Region/State
(NSW) New South Wales/Australia
Suburb or Town
Eastwood 2122
Condition/Warranty
Condition: Excellent
Warranty: None or Limited Warranty (in compliance with Consumer Law)
Payment Method
Cash, bank transfer prior to pickup, PayID
Original Receipt Available
No
Shipping & Pickup Options
Shipping: Not available
Pickup: Available
Reason for Selling
No longer required
If you know about passive power filtering/surge protection products, then you've probably heard of US-based manufacturer SurgeX (part of the Ametek group). Before I retired, I was GM of the Australian distributor for this brand, and de facto Brand Manager as well. I know more about these puppies than is good for me!
The SX-2210RL is part of the rack mount family. Key info:
unit is 2RU high
it's very heavy (around 6kg)
there are 6 x Australian mains outlets on the back (max 10A drawn from any outlet, and max 10A total for all outlets)
one rear outlet is unswitched (always on), the other five are switched by the rocker on the front panel
there are 2 x 3-pin XLRs on the front panel wired (according to industry custom) to suit plug-in task lamps; a dimmer controls the output to the lamps
note: the output to the lamps is AC
these work fine with incandescent lamps, but if you use LED lamps, then you need to use lamps that have two LEDs wired back to back or that have a bridge rectifier inside (to avoid flickering)
most important: the surge protection is provided (mainly) by SurgeX's patented non-sacrificial 'reactor' inductive element - this is NOT a Metal Oxide Varistor (MOV)
MOVs (used in most surge protection products, and in almost all inexpensive products and power boards) are SACRIFICIAL protectors - they work really well, but (for a significant surge) only once
after that, any MOV-protected power board is just a power board.
So, here are the unique SurgeX technologies in this product:
ASM (Advanced Series Mode) surge protection - non-sacrificial, cancels/blocks surges without bypassing the energy to earth
COUVS (Catastrophic Over-Voltage and Under-Voltage Shutdown) - protects connected devices by powering down the outlets when mains voltage is too high or too low; restarts automatically when back in safe range
ICE (Inrush Current Elimination) - limits momentary inrush of current when you switch on (say) a high power linear power supply (charging the filter capacitors); this protects the connected equipment and reduces transients otherwise fely by other connected devices
EMI/RFI filter - reduces high-frequency noise present on the power lines (caused by things like switch mode power supplies, electric motors).
I had this installed under my study desk to protect my computer gear (I have a few other SurgeX devices protecting the audio and video products in other rooms). But it's just too big and sharp-edged for the application. My knees were not happy with all the bumps and scrapes. So I replaced it with something smaller (and, frankly, not as good).
If you're looking for a truly capable device to protect your gear, this may be your goal. As ever, do your own research. Take the lid of any new product at this price point and look at the small number of components inside. Then look inside a SurgeX ASM product (and feel the weight), and you'll understand what you're buying.
Unit is in great condition. There are a couple of tiny scratches (a few mm long) on the rack ears - but from 50cm away you won't see them.
As I said, unit is heavy and I don't have the box - so local pickup is strongly preferred...
Happy to answer any questions...
WARRANTY INFORMATION (Private Seller)
The item being advertised is sold "as is", and no warranty should be assumed unless otherwise indicated and agreed between the Buyer and the Seller. Photos representing the item being advertised form part of the description unless otherwise specified.
This content has been generated using AI analysis. While we strive to ensure accuracy and quality, AI-generated material may occasionally contain errors or omissions. All information should be independently verified, and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers or editors.
Users praise the SurgeX SX-2210RL Power Filter primarily for its superior protection features rather than audio enhancements, with a strong reputation in audiophile and pro-audio communities for reliability but criticism for high cost and bulky design.
### Sound Quality
Community discussions, including Audio Science Review forums, report no audible improvements or degradations in sound quality from the SX-2210RL or similar SurgeX models. Users emphasize it prioritizes protection over conditioning, with no changes noted in studio monitors, guitar setups, or hi-fi systems.
### Build Quality
Described as high quality and solid, comparable to pro-audio brands like Furman, with premium construction that's "nicer looking" than some competitors. Rack-mount versions like the SX-2210RL are big, heavy, and bulky for non-rack use, and standalone models have non-flat plugs that limit desk flexibility.
### Reliability
Strongly regarded for non-sacrificial surge protection up to 6000V (using Series Mode technology that avoids MOVs and ground contamination), over/under-voltage protection (e.g., COUVS resets at ~145V), inrush current elimination (prevents amp breaker trips), and EMI/RFI filtering. Pro users and installers report fewer service calls, no reboots from surges/storms, and trust in mission-critical AV setups; one dealer called it a product that "works, period."
### Strengths
- Robust, non-destructive protection against surges, brownouts, and inrush without ground contamination or energy shunting.
- Effective EMI/RFI noise suppression in real-world noisy environments like apartments.
- Soft-start for high-draw gear and remote turn-on for AV systems.
- Peace of mind for expensive equipment over basic strips.
### Weaknesses
- High cost ($300–$400 USD new, higher in AUD markets with limited availability), seen as overpriced vs. alternatives like Furman or ZeroSurge.
- Bulky rack design and non-flat plugs hinder desk/rack flexibility.
- Does not address sustained 60Hz utility fluctuations (requires specific models).
- Rarely available used at low prices.
### Overall Reputation
SurgeX, including the SX-2210RL, holds a positive reputation as a premium, reliable protector for high-end gear among audiophiles, pro AV installers, and forum users—often recommended over cheaper options—but not for sound enhancement. Direct reviews are sparse, drawing from the broader SurgeX line; alternatives like Furman PST-8D or ZeroSurge are common comparisons.
This content has been generated using AI analysis. While we strive to ensure accuracy and quality, AI-generated material may occasionally contain errors or omissions. All information should be independently verified, and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers or editors.
Fair market price range for the SurgeX SX-2210RL Power Filter in AUD: $400–$675 for used units in good to excellent condition; new units likely $800–$1,500.
Prices vary significantly by condition, with used listings dominating available data—no current new retail listings for this exact model were found, though comparable SurgeX rackmount conditioners (e.g., SX-EV23010IC) retail around $1,450 inc GST.
Used condition ($400–$675): Recent classifieds show sales or listings at AUD $465 (excellent condition, Aussie Audio Mart), AUD $400 (sold, StereoNET), and AUD $675 (sold, StereoNET category listing for SX-SX2210RL). A prior "very good" condition unit was sold without a listed price.
New condition ($800–$1,500): Conservative estimate based on comparable SurgeX pro AV rack filters, adjusted for AUD/USD exchange (1.3–1.5), import duties, and Australian specialist retailer markups (e.g., Scarlett Music, Koala Audio, Amber Tech); no direct new listings available.
Key factors affecting value:
- Condition and accessories: Excellent/very good units with original packaging fetch higher prices (e.g., $465–$675 vs. potential lower for worn units); warranty status adds value.
- Availability: Rare in Australia, limited to niche AV sites and classifieds (StereoNET, Aussie Audio Mart), driving premiums due to low stock.
- Market trends: Pro audio/video demand for 2RU EMI/RFI/surge filtering supports value over basic strips; USD origin and shipping inflate AUD costs.
- Design limitations: Bulky 2RU non-flat plug may reduce appeal for some setups, capping upside.
Data relies on classifieds up to early 2026; check current Australian retailers like Amber Tech or Scarlett Music for updates, as listings sell quickly.
English (US)