The Bottom Line
Pros
- Easy to setup and use.
- Centralizes Power, Coaxial RF, and Ethernet/Lan Connections.
- Provides Input Voltage Monitoring.
- Circuit isolation removes unwanted electrical line noise and interference from other devices.
- Convenient front panel displays and connections.
Cons
- No Wattage or Amp Information Displayed.
- No wireless remote control for front panel functions.
- Does not provide voltage regulated output.
- No Battery Backup.
- Pricey, but not out of line with similar products.
Description
- Clean Power Level 3 feature improves picture and sound by eliminating noise, pops, and hum across the entire AC bandwidth.
- Three Isolated AC Outlet Banks. Isolating outlet banks from one another prevents noise contamination between components.
- Two High Current Outlets for equipment with high power demands, such as amplifiers and powered subwoofers.
- USB Charger connection included on front panel for mp3 players, cell phones, iPods, and other small electronics.
- Gaming LAN Port on front panel provides easy access for game controllers.
- Digital Volt Meter displays the voltage supplying home theater components.
- A 12 Volt Trigger is provided which allows source equipment to activate or deactivate the outlets on the M5100-PM.
- The M5100-PM protects against blown fuses and potentially damaging speaker thump by powering outlets on and off in sequence.
- Total number of AC outlets: 11. 5 are always on, 4 standard switched outlets, 2 additional switched high current outlets.
- AVM (Auto Voltage Monitor) protects against over/under voltage by disconnecting power and reconnects when safe power returns.
Guide Review - Panamax M5100-PM Home Theater Power Management System - Short Review
The most important feature of the M5100-PM to me, was that I could connect all of my components into one centralized device and only have one power cord actually connected to the wall outlet, instead of multiple power surge protectors. I really liked the AVM (Automatic Voltage Monitor) feature, which includes a front panel meter that continuously displays the actual voltage that is coming from the wall outlet. In my case, my wall voltage output ranged from a low of 117 volts to a high of 120 volts.
Another feature that I found very useful was that the M5100-PM provides isolation between components, providing interference protection. Where before I would hear intermittent audible switching and other noises and hum through the loudspeakers, the M5100-PM eliminated such issues.
In addition, one feature that I thought was really nice touch is the front panel USB charging port. This was great for charging my iPod.
The only misgiving I have about the M5100-PM is that although it does a great job of centralizing power connections, monitor power line voltage, and clean up some of the noise and interference encountered when using multiple home theater components, it does not actually provide voltage regulation.
In other words, the voltage that comes in is what goes to your components. The M5100-PM does not up-step or down-step the voltage level to maintain a constant 120 volt flow to your components, it is limited to providing warnings and surge protection when the voltage spikes or dips suddenly. If you desire voltage regulation, you need to step-up to the Panamax M5400-PM .
For a close-up look at the features and connectivity of the Panamax M5100-PM, also check out my Photo Gallery.
