Customer Reviews

Monster Reference PowerCenter HTS 3500 MKII

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was a mouse click or two from placing an order for this item, when I read a review for the PowerCenter 3600 Mk II, which pointed out that the 3600 wasn't a line conditioner (neither is the 3500). The reviewer confirmed that with Monster customer support.

What's a line conditioner? It's a unit that can adjust voltages that drop below or go above 120, back to 120. In the end, I bought a Tripp Lite Line Conditioner instead of the Monster 3500. It cost about the same, but would adjust voltages 87 - 140 back to 120, provides surge protection and noise suppression.

Perhaps the Monster units provide superior surge protection and noise cleaning, but it doesn't seem like they incorporated line conditioners into their PowerCenter products to actually stablize the voltage. They do have a line conditioner, the AVS 2000, but it'll burn a hole in your wallet, yet not provide surge protection or noise filtering. I don't understand why Monster doesn't provide an integrated power conditioning product.

I have only used this power filter, and the Montster Power HTS1000, but I can notice a difference between the two in my home theatre and audio system. I upgraded from the HTS1000 to the HTS3500 to help get rid of the pop I would sometimes see on the screen, or hear in my music due to a large appliance in my apartment complex. This device has done more than just get rid of that, but it has really enhanced my digital products (DVD and CD) with it's special filter sections. My CD player sounds more focused, and the ocassions I hear any "digital jitter" are far less. Besides enhancing my system in that way, it is a great looking unit, and goes well with my system. I feel; however, that the LED's are two bright, and the outlets should have a selection to be switched or un-switched. Besides that, a great unit. If you don't own any type of power filter, get one. They are so much more than just surge suppressors.

I bought this piece for surge protection purposes, with hopes that it may improve my already very good audio/video. I did not have any problems with my audio/video set up. After adding the Monster Cable product, I must say, I have not noticed any performance enhancement whatsoever. There is solice in knowing that the equipment is protected. Read the latest Sound and Vision article on power line cleaners. There is the "law of diminishing returns". Don't spend more than you need for your specific setup.

I bought this unit and then returned it before the 30 days. For the people who are seeing/hearing night and day differences in their gear when this unit is used, there must be massive problems with their power service. I could not detect any improvements vs. plugging in a powerstrip straight into the wall outlet.

My HT setup is 100% digital (cable, TV, reciever, DVD) and I am skeptical that minor level noise in the AC could be propagated through the various units' transformers, all of their respective DSP gear, and into the final picture/sound. What I did to help with voltage spikes was to build a dedicated 30A circuit from the breaker box to my HT, which is actually much easier than it sounds. Perhaps high-draw devices such as large plasma displays or huge speakers might be more sensitive to voltage fluctuations than my LCD and Orb speakers, though.

I would have to say a high quality surge protector is worth it for the peace of mind when investing thousands into HT gear, but you can pay $40 for that peace of mind instead of hundreds. At $130, this unit is not so bad, but I know people who spend several times that amount for no real reason. For all the bad things people write about Monster, they actually put a lot of high quality components into this unit and if your power supply sucks, this is one of the finer crafted items you could buy to help ameliorate the problems.

TV:Sony Grand WEGA 50 inch

Receiver: Harmon Kardon AVR330

Sub: JBL 12inch Northridge

Floor: JBL E80 Northridge

Center: Infinity Primus C25

4 Surround Sats: Klipsch Satellites

DVD Player: Sony DVP-NS50P

Going from standard unfilitered power to this unit was the best thing i have ever done for my home theater. The difference is HUGE! and I highly reccommend this unit to anybody looking to add a totally new level of clarity and vibrance to your home theater setup. I can now turn the reciever up to full power and put my ear up to the speakers and hear ZERO buzz or noise. Previous to purchasing this power unit I could always notice a slight hiss in the system. This hiss was completely eliminated by the HTS3500. The colors of my TV are also noticably brighter and sharper. BUY THIS!

I live in NYC and, needless to say, the buildings and electricity in the buildings are not always top notch. As a result, my stereo was constantly humming. I tried better cables in all of my connections and it didn't do any good. I purchased one of the lower tier Monster Power clean power items. That didn't work at all. I was pretty pissed at monster for that. (...) I figured that I could return it if it was crap. Guess what. The second that I set it up all the hum stopped. Not only did it fix that but it also cleared up subtle noise that I had on my video screen. I didn't even see it until it was gone. The thing only has 2 buttons so ease of use is not an issue. I love this thing!!!

This is a decent line conditioner. It filters out a lot of noise from my power, including all of my appliances. The one thing it can't seem to filter out completely, however, is the Dimmers on the torchier lamps. I can always hear when one of those darn things is on. Otherwise its a decent unit.

I purchased this product because I wanted my AV power chords organized better. For $150 it is a great deal.

I am very pleased with it. The device seems to have high quality construciton. It has performed flawlessly for the 2-months I have had it. I think it has imporved my picture quality too.

Important Notes:

1) It requires a 3-prong outlet with true grounding to operate. I have an old house, and I needed an electrician to modify my outlet before using it as a 2-prong to 3-prong adapter won't work.

2) The bright color-led lights on the front of the unit are always-on and can be distracting depending on the location of the unit relative to your television.

Price was good. I use it to switch on a separate Amp when my preamp is turned on and it works well. I don't know how well the surge protection works, but you never know that until its too late. The meter on the front is cool. I liked it enough to purchase a second one for a different system.

Ok, so I upgraded form a 30 inch LCD to a 50" Plasma screen, all the sales guys kept trying to get me to buy a power center. I came home did some research and chose this one, if it didn't improve sound or picture at least i knew that the equipment was protected from power surges.

I hooked everything up last light and turns it one. OMG!!!! amazing, my Yamaha receiver and Wharfdale Diamonds 8.2 no longer sounded muddy but insted bright and even toned, the kick from the sub was tight no sloppy and precise, it turned a good system into an eye opener. The Sony progressive scan and LG plasma now are like looking at real people no a screen , the HD stiff is simply the best , digital cable it good and the dvd's are quite near HD. All in all I would highly reccomend this to anyone.

The blue light is quite bright but i placed a piece of blue painters tape over it and it is no longer a problem. the voltage meter light is adjustable and not an issue. I now know the voltage in my home ranges between 123.5 to 121.