Hey guys,

 

I'm sure the obvious answer is "turn it down," but let me run something by you.  On a couple movies, my APC H15 (power conditioner) gets tripped, stating overload.  It's VERY bass-specific.  I can have mids and highs to ear-bleeding levels, but when the sub get an incredibly powerful boost, for long durations, everything shuts down.

 

The two examples are Hulk (Ed Norton version), but I don't remember when it was...towards the end sometime.  The most recent example was last night.  Was watching Serenity on BD.  Twice, within the opening sequence, it booted me...during the first "Universal" pass-by, and the second was shortly after the main titles as the ship was entering the planet's atmosphere.

 

Turning the bass and volume down seemed to help, but it was distracting.  Kept wondering when it was going to happen again.

Is it subwoofer proximity to the other components?  That's the only thing I can think of that makes sense.  Typically, these things can handle more than enough power, so it's weird that pushing the sub to a decent level trips everything.

 

Thoughts?  TIA.

Curious PJ, what components do you have plugged into the APC?  Hopefully you're not overloading the conditioner (assuming it is a 15 amp conditioner as most are).  I've got a Panamax 5300 line conditioner and I have two Bravus 10D subs plugged into the high current outlets with no problems.

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Speakers: Aperion 6T, 6C, 5DB, 6IC, Bravus 10Dx2
Monitor: JVC RS20U front projector with Stewart Velux 100" screen
Receiver: Yamaha RX-V1800
Blu-ray: Yamaha BD-S2900
Amplifier: Emotiva UPA-7
Conditioner: Panamax M5300PM

Good question:

- TV

- PS3

- Cable Box

- AVR (Onkyo 876)

- Bravus 12D

 

It's weird to think that it's too much.  I would get it if it were racks full of gear, but my setup is pretty minimalist.

 

On the back of the APC, there's a specific plug for the Subwoofer, which is what it's plugged into.  I'm sure that doesn't matter, but figured I'd state so anyway.

PJ:

Good question:

- TV

- PS3

- Cable Box

- AVR (Onkyo 876)

- Bravus 12D

 

It's weird to think that it's too much.  I would get it if it were racks full of gear, but my setup is pretty minimalist.

 

On the back of the APC, there's a specific plug for the Subwoofer, which is what it's plugged into.  I'm sure that doesn't matter, but figured I'd state so anyway.

This probably does not apply anymore but I use to have an APC on my home computer because we had a lot of power problems at the time and I was working from home.  It had a set of dip switches to adjust the voltage range for the audible warnings and some other things.  I don't know the model you have but it might have adjustments as well.  It would probably require you to hook up a laptop however, don't see many dip switches anymore.

15 amp and 120 volts would be 1800 watts.  Yikes, better check the floor and walls for cracks!

Cheers 

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Russ

Joined you!

Amperage looks fine, I could see if you had a 5 or 7 channel amp, you'd have cause for concern.  My only other suggestion would be to check the wiring.  A year ago, when I ran my surround wiring to a wall plate behind my AV equipment, I noticed my Onkyo receiver would cut off every now and then.  I was convinced it was related to the subwoofer, actions scenes seem to be the culprit.  I tracked it down to a single strand of wire touching on the INSIDE of the speaker wall plate.  Looks like the subwoofer was causing enough havoc for this to touch. 

---

Speakers: Aperion 6T, 6C, 5DB, 6IC, Bravus 10Dx2
Monitor: JVC RS20U front projector with Stewart Velux 100" screen
Receiver: Yamaha RX-V1800
Blu-ray: Yamaha BD-S2900
Amplifier: Emotiva UPA-7
Conditioner: Panamax M5300PM

@Russ:  When I first got the piece, I changed the voltage flux to "wide"...when set to narrow, it showed an error almost immediately, but never shut off.  Will cycle through the settings again and see if it does anything.

 

@JoeZ:  Never thought of that.  Will check everything tonight.  It seems like everything is ok, but any time you have a rat's nest of cords and cables, there's plenty of things that could go wrong.  Good lookin' out.

Hi,

 This is a known problem with the APC H15 which I also own.  APC is aware of the issue and it is posted in multiple forums and troubleshooting guides.  The overload is caused by your subwoofer.  Reconnect the subwoofer to a separate outlet and you will no longer have any issues.  Whenever, there is significant bass, the amp in certain subwoofers will demand extremely high current for a transient period of time.  This apparently causes the line to sag beyond the thresholds built into the H15 which tries to compensate for the line sag, fails, and triggers a shutdown.

Regards. 

NICE.  I mean, it sucks that this is the case, but at least it's a solution.  I'll try it tonight, using the same movies that caused me a problem, and will report back.

 

Thanks!!

Hmmmm PJ...  You're comfortable with that solution?  What's the purpose of the APC then if you have to plug the sub into a different outlet?  I'd be asking for my money back.

---

Speakers: Aperion 6T, 6C, 5DB, 6IC, Bravus 10Dx2
Monitor: JVC RS20U front projector with Stewart Velux 100" screen
Receiver: Yamaha RX-V1800
Blu-ray: Yamaha BD-S2900
Amplifier: Emotiva UPA-7
Conditioner: Panamax M5300PM

Comfortable in the short term.  Workable solution vs not being able to enjoy a movie is a no-brainer to me.

 

But, don't mistake my joy of a short-term solution to be acceptance of a seemingly sub-par product. Already reached out re: my issues to both APC and Audioholics (where I purchased it from).

Cool, I like your attitude and response to Audioholics.  As we all do, I participate in several A/V forums.  I'm amazed at the marketing of certain products, and unfortunately the ignorance of consumers.  The biggest trend lately is with surge protectors and line conditioners.  I'm sure many purchase these units for their "pretty" blue lights, but there's quite a few of us (you and I) who really want adequate protection without interfering (handicapping) our subs and amplifiers.  I originally purchased the APC unit, and quickly sent it back.  The lack of high current outlets gave my Bravus subs fits.  Luckily my new conditioner has two.  When the price dropped recently on the APC unit, people ate this thing up.  I was really surprised at the expectations of some.  I get a laugh when I read people state they are "shocked" by the performance in their system when they included a line conditioner.  Please.  Or better yet, "I hope this eliminates the hum from my speakers".  Please.

Done ranting...  Once again, glad to see you get your money's worth!

---

Speakers: Aperion 6T, 6C, 5DB, 6IC, Bravus 10Dx2
Monitor: JVC RS20U front projector with Stewart Velux 100" screen
Receiver: Yamaha RX-V1800
Blu-ray: Yamaha BD-S2900
Amplifier: Emotiva UPA-7
Conditioner: Panamax M5300PM

I agree.  Having said that, it is important to note that this does not affect all subwoofers.  This is as much a factor of subwoofer power supply design as it is an issue with the APC unit.  I returned my Aperion subwoofer some time ago and replaced it with an Outlaw unit.  I have also used an SVS sub.  Both subwoofers have a larger power supply than the Bravus 8D and 10D...but neither trips the APC.  This is likely the case with a decent proportion of subwoofers out there.

Regards.

Thanks again for your insight, gents.

 

@JoeZ: I definitely fall into both the "ignorance" category and the "snapped up the H15 when it was cheap" category.  But, you're also right that I bought it because I really want the pluses that come from protecting my new, quality gear.  Not that I mind the pretty blue lights, but that's not what I bought it for.  LOL

I wasn't aware of the need for, or the obvious lack of high-current outlets.  In looking at comparable Panamax units, however, I see that such does in fact exist, and I would've made a more informed decision.

 @El Duderino: Interesting notes.  I'm really happy with my 12D, so I don't see myself selling that for another option just to make it work with my H15.  Granted, I don't have SVS or Outlaw to compare it to like you did, but why fix what my ears feel isn't broken.

 

To update, I plugged the sub into a different outlet (on a beefy, but cheap-ish surge protector), and ran the title sequence of Serenity that kept giving my H15 fits.  Smooth sailing.  Didn't even flinch.  So, at least I have a solution while I deal with the APC side of things.  As a parallel path, I may try to Craigslist this thing and pick up a Panamax (or other recommendation?) to replace it with.

 

Thanks again, all.

 

PJ,

I've got a Panamax M5300-PM.  The reason I highly recommend it, you don't know it’s there (besides the obnoxiously bright "pretty blue lights").  It’s the best compliment I can give.  It just works really well.  I have my receiver, front projector, BD player and two Bravus10D subs plugged into it, and works as expected.  I'm in the process of purchasing an Emotiva amp, but lucky Emo amps have circuitry protection built into the amp itself and they recommend a dedicated circuit just for their amps.  So I’m pretty content.

On the negative side, it is very expensive.  I shopped for weeks before my purchase.  I found it dirt cheap on several sites, but Panamax only honors the warranty from 12 authorized online dealers. Their website lists the online dealers.  I had several online sites tell me over the phone they were authorized.  One call to Panamax quickly confirmed they were not.  Luckily one of the dealers OneCall.com had it for $300 plus free shipping, so I grabbed it up.  Keep an eye out for sales, unfortunately as I mentioned above, this seems to be a highly desirable item right now.

Joe

 

---

Speakers: Aperion 6T, 6C, 5DB, 6IC, Bravus 10Dx2
Monitor: JVC RS20U front projector with Stewart Velux 100" screen
Receiver: Yamaha RX-V1800
Blu-ray: Yamaha BD-S2900
Amplifier: Emotiva UPA-7
Conditioner: Panamax M5300PM

Good lookin' out...I'll keep my eyes peeled.  That was a great deal that you got!