Customers commend the V Series Power 6 Outlet/Omniport USB 3000 Joules Surge Protector for its multiple USB ports, convenient cord length, and robust build quality. Many appreciate the durable construction and ample charging capabilities. Positive feedback also highlights the effective surge protection offered by the device. The product's high-quality design and materials are frequently praised.
This summary was generated by AI based on customer reviews.
The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.
Page 1 Showing 1-20 of 31 reviews
Pros mentioned:
Build quality, Surge protection, Usb ports
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Peace of Mind
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
--- SETUP ---
The setup for the Austere V series omniport USB outlet is a simple plug and play to any outlet.
--- FEATURES ---
This surge protector is equipped with PureFiltration (EMI/RFI), overcurrent protection, “woven armor cable” that is flexible, and 5 rapid-charging ports (2 USB-A and 3 USB-C).
--- PERFORMANCE ---
This surge protector is perfect for a TV /video game console / surround sound system or a gaming PC setup. I installed mine as part of a new computer and a QLED monitor. I was easily able to connect my tower PC, my monitor, a light source, a gaming monitor speaker, and 2 lightning cables to charge my iPhone/iPad, and one USB cable to charge my headphones.
--- EXPECTATIONS ---
As expected, everything worked as intended. The second day that I had installed this protector, we had a heavy storm hit overnight. I usually walk away from my PC and forget to turn things off. This had occurred that same night. In the morning, the PC was in standby mode and I hadn’t lost any progress on the work I was doing. Everything was fine and, even though we didn’t lose power, I had a peace of mind knowing that my tech was safe.
--- VALUE ---
Though on a pricier side of your everyday surge protector, what you are paying for here is a high-end device that can not only keep up with high-powered tech of today, but also prevent it from getting damaged by unexpected surges.
--- APPROVAL ---
I highly recommend it for the techie person who has too many things that need connecting close to each other. Extremely ideal for gamers.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Build quality, Usb ports
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Wow
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Who would’ve thought that unboxing a surge protector would be an experience. Wow on how thoughtful Austere is when packaging their products. I was just as impressed with that, as I was when I saw the product inside.
I could only hope that with such care, they stand behind their product as they state they do when the product ages in 5 years or so. I didn’t know that surge protectors lose their ability to protect what’s plugged in after a couple short years.
This protector makes it easy to spot when there’s an issue, or when it has aged. The blue lights on the protector will continue to light and let you know that it’s working and depending on which light goes out, it will make you aware that it’s no longer functioning at the capacity it should. Evening if it no longer protects against surges, it will still operate.
The quality and build is superb. It’s heavy, solid and has holes on the back for hanging on a wall and off of the floor. My favorite features are the usb c and other charging ports on the side. It offers fast charging and I can plug and go without the need of looking for the charging adapters.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Build quality, Surge protection, Usb ports
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
High Quality Surge Protector with USB-A & USB-C
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The first sign that this surge protector isn't like others is it's presentation. It's comes in a box similar to a fancy laptop. It's defintily one you can resuse to store stuff or package something to gift someone somthing. This surge protector also does a bit more than your normal surge protector.
- Isolates the power signal so it won't be disrupted from external sources (vaccuums etc.)
-Regulates the fire/power from outsire sources
-It has a nice blue woven high flex cable
-It has fice rapid charging ports (2 USB-A and 3 USB-C
-Covers products plugged into the surge protector if the power estip is responsible for the damage.
This fits perfectly behind my television and fits all of the items we need to plug in. Inlcuding a sound bar, the TV, cable box, DVD player, Apple TV, and another system. Living in Florida, unfortunately, we have lost electronics due to the lightning. I don't mind investing a little extra in a product that is going to protect our expensive electronics. This is a great product to do that for us.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Cord length, Surge protection
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Quality product
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The unit is really well built with an aluminum casing and armored power cable.
It is substantial piece.
Packaging is impeccable, unboxing this leaves quite an impression.
Besides the good looks, this model provides the expected Surge Protection, but with 3000 Joules from factory so it can better protect an expensive home theater.
As per the manufacturer, it uses 'Flameless MOVs': The Metal Oxide Varistors that won't catch fire when directing a large surge to the ground cable.
And it also provides noise interference from the power line (But not within components on the power strip).
There are three blue LEDs that indicate power status, Ground and Protection (Which means the Surge protector circuitry is still working). The LEDs are not dimmable.
The six 110V outlets are placed on three rows and opposite on each side (Unlike a standard outlet in which both outlets are on the same orientation).
The armored cable is 6 ft long, but bear in mind that it's a bit stiff because of the gauge of the wire and the additional sleeve.
It also has five USB outlets on one side: Two USB-A and three USB-C. Each outlet provides 5V 2.4A. I'm disappointed here that none of the USB-C plugs are 'USB-C PD' (Power delivery), so they don't provide enough amps for fast-charge.
The wireless magsafe charger for an iPhone did not work because the USB-C ports don't provide enough power, when connected to one of the USB-C ports on the side.
Overall is an excellent choice for a home-theater setting because of the power protection and line noise filters.
I would have preferred that the outlets were more spaced out considering that the unit is already large, and expected that the USB-C ports would support PD; although this might not be needed in a home theater, it limits the applications.
Pros mentioned:
Surge protection, Usb ports
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Power Supply for your high end Components
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
When we first think about any power supply/ surge protector is I have to many devices for the wall plug so let me get a surge protector and I can plug up everything that I need. That might have been the way it was in the past when devices were not specialized and were replaceable. Now with all of the high end devices that have way more circuitry and aren’t cost effective to replace, you need to have a high end protector to prevent issues on your high end devices. The Austere V Series fits the bill. It has 6 outlets that they have spaced appropriately so your plugs and transformers can be easily attached. I always seem to find a surge protector, and everything is cramped together, and you are having to spend more time arranging the plugs than you should have to. It also comes with 5 USB rapid charge ports, two USB-A and three USB-C.
On of my favorite features and it will be yours also if you are an audiophile, is the advanced line filtering technology. This eliminates external noise in the power lines caused by Electromagnetic and Radio interference. I also like the fact that it has a LED display that lets you monitor if your plug is grounded, protected, or has issues with the incoming power. It also comes with 3,000 joules of protection from spikes and surges.
I hate to call it a surge protector because it is so much more. It is more of insurance plan for your devices, where I live we have terrible lightning storms where our power goes off without a moment’s notice. I am planning to rework my audio setup to maximize the use of the Austere V Series Power Outlet and make my listening experience much more enjoyable.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Cord length, Usb ports
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
BiggE
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Seeing this in the box you know it's built to work. This is heavy and has a lot to offer for the price. I know you are thinking well i can buy a cheaper one and it will do the same. Well if your going to use this with you expensive electronics then you should protect them. It's kinda hard to review a surge protector because it just charges your stuff. there is no buttons to play with or sounds it makes. Well it does stuff you can't see so let's list it.
6 smart outlets the only bad part about this is the spacing i wish they had them facing other directions. Because when you have your phone charger or tablet it comes with a USB and a plug to use for the wall. Well when you plug it in the wire sticks out and cover the next outlet. If there was space or make it so they turn it would help this out. But this all works ok.
This has a lifetime warranty yo don't see that on many products.
It has 3 led light on it a Ground indicator power and Protected.
It has Rapid Charge 2 USB and 3 USB C.
It has to holes in the back to mount on the wall the power cord is heavy wrapped.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Cord length
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Puts other Power Strips in price range to shame
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The Austere Power Strip V Series is so much better than the standard everyday Power strip. Its solid slim design makes it perfect for under or on top of desks.
The Austere Power Strip’s AC SmartFit outlets allows plenty of room for the larger transformer type plugs from Computers, Printers, and other peripherals. It can fit up to 6 transformer type power supplies easily. Most other power strip outlets don’t have enough room between the outlets to allow for many larger sized transformer plugs.
TECHNOLOGY:
According to Austere, the V Series Power Strip uses “PureFiltration” technology. This technology cleans noise and artifacts that can travel through power lines and keeps these from impacting your devices. In addition, the Omniport USB provides rapid charge and protection for low-voltage devices. Austere also employs flameless MOV circuits (Metal Oxide Varistor-Low Voltage suppression) and thermal protected outlets. These keep you safe from a home electrical fire.
The Austere Power Strip has 2 USB-A ports and 3 USB-C ports on the front of the strip for easy access. The fact that this power strip has 5 USB ports make it very convenient for charging my phone, Anker Portable Charger, and tablets at the same time. The power strip has 3 LED lights that illuminate blue when the strip is properly connected. It has a Power Indicator LED, Ground LED, and Protected LED all indicate that the Austere Power Strip is working to protect anything that’s plugged into it. The Austere Power Strip also has a woven armor cable further protecting it from damage to the cord.
I have my Austere Power Strip located under my desk. This allows me access to all the ports and outlets I need for my laptop, printer, scanner, and other devices that I use. The Austere Power Strip’s slim design allows me to place it just about anywhere I need it.
I highly recommend the Austere V Series Power Strip for protecting your expensive and delicate electronics. You won’t be disappointed.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Quality appearance, low profile
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This is an excellent, low profile, heavy duty surge protector. It has the added advantage of having 2 USB-A and 3 USB-C rapid charging ports. The brushed aluminum housing gives it a high quality appearance. The “PureFiltration” feature insulates the power signal from external sources to deliver excellent audio and video quality.
Traditional surge protectors function for a year or two and then lose the ability to protect. The Austere surge protector is rated at 3000 joules and comes with a “Lifetime” warranty. Austere defines “lifetime” as the expected life of the surge protector, which is 5 years. When it wears out the blue protection shield icon ceases to illuminate.
It was much larger than I expected - 16.25 x 8.5 inches. From the Best Buy website pictures I looked at prior to purchasing, I expected something small enough to put on the kitchen counter to charge the cell phones, laptop and tablet. It was actually about twice the expected size. It was too big to put on the counter and even too large to use for my PC, monitor and printers, due to the available space. There are holes in the back to hang it on a wall, but that wasn’t something I wanted to do.
I ended up using it for the TV, CD player, amplifier and other components, but it was fairly complicated to install in my situation. Due to the configuration of the entertainment center, I have very limited space to work with. All the wiring comes into a 5 inch deep shelf under the TV and I was working in the semi-dark. Several of the plugs did not want to go into the outlets and had to be forcefully jammed in. The prong orientation is different on the two sides of the surge protector. There wouldn’t be any problem seeing that in the light, but I expected both sides to be the same and in the dark it was difficult to tell why one row of plugs weren’t going in. The fancy “WovenArmor” cable was a nightmare to work with. It’s great for what it’s designed to do, but it’s not very flexible. In the small space I had to work in between the cabinet and the wall, it kept fighting me when I tried to plug it into the wall. It wanted to orientate itself upside down and it took me 5 minutes or more to finally get it plugged in.
Because of the thick, inflexible cable and because the outlets are in the middle of the unit, I wasn’t able to position the surge protector near the front of the cabinet as I had hoped. So it’s buried behind the sound bar where I’ll never be able to access any of the 5 charging ports. If the outlets were positioned at the end by the on/off switch I would’ve been able to do it. I needed that extra 4 inches or so.
It’s too early to tell if it will protect the equipment and enhance the signal as stated. I haven’t noticed any difference so far, but I don’t have any doubt that it will perform as expected. The biggest disappointment was that I couldn’t use it as a charging station because of the size and the humongous WovenArmor cord.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
High Quality Surge Protector with USB Charging
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This is a high end surge protector from the packaging to the power cord!
Features
The included information says the protection is good for about five years where as many other surge protectors are only good for one or two years. I don't know but it wouldn't surprise me if that's true. The oversize "SmartFit" outlets are pretty good. They're big enough for most power bricks and pug designs that need to be plugged in. I was surprised the six items I wanted to plug in all fit together. There's really a lot of room the way they're spaced out. The USB ports on the end work great for charging phones and other smaller devices. I tested the USB type A ports and C. I was glad to free up a few power outlets with those. The ability to charge/power up to 5 USB powered devices along with the six A/C power outlets is great! Lastly but not least the Austere V power strip also does line noise filtering. It can be hard to find something that does that. It's good for any electronics but especially can be important for audio/video work. I tried to figure out a way to test this but I wasn't able. The cord is also impressive. It looks cool and is braided as well as very heavy duty.
Lights
It has very bright blue LED lights. I've had other power strips where they are hard to see. That's not the case on this. I may even cover them with tape but I'm glad they're not dim. There are three. One tells you that it's powered on. One tells you it's correctly grounded. One tells yoyu that the protection is active. The included information says the protection is good for about five years. After that, it will continue to provide power but no longer will provide protection. I've had other surge strips that use one light on, off, or flashing in different ways to indicate different things. I prefer the three separate and very clear indicators.
Ease of use
This is a power strip and as easy to use as any other. Just plug something in and it will work. There's a combined power switch and reset button at the one end of it next to where the power cord goes in. There are no special outlets that need to have a powered device for other devices to receive power. Those have been a pain for me on other power strips and I was never in a place where I needed one.
Packaging
This may sound ridiculous but the Austere V comes in packaging that's usually reserved for expensive laptops. From unique design and materials of the packaging to the overall look. When I opened it (by first removing the two pieces of tape at the bottom and then sliding out the inner box from the side) I had the feeling I was not opening just another power strip. I've included few pictures though it's more impressive in person.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Peace of mind!
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Well-built powerful "smart" power strip with surge protection (4000J). Unlike the ones I used in the past, this one is rugged and has an aluminum body with Kevlar (wrapped) cord for durability and fire protection. Has 2 mounting holes for wall mounting option. Boasts flameless MOV (Metal Oxide Varistor) circuits and thermal protected outlets to protect from home fires. This is a perfect power strip to connect your expensive home entertainment systems or PC with ton of peripherals that need additional power source and noise supression. Isolates noise (prevents interference - EMI/RFI filtration) when plugging multiple devices i.e. TV, Monitors, PC, etc. Three LEDs that light blue when active - Power, Ground, and Protected.
Specs:
6 grounded AC ports that are well spaced
2 USB connectors
2 USB C connectors
1 USB C is PD port with 45W (and 60W peak) rating that is good enough to charge most laptops. I didn't have a problem charging my surface pro via the PD port. It does support rapid charging if you are looking to charge your cell phone!
I did a quick test unplugging the ground to see if the detects and the ground LED and Protected LED didn't light up! Comes with a lifetime guarantee. I rather have it overspec'd than under to protect my expensive toys.
Expensive power strip but worth the money if you have expensive home entertainment system or laptop with ton of peripherals (need noise suppression!) that you care the most. This is one of the newer models that Austere just released!
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
SOLID top of the line surge protecto
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This is basically a surge protector on steroids. The omniport power is especially efficient as it charged all of my smartphones with the "fast charging" icon. Usually this is contingent on the adapter being the carrier provided one, but this charged my phones very fast ---- fully charged my phone from 13% to 100% in slightly less than 40 minutes. My regular charger doesn't even do that.
I was especially impressed with the packaging of this item though. It comes in a customized case that you can store it in whenever you need to pack it up for any reason. Now I can't go back to a standard surge protector when I have seen that I can have one that is dependable and even more powerful with several devices, plus has an omniport for charging several smart devices (has USB-A and C ports!)
My only con, if any would be that it is indeed a little big and bulky, but again you are getting a lot of power with this device. Plus it has the hooks on the back where you can hang it up on the wall behind a mounted TV.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Usb ports
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Add a little class to an everyday item.
|
|
Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I saw a review for these surge protectors on an audiophile website and was intrigued. Did some more research and put them on my " must have" list. When they went on sale as a Deal of the Day, I pulled the trigger on the purchase. They are everything the articles claimed, and more! They easily accommodate several oversized plugs at the same time. So far everything looks good. Have already noticed less 'noise' on my television.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Build quality, Cord length
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Best Looking, Most Durable Surge Protector
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This was a pleasure to test. It was boxed like a high-end component and presented great when it was taken out of the packaging. Unlike any other power strip, this was heavier than others, and had 'substance'; extremely aesthetically pleasing with the brushed aluminum and blue trim. The 5' power cord was perfect. The status LEDs are good; I like the fact that they are one color (blue).
Under some circumstances, when I charge my iDevices near my subwoofer, I randomly hear the woofer thumping, presumably due to RFI & EMI. I plugged my subwoofer's power cord into the strip, as well as my iPhone and iPad chargers and began charging the devices. I didn't hear the subwoofer 'flutter' at all. As an engineer, I assume that the RFI & EMI circuitry did it's job and filtered out the unwanted interference.
There are two negatives:
[1] The lack of mounting screws and perhaps a screw template for distance between the screws. It was extremely irritating given the price point of the surge protector. I had to dig around my tool drawer looking for screws & plastic wall anchors, the level, the carpenter's pencil, and measuring tape. There should not be a decision on whether to include it or not. The two screws and paper template would have cost like 4 cents!
[2] 3,000 Joules of surge protection is great, but considering that stereo equipment and the like will be plugged into it, it could be a bit higher.
The product is great, it's built to last, and I trust it to do what it is supposed to do. Well done.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Surge protection, Usb ports
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
I didn't expect all THIS!
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
First, the presentation with the box opening is on the same level of opening as an IPhone, which was very unexpected.
Next, I see this huge surge protector and then all the USB slots on the side of it.
I have never seen such a beautiful and stylish surge protector in my life.
I have it plugged into my office area and here are the following items I have used with this protector:
USB for PS4 Controller
USB for Apple Watch
USB-C for IPad
USB-C for IPhone
Power Outlet for laptop
Power Outlet for Paper Shedder
Power Outlet for Printer
Power Outlet for Work Desktop
Power Outlet for Wifi Node
No issues with all these items plugged in at the same time!
The surge protector has some weight on it, but in my opinion, that's a good thing. It's sturdy and won't be accidentally kicked.
The LED status lighting on the top is another plus feature.
Status showing power, grounding and protection
Outstanding product!
The price may be a little higher than I would normally pay for a surge protector, but this product is worth it.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great Outlet at an awesome price!
|
|
Posted . Owned for 4 months when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Between the great Best Buy price and the features that this item offers, I couldn't resist buying it! Also the ability to mount it in multiple ways is a plus.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 1 out of 5 stars
My Xbox One S got fried while plugged into this
|
|
Posted . Owned for 1 year when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I have had this surge protector for a year and one month, There was a power surge recently and my Xbox one series S became completely unfunctional while being plugged into this surge protector
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Build quality, Cord length, Usb ports
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Premium power protection, premium style
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Calling the Austere V Series a "surge protector" just doesn't seem to do it justice. Sure, at its core, this is a surge protector, but the feature set, build quality, and design all go way above and beyond any other I've seen before.
It’s impossible to not notice just how thoughtfully designed this surge protector is. The standard AC outlets are spaced comfortably apart, with plenty of room for bulky charging blocks to not get in each other’s way. Then, there are the USB -- three USB-C and two USB-A – conveniently placed on the side so that the AC cords go one way and the USB cords go the other. The entire thing is wrapped in a sleek, metal housing that feels like it could take a beating.
The cord is 6 feet long, and has a tough woven exterior. It’s flexible, but clearly protects what’s inside. The plug is right-angle from the wall (so it fits in tight spaces like behind furniture), and the cord is offset so it doesn’t block the outlet below.
For those who need to be sure that everything is working correctly, there are three separate indicator lights, one to show that power is flowing, another to show that the outlets are properly grounded, and another still to show that the surge protection is active.
I can’t think of anything really negative to say about this, but I will add a couple of notes:
First, this thing is on the heavy side, so if you’re planning to mount it on a wall or under a desk, be sure to use sturdy fasteners.
Second, the USB ports are described as ”rapid” and listed at 2.4 amps, but this model doesn’t have USB-C PD (Power Delivery). If you need to charge a laptop or something similar with just a USB-C cord, consider the next model up.
Overall, the this brings surge protection to another level in terms of assembly, style, and functionality. Sure, it’s probably overkill for someone whose priority is their budget, but if you’ve invested in premium equipment, and want premium protection to go with it, check out the V Series from Austere.
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
Underpowered and Overpriced.
|
|
Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This surge looks nice but is lacking where it counts in power. I bought this for my home office and expected USB-C ports to be able to accommodate powering a new iPad Pro via USB-C and it can’t.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Build quality, Usb ports
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Plenty of options for charging everything!
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I selected the Austere to replace one of my older power strips that I was confident had seen better days. Initially I was apprehensive as this particular location has a number of larger, odd sized power adapters and most surge protectors I’ve used lose an outlet or two to hold them all.
In this case the outlets on the Austere are spaced ideally and I was able to maximize my utilization plus change how i charge my phone and watch in the process. Having the USB and USB-C ports on the front makes this unit infinitely more useful. Charging my devices off these ports seems to take the same amount of time or less than when using the manufacturer supplied power blocks, and the whole thing is just cleaner thanks to how the ports are located.
It is evident that this is a higher end product from the minute you take it out of the box. The design is heavier and well built, which gives me a sense of quality compared to the garden variety surge protection devices out there. I think you’ll get what you pay for with the Austere for sure.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Cord length, Usb ports
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
I Cannot Say Enough Good About This Unit!!
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
At first I thought it was going to be a bit difficult to review the Austere V Series Power 6-Outlet with Omniport USB (boy that's a mouth-full), because after all, how was I even going to know it was doing anything, right? I was wrong...there is a lot to say.
First of all, I was a bit hesitant about connecting two televisions (a 51" and a 70") plus at least one laptop, in addition to three other devices. I thought it might be too much for it to handle. But as far as I can tell, it could handle several more if there were ports enough.
My TVs are basically stacked. The 70" sits on the floor, and the 51" is mounted directly behind and above it, attached to the wall. I purchased what I assumed was a very good quality power strip from one of the big box stores. It cost almost $60, which for a power strip, that is a lot of money. The laptop sits on a table adjacent to the TVs. So after unpacking everything, reading the directions, and then unplugging everything from the old power strip and reconnecting it all to the Austere, I turned everything on.
At first I thought it was simply my wishful imagination, but the sound from my laptop actually sounded so much better than before. It seemed louder, sharper, and crisper. So, to make sure, I disconnected it from the Austere and connected it back into the old power strip. My gosh, I was literally stunned by the difference. The sound was richer, and crisper. Now don't get me wrong, I thought the laptop speakers sounded pretty good to start with, and had no idea that the Austere power conditioner would make any difference at all. Well, it does!
I next tried out the TVs. The 70" is connected to a soundbar with subwoofer. And yet again I was amazed at the difference in sound quality. Ditto for the other TV as well. THE ULTIMATE TEST: Austere's description made mention of how not even a vacuum cleaner would disturb the power, so I put them to the test on this issue. I plugged in a vacuum, and turned it on. Not a flicker. Seriously...not even a tiny little spike.
I understand that the Austere is NOT sold as sound equipment, but if it can make this much difference in home sound equipment, I can only imagine what it would do for amps, mixers, and the like. For this, and this alone, knowing that it truly is "cleaning" and conditioning the power to my equipment, I would absolutely recommend the Austere to EVERYONE. There is not one good reason to trust your equipment to the cheaply made and inadequate power strips.
PROS:
The unit itself is museum grade. It's beautiful, well made, sturdy, hefty, and well thought-out. I love the colors.
Plenty of cord length
Six USB charging ports! SIX!!
The Price. Yes, I know some will say that $150 is a lot to pay, but after witnessing firsthand just how amazing it is, it is worth every single penny!
CONS:
This is going to sound bogus, but I honestly cannot think of one negative thing to say about this device. It does EVERYTHING it is supposed to do, does it well, and is a quality piece of equipment from top to bottom.
I said it once, I'll say it again, I highly recommend the Austere V Series Power 6-Outlet With Omniport USB to anyone who owns a piece of electronic equipment they want to protect and truly enjoy.