I don't own a BIT, but I think the issues are not specific to the BIT. In general, if protection from spikes due to power issues are the concern (thunderstorms, unreliable electric utility, etc.) then a whole-house surge protector makes more sense than introducing the potential problems from a UPS sitting directly behind the BIT.
I own a power conditioner similar to the BIT15, and during brief power glitches that affect my ceiling lights the stereo does not hiccup. If the power goes off entirely then I shut off the stereo to mitigate the potential for inrush current to cause an issue.
A UPS might buy more time for me to shut off the system when the power to the house gets iffy, but rather than deal with the inherent issues from a UPS directly behind the power conditioner, I would look to get a whole house system.
Below is an AI summary of some of the considerations (as something to seed conversation).
"Downsides and Risks:
Compatibility Issues: Simulated sine wave UPS units (common in budget models) may cause noise, heat, or performance issues with the BIT or sensitive gear; a pure sine wave UPS is essential.
Interference: In the BIT → UPS setup, the BIT’s filtering might mask power fluctuations, hindering the UPS’s response to outages.
Increased Complexity and Cost: Requires a high-capacity, pure sine wave UPS (e.g., $200-$1500) plus the BIT, with added maintenance like battery replacement every 3-5 years.
Overloading Risk: Connecting multiple high-power devices to the BIT and then the UPS could exceed the UPS’s capacity, especially on battery power.
Warranty and Liability Concerns: UPS manufacturers often warn against power conditioners, potentially voiding warranties or equipment protection policies; BIT warranties may also be affected.
Diminished Audio Performance: Some UPS units may introduce noise or degrade power quality on battery mode, counteracting the BIT’s benefits.
Battery Runtime Limitations: UPS batteries are for short-term backup (minutes to hours), not extended outages, requiring additional solutions like generators.
Why UPS Manufacturers Advise Against Power Strips/Conditioners:
Load Instability: Variable or inductive loads from conditioners (e.g., BIT transformers) can stress the UPS inverter, causing instability or failure.
Surge Suppression Conflicts: Interactions between UPS and conditioner surge circuits may reduce effectiveness or cause malfunctions.
Safety Concerns: Improper setups risk electrical hazards or overloading, prompting manufacturers to limit liability by discouraging such configurations.
Recommendations and Mitigations:
Choose a Pure Sine Wave UPS: Ensures compatibility with the BIT and sensitive equipment (e.g., APC BR1500MS2 for BIT15, APC SRT2200XLA for BIT20).
Calculate Load and Runtime: Ensure the UPS can handle the BIT and connected devices’ total wattage with 20-30% headroom, providing sufficient backup time (e.g., 5-15 minutes).
Connect Critical Components Only: Limit UPS use to essential digital gear via the BIT to optimize runtime and reduce load.
Verify Warranty and Support: Confirm with BIT/Torus and UPS manufacturers that the setup is supported and won’t void warranties or protection policies.
Test the Setup: Simulate an outage to check for proper operation, ensuring no noise, overheating, or errors occur.
Consider Alternatives: If risks outweigh benefits, explore options like solar backups or audio-specific UPS units (e.g., Furman F1000-UPS).
Maintain Ventilation: Place both devices in a well-ventilated area to prevent heat buildup and ensure longevity."
