sign of dangerous and threatening voltage irregularities or inconsistencies appear, the unit harnesses the power of its Voltage Protection through Advanced EVS circuitry, and, in a safe, careful, and secure manner, powers down both itself and any connected equipment to avert dangerous conditions.
Pull-out Lights
Dual smooth track retractable LED lights illuminate equipment in your rack.
Diagnostic Lights
When protection has been compromised the Diagnostic Lights with their LED status indicators warn you when voltage is outside of nominal range.
LED Voltmeter
You can now know how much voltage is coming through as incoming line voltage is displayed by Segmented LED voltmeter monitors.
Isolated Banks
Noise contamination and cross-component interference are significantly reduced by Isolated outlet banks.
Wall Wart Spacing
Three widely spaced outlets accommodate bulky AC power transformers.
15 AMP Rating
15 Amp rating featuring a high inrush magnetic circuit breaker for added protection.
Nine Total Outlets
Nine total outlets (8 rear panel outlets and one front panel convenience outlet)
BNC Lamp Connector
For rear rack illumination the rear panel BNC connector powers any standard gooseneck lamp.
Click any of the links below to get yourself a pair
Best Home Theater Power Management
5 – PANAMAX M5400-PM Home Theater Power Management System
Why We like It
Regulates Voltage
Through voltage regulation, the Panamax M5400 is able to extend a consistent amount of optimal power to your equipment.
This, therefore, enhances system performance and execution and simultaneously extends equipment longevity.
Level 4+ Power Cleaning and Filtration
Allows your A/V equipment to perform up to its maximum capability and
Improves the condition of visual and audio output by getting rid of regular signs of contaminated power (including loss of detail, pops, hisses, hums, and visual artifacts)
Monitors Incoming Line Voltage
Panamax™ patent pending AVM circuitry regularly evaluates the approaching power as it appears on the digital voltmeter.
A red bolt of light will flash in the voltmeter when an under or over voltage occurs, and power to the connected equipment is instantly turned off if any of these circumstances is observed.
When the voltage gets back to a secure level, power to the equipment is then instantaneously restored.
Reduces Cross-Contamination Between Components
Meaning that any noise emanating from an A/V component can not taint the power traveling towards the equipment plugged into another outlet bank, as a result of the noise isolation between five isolated outlet banks including two high current outlets.
Click any of the links below to get yourself a pair
Best Budget audiophile power conditioner
6) – 8-Outlet Rack Mount Power Conditioner
Why We like It
Triple mode varistor surge and spike protection
Provides protection for your equipment from, electrical surges, voltage fluctuations, and noise interference.
It can also add to the life of your connected gadgets.
Transient impulse protection
Pyle’s Power Conditioner does a great job at improving the quality of power generated for your home equipment via what is known as transient impulse protection, power factor correction, or noise suppression.
8 OUTLETS:
The unit comes with eight (8) rear outlets with room for four (4) “wall warts” so that there is sufficient room for multiple devices or appliances that can be properly plugged in.
All of the outlets are managed and controlled by a front panel switch
SNUG Look and feel
“The 19” surge protector box is snug and contains simple and hassle-free one-button operation.
Simply press the front panel power switch and activate the 8 standard 3-prong grounded AC receptacle rear outlet”
Varistor surge and spike protection
The triple mode varistor surge and spike protection provide protection for your devices, particularly from noise interference, voltage fluctuations, and electrical surges.
This can dramatically extend the shelf life of your appliances and devices.
Click any of the links below to get yourself a pair
Best Power Conditioner for Audiophiles
7 – Furman M-8×2 Merit X Series M-8×2 Power Conditioner
Why We like It
Standard level RFI/EMI Filtration
Enables quieter tones and removes any pops and crackles from the audio.
Furman’s standard level RFI/EMI filtration
The noise floor produced by that filthy/murky AC power entering your console or DAW will be significantly reduced.
Furman’s standard level surge and spike protection
Daily spikes and surges, which may cause your delicate digital equipment to burn or act funny, will be eliminated or significantly reduced.
And Given just how common spikes and surges are at gigs and practice spots, the
Furman’s standard level surge/spike protection is also the best defense for your rig instrumentation gear.
15A capacity and nine total outlets
Ensures that there is enough power for your entire home studio.
Furman’s standard level protection and filtration
Ensures the bad stuff stays and remains out, by ensuring that you are protected from air compressors in bars and clubs going on and off, and light shows pulling current loads up and down.
Filtration rating greater than 23 dB, 200 kHz to 10 Mhz
This is especially great for protecting instrument rigs, home recording, DJ equipment, pro audio rigs, and home entertainment systems
Click any of the links below to get yourself a pair
Best Panamax Power Conditioner
8 – Panamax MR4300 Power Line Conditioner and Surge Protector
Why We like It
Universal ultra low-loss coaxial protection (as well as LAN/Ethernet)
To ensure the protection of an entire system, you may, from time to time need to ensure the protection of the signal wires protruding from the walls.
Panamax delivers in this instance as well. The protection provided by Universal ultra low-loss coaxial protection (as well as LAN/Ethernet) stops signal lines from transmitting dangerous surges whilst at the same time delivering consistent full high-definition and high-speed Internet signals to your devices so that you remain connected.
Automatic Voltage Monitoring (AVM) technology
With a multitude of layers of surge protection, Panamax’s patented, state-of-the-art technology regularly evaluates approaching power.
When an under-voltage or brownout (not enough electricity) or an overvoltage (excessive electricity) occurs a red lightning bolt will flash and will appear, resulting in the power heading towards your devices shutting down immediately (turning off).
When voltage is at a secure level, power is automatically reconnected to the devices.
Exclusive Protect or Disconnect™ technology
This is the next level of surge protection offered by the MR4300. When overloaded as a result of extreme dangerous incidents, the Panamax MR4300 permanently disconnects AC power to devices.
Click any of the links below to get yourself a pair
Best Overall Power Conditioner For Home Theatre
9 – Furman AC-215A Compact Power Conditioner with Auto-Resetting Voltage Protection – Black
Why We like It
SMP (Series Multi-Stage Protection Plus)
Furman’s SMP surge suppression almost completely eradicates service calls. Under normal circumstances surge, suppression circuits surrender themselves when exposed to multiple transient voltage spikes, which may require the complete deconstruction of your system and subsequent reconstruction of your surge suppressor.
SMP was designed to eradicate this completely. With Furman’s SMP, damaging transient voltages are securely soaked up, then clamped and dissipated – no parts need to be sacrificed, no service calls, and no downtime.
Unparalleled clamping voltage
This is the one feature that is specific to Furman’s SMP, which even holds up when tested beyond the grueling specifications of – USA/CIDA’s A-1-1 test.
Even though other power conditioners provide clamping voltages in excess of 300VAC peak (far beyond long accepted professional standards), Furman’s SMP clamps at 188VAC peak, 133 VAC RMS even when tested with multiple 6000VAC – 3000 Amp surges!
This unprecedented level of protection is only available with Furman’s SMP technology.
LiFT (Linear Filtering Technology)
Furman’s SMP with LiFT ensures high-level performance by providing linear filtering and no leakage to the ground.
E.V.S. (Extreme Voltage Shutdown)
Furman’s trusted overvoltage circuitry provides protection against regular accidental connections to 208 or 240VAC by switching off the incoming power until the overvoltage condition has been amended
Compact Chassis Design
At only 1.75” H x 5” W x 8.5” D, and weighing in at only 3 lbs., the AC-215A’s compact, low-profile design makes it ideal for mounting to the back of a flat-screen television, or anywhere that discretely located, remote power protection and purification are needed.
Click any of the links below to get yourself a pair
Power Conditioner For Amplifier
10 – Furman M-8Dx Merit Series Power Conditioning
Why We like It
Standard level RFI/EMI Filtration
Enables quieter tones and removes any pops, crackles from the audio
Furman’s standard level RFI/EMI filtration
The noise floor produced by that filthy/murky AC power entering your console or DAW will be significantly reduced.
Furman’s standard level surge and spike protection
Daily spikes and surges, which may cause your delicate digital equipment to burn or act funny, will be eliminated or significantly reduced.
And Given how common spikes and surges are at gigs and practice spots, the
Furman’s standard level surge/spike protection is also the best defense for your rig instrumentation gear.
15A capacity and nine total outlets
Ensures that there is enough power for your entire home studio.
Furman’s standard level protection and filtration
Ensures the bad stuff stays and remains out, by ensuring that you are protected from
Air compressors in bars and clubs switch on and off and lights show pulling current loads up and down
Filtration rating greater than 23 dB, 200 kHz to 10 Mhz,
This is especially great for protecting instrument rigs, home recording, DJ equipment, pro audio rigs, and home entertainment systems
Click any of the links below to get yourself a pair
Best Hifi Power Conditioner
11 – Tripp Lite 600W 120V Power Conditioner
Why We like It
600W 120V LINE CONDITIONER:
sustains usable 120V nominal output to delicate appliances when facing severe brownouts/under voltages and overvoltages.
The line conditioner, therefore, Prevents surges and spikes from damaging the circuitry.
Another handy feature is that the Line conditioner Filters out potentially disruptive line noise.
6 OUTLETS:
“It is possible to connect up to 6 electronic devices to the rear NEMA 5-15R outlets.
The compact unit (5.5 in. high) features NEMA 5-15P plug.
The outlets are rated at 120V/600W/5A and are ideal for computers, routers, modems, printers, home theater components, and point-of-sale equipment.”
AUTOMATIC VOLTAGE REGULATION (AVR):
“Evaluates approaching AC power and ensures that equipment works during brownouts and prolonged overvoltage conditions.
Corrects undervoltages as low as 85V and overvoltages up to 147V. Boosts input voltages below 102V by 13.4%. Reduces input voltages above 130V by 10.4%.”
SURGE SUPPRESSION:
720 joules of network-grade surge repression shields against potentially dangerous power surges and spikes.
Click any of the links below to get yourself a pair
Home Theater Power Conditioner With Battery Backup
12 – Panamax MR4000 8-Outlet Home Theater Power Management
Why We like It
Automatic Voltage Monitoring (AVM) technology
“Panamax’s MR Family of products provides several levels of security and protection against surges.
Panamax’s patented Automatic Voltage Monitoring (AVM) technology always monitors the incoming power.
In case of an Undervoltage or brownout (too little electricity) or an overvoltage (too much electricity) a flashing red lightning bolt will be displayed and power to the equipment is automatically turned off.
When voltage returns to a safe level, power to the equipment is automatically reconnected.”
Protector Disconnect™ technology
The other layer of surge protection Panamax offers is the exclusive Protect or Disconnect™ technology.
This lightning-quick protection circuitry wholly secures and protects your appliances from surges such as lightning.
When overwhelmed with extreme catastrophic events, Panamax permanently disconnects AC power to equipment.
All Panamax products offer this core protection technology.
Universal ultra low-loss coaxial protection (as well as LAN/Ethernet)
Protecting an entire system may from time to time necessitate that signal wires protruding from the wall be made secure as well.
Panamax solves this problem through the Universal ultra low-loss coaxial protection (as well as LAN/Ethernet) protection, which stops signal lines from transmitting dangerous surges and simultaneously ensures that full high-definition and high-speed Internet signals to your appliances are maintained
Click any of the links below to get yourself a pair
Best Power Conditioner For Home Studio
13 – Furman Sound 8 Outlet Surge Suppressor
Why We like It
Linear Filtering Technology (LiFT)
The Furman’s SMP circuit incorporates Linear Filtering Technology (LiFT) and a high current TVZ-MOV ensuring that electronic appliances from televisions, projectors, CD-DVD players, or computers) are provided with pure, filtered AC power.
The consequence of this is noise reduction, ensuring consistent peak performance from your appliances.
Furman’s Linear Filtering Technology (LiFT) is designed to counter and deal with the problem of uneven noise reduction of power cleaners and multistage filters produced by antiquated non-linear circuits.
Therefore noise to your power line caused by their filter’s excessive resonant peaking is reduced.
Through the even suppression of AC noise, you can achieve maximum performance from your system.
The highest degree of protection
Additionally, today’s power grid regularly fluctuates with varying degrees of surges and spikes.
This can result in the undermining of your equipment’s performance, or even completely damage your system.
Furman’s SMP circuit delivers top-tier protection without sacrificing itself or any of its components.
Prevents voltage to the circuit ground
Traditional AC conditioners using older technologies may discharge voltage to circuit ground, accelerating damage to delicate digital circuits such as computer processors.
Furman’s new technology, however, never sends voltage to the circuit ground further ensuring the safety of your equipment.
Automatic extreme-voltage shutdown
Due to extreme voltages being the most frequent cause of AC damage, another distinctive attribute of Furman’s SMP circuit is automatic extreme-voltage shutdown.
The Extreme Voltage Shutdown circuit automatically turns off the unit when it is fed 137 volts or higher protecting itself and connected equipment from the extreme voltage.
In addition, there is the telco and cable /satellite transient voltage suppression, which provides the most comprehensive protection available in a portable AC power conditioner.
Click any of the links below to get yourself a pair
Buyers guide
State of your equipment: Assess your home theatre or other equipment to understand the purpose that the conditioner will serve.
Also, make sure that you understand what future equipment you intend to purchase.
know the number of and type of plugs you have and ensure your desired conditioner meets the specs.
Consider the number of and different types of outlets that you need.
Budget: Home theatre power conditioners can range from $50 to $1000 depending on your use case and circumstances.
More expensive is not always better, so get good value for money.
I find that the sweet spot in terms of value for money is $200-$300.
This is where performances tend to be best and you do not have to break the bank.
Versatility: You want a power conditioner that not only protects your equipment but one that also serves as a surge protector and filters out unwanted noise.
EMI Filter: Consider an EMI filter if you want to get rid of electromagnetic noise.
EMI Filters block adverse inferences and allow a steady flow of power, and additionally block electromagnetic noise at a specific frequency.
They have the ability to suppress electromagnetic noise transmitted through conduction and can extract any unwanted current conducted through wiring or cables while allowing desirable currents to flow freely.
Automatic Voltage Monitoring (AVM): An automatic voltage monitoring system assists in protecting your devices from brownouts and blackouts.
So it is important to choose a power conditioner that has good voltage regulation.
This feature is particularly useful in an environment with multiple TVs and speakers.
AVM helps ensure that each device is getting the voltage that it requires.
FAQ Frequently asked questions related to Best Home Theater Power Conditioners
Are power conditioners worth it for home theater?
Yes, power conditioners are worth it for home theater. If you want to ensure that the noise emanating from your equipment is reduced, and the voltage entering is properly regulated, then you certainly want a home theatre power conditioner.
A power conditioner “cleans the power” or enhances the quality of the power in your home theater before it reaches your equipment, and in the process provides enhanced video quality and sound output.
This improved power can reduce buzzing sounds and isolate noise emanating from your speakers and amplifiers.
Do power conditioners improve sound quality?
No power conditioners for the most part do not and are not designed to improve sound quality.
With respect to sound, a power conditioner’s main function is to reduce or minimize line noise and reduce the problems that this causes.
Your sound could be a little clearer because of the clean power entering the system but this should not be interpreted as the power conditioner improving sound quality.
Is a power conditioner necessary?
Yes, a power conditioner is necessary, if you want to filter out dirty power, protect your expensive equipment and get rid of linear noise and its unwanted consequences.
In addition, a power conditioner can make equipment function efficiently and smoother.
Your equipment can last longer especially where there are volatile power surges.
How long do power conditioners last?
Most manufacturers provide warranties of 1-3 years. However, this is dependent on the quality and purpose of the product.
I would say expect to replace yours every 2 years at a minimum, however, real quality power conditioners can even last 10 years.
Power conditioner vs surge protector
The difference between a surge protector and a power conditioner is that a surge protector immediately stops the flow of electricity into your equipment, whilst a power conditioner observes, regulates, and provides consistent AC voltages to equipment, without stopping the power flow to the equipment.
A surge protector functions like a fuse or a breaker for overcurrent situations, but for voltage. A surge protector is designed to – immediately stop the flow of electricity into your equipment at a specific voltage from an AC source when there is a spike that changes that voltage of the equipment.
Power conditioners observe, regulate, and provide consistent AC voltages to equipment.
They overcome variations or spikes in voltages, yet still allow power to be supplied to the equipment, without stopping it.
What is an AC power conditioner?
According to Wikipedia, An AC power conditioner is the typical power conditioner that provides “clean” AC power to sensitive electrical equipment.
Usually, this is used for home or office applications and may have 10 or more receptacles or outlets and commonly provides surge protection as well as noise filtering.
Source – Wikipedia
Does a power conditioner eliminate hum?
No, a power conditioner does not eliminate hum. From my experience ground loops tend to cause hum.
This can usually be resolved by unplugging the power lead for your laptop.
If this does not solve the issue and the problem persists consider getting a Hum Eliminator.
Do surge protectors filter noise?
No surge protector is not designed to filter noise. A surge protector functions like a fuse or a breaker for overcurrent situations, but for voltage.
A surge protector is designed to – immediately stop the flow of electricity into your equipment at a specific voltage from an AC source when there is a spike that changes that voltage of the equipment.
The bottom line
With complexities and issues inherent with power supplies, you can not afford to leave your equipment unprotected.
Some insurers may even require it before payout.
Your home theatre system is an extension of your home and deserves to be safe.
This is why it is of the utmost to get a home theatre power conditioner.
If you are still unsure of which is best – This is our pick.
