AC Noise Filter (Monster HTS-1000 Stage 2 Filter)

[Kelly Grannell]

My husband have the opprtunity to get a Monster HTS-1000 Stage 2 AC-line filter for lower than dealer's cost. The only drawback is that if it doesn't work in terms of making our TV image looking better and the audio sounding better, we can't return the item (although DOA and the regular 1-year warranty is covered).

The question is now, does AC-line filters, specifically the Monster HTS-1000 , work?

 

[mickman1962]

only if people think they do. any good electronics engineer will tell you that 95% of Monster's claims on any of their products are just hype.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

I saw it with my own eyes the AC noise demo with their own "noise sniffer". The pre-cleaned was at 112 (whatever the unit is) and after it's been "cleaned" the level was at 0.2.

Now how that translates to actual everyday sound/picture quality, I don't know. Neither my husband nor I understand anything about AC line noise.

 

[jfulcer]

Well, that particular model looks like a (sorry....) glorified power strip. The list price is $149, which I don't know if it's a good deal.

A line filter CAN extend the life of your equipment because of the leveling that it does on your power - working as a computer tech I've had to have office power lines tested for surges/etc in places where computers kept losing their power supply and filters like this CAN make a difference.

But IMHO the single selling feature for me would be the power surge protection - they state it will take a lightning hit and still protect your equipment (backed by a guarantee). Is your area lightning prone? If so, this could be a good deal. I personally know two people who have houses *near* where lightning has struck and you'd be amazed at all they had to replace.

I'd get it - it can't hurt.

 

[mickman1962]

I saw it with my own eyes the AC noise demo with their own "noise sniffer". The pre-cleaned was at 112 (whatever the unit is) and after it's been "cleaned" the level was at 0.2.

Now how that translates to actual everyday sound/picture quality, I don't know. Neither my husband nor I understand anything about AC line noise.

You would have to have EXTREMELY poor incoming power to you house to have this make a difference (not very common in the US) and you would have noticed problems elsewhere by now.

What has always bothered me about Monster is they never put any real information on their products ie Monster's Clean Power Circuitry Stage 2 v.2.0 what is this??? there are very few ways to actually "clean power" what do they use?

In my opinion if your TV can't provide a nice picture without a line filter then you have a defective TV.