Power Cost Controller Power Strip Shows How (Un)Green We Are

April 29, 2008 by Lukas Gilkey
Filed under: Home Audio > Installation Supplies



I shudder to think how much power my QSC PL2.4MB and Adcom GFA-555II amplifiers draw under full tilt. For HT use, factor in a tv, dvd (or Blu-ray) player, receiver, and a multitude of other electronics devices and those of us with full blown home theater setups just know when the electric bill comes it has a little bit extra added.

For everyone that is curious what we are drawing in real time, luckily there is the Power Cost Controller Power Strip. The unit has a LCD display that shows consumption by the kilowatt-hour and allows you to monitor by the hour, day, week, month or year. The power strip also monitors voltage, line frequency, and power factor. The device lists a maximum of 1800W appliances, so some of you might need more than one for an accurate measurement.

The problem with this device is that people like myself will see it as a contest. Everyone knows that the more power you draw, the better your home theater must be right? I may just have to order one now for bragging rights. I'm thinking War of the Worlds would give some nice spikes.

The Power Cost Controller Power Strip is available from Computer Gear for $99.99.

Source: Gizmodo
Source: Computer Gear
Comments (3)
Dave Kay 3 months and 3 weeks ago

Cool device. I assume the QSC and Adcom are both linear Class A/B amplifiers, which typically tend to run around 50% efficient. Not great, but hardly the worst power hogs as far as big amplifiers go. The biggest pure Class A Krells, Pass Labs and the like except when they are either off or running at full blast waste as much as 90% of their energy as heat. Tubes are similarly inefficient, but they can't dish out the monstrous wattage (and thus can't draw as much power) as a Class A solid state behemoth.

You can of course still have plenty of power while being green(ish). B&O ICEpower or Tri-path based amps can dish out hundreds or even thousands of watts with near 90% efficiency.
Electrodynamic 3 months and 3 weeks ago

Pretty cool - although it would probably discourage me from playing my stereo as much. I'd rather just get the bill. :)
Doodaddy 3 months and 3 weeks ago

What a potentially depressing product. lol
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