taylodr and Hullguy,

thank you for the responses and explanations. A UPS would be most useful for my computer, if I were employed to engage with it. Otherwise, if there's a power outage, I have candles! In other words, I wouldn't be concerned about backup.

My main interest is only in eliminating hum, from my toroidal transformers (now I'm wondering if my plasma is also affected). The 20amp SurgeX surge protector has also the noise filtering, but for about half the price of the Tripp UPS.

Given my circumstances and needs, how would you advise? Would the 20amp SurgeX suffice or would the UPS condition the power more effectively? And, how would something like a Shunyata Hydra 6 compare, or is this more hype than an effective solution to a transformer hum problem?

Also, as I explained, this house was built in 61, the service upgraded in 85 to 100amps. The house was built with three wire, with a ground wire, but only the boxes were grounded as the sockets were without the ground receptacle. So, when I purchased the house, two years ago, I installed all new receptacles and grounded each, the boxes and sockets. The main power box is grounded to a rod that's driven into the ground at the other end of the house, connected with a heavy, braided, copper cable.

Any and all info, appreciated.

thanks,

John