Video Asylum

Posted by GPB (i) on January 24, 2001 at 08:17:48:

In Reply to: Uninteruptable Power Supply (UPS) use for a Digital reciever posted by Robert O on January 23, 2001 at 12:30:50:

I would think this is a bad idea all the way around. But, I'm not sure what your goal is; protection, sound quality/performance or simply uninterupted audio?

Here's what I have read (I have a UPS on my computer, but have never used one on my audio equipment).

First, most of these devices impair sound quality. It's generally best to plug directly into the wall. You should try it each way to see if you can hear a difference (even if you can't, try it one way for a few days, then swap it back).

Second, what advantage is a UPS going to provide? The way I understand it, it monitors the A/C wave and when an anomoly occurs, it engages and creates it's own "sine wave" which is more like a stair step wave form. This can happen under several conditions, not just a power outage.

Third, a 450 is going not going to be enough to support your receiver for very long and plus, won't your other devices shut off anyway? Plus, mine beeps fairly loudly and that would ruin a good Mozart Concerto or the like.

Just some quick thoughts on this. You might try searching as I believe this has come up at least once before. Post your results if you try it!

-- Greg

PS - If you are trying to improve performance, you might try a higher quality receptacle if you're using a standard 33 cent residential grade one. They go for about $10 - I've had good luck with Leviton but other report good results with Hubbell.