Protect your equipment without busting the bank
Pros:
Inexpensive, 4720 joule rating, $300,000 equipment warranty, lifetime warranty, long cord, 10 outlets, labeling, filtering.
Cons:
None, but is it too good to be true?
The Bottom Line:
Excellent specifications like a 4720 joule rating, $300k connected equipment warranty, a lifetime warranty, 10 well spaced outlet and a 10' 14 gauge cord at an amazing price.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
Step aside Monster Cable, we're on to you
Once a believer that you cannot go wrong with Monster Cable products, I eventually learned that may only be half true. And, by that, I mean that might not be true at all. Sure, you'll get a product that performs, but you can easily get the same performance for less; generally less than half the cost. Electrical protection is no different.
Step in Belkin PureAV
After rearranging the living room, I ran into a dilemma. The cord on my Isobar surge suppressor didn't reach. Extension cords or "piggy backing" surges is a no-no. I wanted a new surge protector anyway, so I was on the hunt.
I came across this particular Belkin PureAV Surge Protector at Sam's Club. At just under $40, the price was perfect, but how good is this thing? I haven't had the best experience with Belkin products in the past. Still, it had ample outlets, a generously long cord, phone and CATV protection, a "Connected Equipment Warranty" of $300,000, and promises to protect with a 4,720 joule rating. It even has a Belkin Lifetime Warranty. Besides that, Power Filter Technology (PFT) promises to reduce noise transmitted through the lines.
Getting Connected
There really is ample connections on this thing. There is room for all my goodies, phone lines and Cable/Sat TV coax lines. And the indicator lights tell you everything your feeding is connected to a safe outlet (i.e. properly grounded).
The various outlets are clearly labeled right on the suppressor, and a set of labels are included so you can label your cords accordingly. They actually include a good number of duplicates, just in case you have duplicates of a particular type of device, or so you have spares. Spacing between outlets is also sufficient to get power adapters in there without orphaning neighboring outlets.
The power cord itself is 10 feet long with 14 gauge wire, providing sufficient gauge to support 15 amps. It was more than long enough to solve my problem of reaching the outlet, and the extra cord can be conveniently wrapped and stowed around the surge suppressor within the groves in the sides.
Performance
I can only guess whether this thing will perform when/if the day comes. I have faith though, given the sturdy and hefty feeling of the unit. I have more than $3000 of my relatively humble A/V pride and joy connected, if that tells you anything.
I also don't know whether the noise filtering does any good or not. It does not filter noise coming from my subwoofer, which is exhibiting issues within the amp. I can hardly blame the PureAV however, as there is a copper subwoofer coax connection that is likely feeding the low hum back to the receiver. With that disconnected, no noise.
Conclusion
This appears to be a very solid product. It's not colorful and flashy, but it is 1/5 to 1/2 the cost of similar Monster Cable surge suppressors. I actually think it's fairly attractive, even if it sits hidden behind the entertainment center. It carries a list of specifications and features that are hard to find for under $50, or even under $100, from any brand. Perhaps it is too good to be true. If that's the case, I sure hope that $300,000 warranty holds up! Otherwise, until I learn otherwise, I have found no reason for doubt.
