Someone Saved My Life Tonight

[WOStantonCS100]

For the sharing, not exactly a revelation, just real world experience...

I made a non-audiophile decision to include one of these in my system. Currently, I have my phono pre (valve), preamp (valve) and, horror of horrors, my digital recorder plugged into the battery backup portion. They are all isolated with the use of Ebtech Hum-X devices.

http://www.apc.com/resource/images/salestools/500/Front_Left/83A177D86ECEE4B0852577E3007286AC_SLIE_8BFSHC_f_h_5 00x500.jpg

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Tgnf2NI0L._SL500_AA300_.jpg

As chance would have it, a freak, mild, thunderstorm came through and still managed to knock out the power. :eek: Startled, I instinctively jumped toward the gear having forgotten this little safeguard was there. The power amp was off; but, the digital recorder was still playing and the preamps were still glowing away. :D I then calmly started to shut them down when suddenly the power popped back on. Back in the day, this kind of situation would have me railing with expletives and quite possibly have shortened the lifespan of my gear. BUT... he he heee... not this time. :ner:

Apparently, since last time I checked, my little secret is out. Even AudioAdvisor carries the Hum-X now. It's great to be ahead of the curve every once in a while. :)

I am seriously contemplating getting another UPS. I can deal with the minimal sonic degradation. It sure beats losing gear; especially, the gear I've built myself.

[Alex_UK]

Glad you're still here to tell the story Biff.

[DaveK]

Hi Biff,
Just out of interest, did you notice any change in SQ, improvement or otherwise, when you began to feed your kit through the APC UPS? I ask because, IIRC, on this very forum one guy posted that it was the best upgrade he'd ever made to his system.
Dave.

[WOStantonCS100]

Hi Biff,
Just out of interest, did you notice any change in SQ, improvement or otherwise, when you began to feed your kit through the APC UPS? I ask because, IIRC, on this very forum one guy posted that it was the best upgrade he'd ever made to his system.
Dave.

Nope, can't say it's made a jump for the good or bad in terms of sound quality. I don't think it has either way, in my system. If it's dumping garbage into the A/C (wouldn't be surprised), the Hum-X's are probably filtering it out. Despite operating silently, I also have it sitting as far away from the rack as I can get it. As everyone knows, these UPS units are primarily made for computer systems and server rooms which is where I first considered their use outside of such. As far as I know there are no audiophile aspirations for them. At least, not yet. I use them simply because I can't afford and have no desire to replace blown up gear. :)

I also seem to remember when the "built like a brick" TripLite surge protectors started to go bad, they were horrible in terms of dumping schmutz into the A/C, as well as just buzzing like a beehive. They could take a beating, though. I've seen them get totally fried and start smoking in the office; yet, the computers came back up without a hitch. I tried one in my system once; but, pulled it out, too noisy.