Description
Clean Power for AV Components You Care About
Your home theater system requires power just like any other piece of electronic equipment, but noise on the line and instantaneous voltage spikes can influence sensitive electronics. Furman ELITE15PFI Filtering AC Power Conditioner allows you to address both of these concerns while delivering clean power to your system. Your audio and video equipment enjoys greater protection without another bulky box on your rack.
The Furman ELITE15PFI Linear Filtering Technology passively cleans up AC line noise and aids in achieving a quieter electrical system. It also offers greater than 40 dB of noise reduction from 10 kHz – 100 kHz and greater than 80 dB from 100 kHz – 1 GHz. This means less electrical noise around your receivers, amplifiers, projectors, and other video or audio components.
Better Protection, Comprehensive Power Control
Instead of relying on a component to sacrifice itself, the Series Multi-Stage Protection powers up equipment while blocking surges. When voltage spikes reach extreme levels, Extreme Voltage Shutdown cuts the power to prevent damage. This duo of protective measures helps keep precious gear safe when you need it most.
With four high current outlets, the ELITE15PFI can power up tough gear like amplifiers and subwoofers. Bi-directional ultrasonic filtering also cleans up unwanted high-frequency noise. And the coaxial RF outlets, phone jacks, and 12-volt trigger allow you even more control over connected components.
Simple Power Management, Designed for Racks
The ELITE15PFI was made to slot right into your AV rack with the included rack-mount brackets. Retractable LED lamps light up your rack as needed, while a dimmer on the front panel gives you control of brightness. This allows you to see your equipment clearly without overpowering light in your theater room.
Since this power conditioner excels at handling protection and power management, it’s ideal for use in any home theater. Visit Dreamedia+ to learn how you can build the perfect power solution around your other components. Then, organize your theater using our Home Theater Design Tool.
Key Features
Linear Filtering Technology (LiFT)
>40 dB noise reduction (10 kHz–100 kHz)
>80 dB noise reduction (100 kHz–1 GHz)
Series Multi-Stage Protection (SMP)
Extreme Voltage Shutdown (E. V.S.)
Four high-current outlets
12-volt trigger input and output
Included rack mount brackets
Furman ELITE15PFI Filtering AC Power Conditioner Review
Introduction
In the realm of high-fidelity audio and immersive home theater experiences, power conditioning is a critical yet often overlooked component. The Furman ELITE15PFI stands as a testament to the importance of clean power in achieving the pinnacle of audiovisual performance. This review delves into the intricacies of the ELITE15PFI and evaluates whether its premium price point translates into a tangible enhancement of your home entertainment system.
Design
Build Quality and Aesthetics
The Furman ELITE15PFI exudes a robust build quality that one would expect from a high-end power conditioner. The unit's weight and dimensions signify a solid internal architecture, designed to withstand the rigors of electrical anomalies. The grainy finish, while potentially an aesthetic drawback for some, does little to detract from the overall impression of a product built to last. However, the finish’s propensity to reveal dust might require more frequent cleaning to maintain a pristine appearance.
Layout and Ergonomics
With a generous offering of 13 outlets, the ELITE15PFI provides ample connectivity for even the most extensive systems. The spacing of these outlets accommodates bulky power adapters without compromising adjacent outlets, a thoughtful touch. The bright blue LED, though a stylish marker of the unit's operational status, may prove to be a distraction in light-controlled environments such as home theaters. Users may need to devise a workaround, like dimming or covering the LED, to prevent it from detracting from the visual experience.
Features
Power Conditioning Capabilities
The cornerstone of the ELITE15PFI is its comprehensive approach to power conditioning. The surge protection, leveraging series mode technology, promises longevity and durability beyond typical MOV-based protectors. The inclusion of Zero Ground Contamination and Extreme Voltage Shutdown safeguards your equipment against ground noise and catastrophic voltage spikes, respectively. These features give users peace of mind, knowing their investment in audiovisual hardware is protected against power-related calamities.
Additional Functionalities
The Bi-directional ultrasonic filtering is a unique feature that aims to purify the power for analog or video components, potentially enhancing the clarity of the signal. The ELITE15PFI's compatibility with various power cords allows for a tailored power delivery experience, giving users the flexibility to optimize their system's performance according to their preferences.
Performance
Power Delivery and Clarity
The power factor corrected amplifier outlets claim to deliver over 55 amps of peak charge, ensuring that power-hungry amplifiers receive a steady and robust supply of electricity. While the benefits of this technology are somewhat debated, the potential for improved focus, clarity, and control in audio reproduction can be alluring for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts alike.
Noise Floor Reduction
In practical tests, the ELITE15PFI demonstrates a notable reduction in the system’s noise floor, resulting in a cleaner and more precise soundstage. This reduction allows for subtle details in music and film soundtracks to emerge, creating a more immersive listening experience.
Surge Protection and Equipment Safety
The unit's surge suppression capabilities are formidable, providing confidence that your equipment is secure from electrical transients. The safety features of the ELITE15PFI, such as Extreme Voltage Shutdown, act as a final line of defense against voltage irregularities, protecting not just the power conditioner itself, but all connected devices.
Practical Considerations
Installation and Setup
The ELITE15PFI integrates seamlessly into most home theater setups, with a standard 2 RU height that fits comfortably in equipment racks. However, the short power cord may limit placement options, necessitating the use of an extension or a replacement with a longer cord. Additionally, users should be aware that the Power Factor Technology, while beneficial for amplifier performance, may trigger circuit breakers or UPS systems when drawing loads greater than 15A.
Usability
Day-to-day operation of the ELITE15PFI is unobtrusive, with minimal heat generation and quiet operation. The unit's design allows for easy access to all outlets, though the potential issue with the overly bright LED persists as a minor annoyance.
Pros and Cons
The Furman ELITE15PFI stands out for its robust surge protection, exceptional build quality, and the ability to deliver a purified power supply to your audiovisual equipment. The improvement in sound clarity and reduction of the noise floor are significant benefits for users seeking an uncompromised listening experience. The compatibility with different power cords and the unit's reliability, backed by a 3-year warranty, add to its appeal.
On the flip side, the pending NRTL-C safety listing raises some concern, although this is often a procedural step and not indicative of any inherent safety issues. The Power Factor Technology's effectiveness may not be universally recognized, and its interaction with circuit breakers and UPS devices can be problematic. The short power cord and bright LED are minor grievances but worth considering for potential buyers. Lastly, the grainy finish, while durable, might demand more maintenance to keep the unit looking its best.
Final Thoughts
The Furman ELITE15PFI is a formidable contender in the realm of high-end power conditioners, offering a suite of features that cater to the discerning audiophile and home theater enthusiast. Its build quality, power conditioning capabilities, and surge protection features justify its position as a premium product. While it has its quirks, such as the bright LED and the short power cord, these are relatively minor and can be mitigated with simple workarounds. For those seeking to protect and enhance their investment in high-quality audio and video equipment, the ELITE15PFI presents a compelling option, albeit with a few considerations to keep in mind.
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