It's a little more than a surge suppressor. When you plug the preamp and power amp ino the designated outlets in the back it will automatically turn the preamp and power amp on and off in the proper sequence with just one switch (preamp on first, then power amp, power amp off first, then preamp). It's also supposed to smooth out the power coming from the wall outlet, but to me it's the convenience of having one switch for both pre and power amps plus the sequencing that makes sense. I'd love to get one someday but they don't seem to turn up for a reasonable amount around here for some reason.
I have two of them. It's the power sequencing I wanted ......
It's a little more than a surge suppressor. When you plug the preamp and power amp ino the designated outlets in the back it will automatically turn the preamp and power amp on and off in the proper sequence with just one switch (preamp on first, then power amp, power amp off first, then preamp). It's also supposed to smooth out the power coming from the wall outlet, but to me it's the convenience of having one switch for both pre and power amps plus the sequencing that makes sense. I'd love to get one someday but they don't seem to turn up for a reasonable amount around here for some reason.
I don't know if they "clean up" the power to any extent, but they are GREAT for the power sequencing feature!
:thmbsp: I use mine in my HT/multichannel rig with the two big Soundcraftsmen amps that drive my Infinity RS 2.5 R/L speakers. Keeps me from breaking the "last on, first off" rule of thumb. Even if I get stupid and shut down the A/V receiver which is the trigger for the AC-515 before I shut down the amps, it immediately drops power to them avoiding any unfortunate and potentially damaging bumps.