The PST-8D has two isolated banks of 4 outlets each. Neither is more effective for digital v analog. The point is that digital goes to one bank and analog to the other. The mfr recommends the analog connections closer to the cord and digital to the other end. Was it worth it to spend the extra $30 for the 8D over the PST-8 that has LIFT tech as well? In hindsight, none of the reviews nor the mfr address any advantage of compartmentalization in this product. The consideration of HDMI in a surround receiver is not discussed, so I must assume the receiver is plugged into the analog side regardless of digital HDMI transfer. The advantage of compartment separation is implied and reinforced in other categories of audio gear (ie; pre-amps, amps), so I give it the benefit of the doubt. eg: 4 stars. I wanted both entry level line conditioning improvement with surge protection and a long lasting device. The Furman brand is well known for quality design and that made this an easier choice. I do detect improved separation and overall balance in my 7.1 audio. Video, maybe somewhat in color saturation but only slightly if at all. Seems to be a small loss in video sharpness with a more soft delineation than before. Overall good investment, but maybe PST 8 would have been the same. I think the "D" for digital is a little bit of hyperbole and more expensive to cover two banks instead of one. As for surge protection, this is an excellent product with a good reputation.

Something I discovered from trial and error is the digal plugs are meant for devices with a screen, like a tv or monitor. When I first received this power conditioner, I mistakenly plugged the CD player into the digital plug. The instruments in songs I was familiar with sounded strange and off. Luckily I tried plugging the CD player into the other set of power plugs that my amp and DAC were already plugged into. After doing this the music sounded like I remembered but with increased soundstage, imaging, and focus that I've never ever heard from my system before. It also removed an unpleasant edge to the upper-mids/lower treble reign of the music I listen to. I couldn't be happier with the improvement the furman has made on my system.

I should add that I live in a crowded subdivision so my power lines are probably more noisy then most.

I highly recommend this item!

I never considered spending more than $20 on a power strip / surge protector until I bought an audiophile stereo system. The shop that sold me my turntable recommended a $500 power strip. Another shop recommended replacing the stock power cable that came with my amp with a $150 cable. Both recommendations were for sound quality, not surge protection.

I'm skeptical that these items would bring a sound quality improvement commensurate with their cost. If you have an extra $500 and want better sound quality, I'm pretty sure it would be more wisely invested in speakers or components.

While I wasn't willing to risk $500 for a power strip of dubious benefit, I was very willing to spend $150 on this Furman power conditioner/surge protector, and I'm glad I did. I can't say whether it makes my stereo sound better; if it does, the difference is subtle at best. But the unit is very well built, professional-grade as opposed to the cheap mass market power strips available at Walmart or your local hardware store. And it gives me peace of mind that my expensive stereo is protected from power surges.

I've purchased a few items for my stereo that might or might not deliver improved sound quality such as this power conditioner, an isolation platform for my turntable, a record puck, and an upgraded power supply for the turntable. It's possible I've wasted my money chasing tiny sound improvements. But my system sounds truly great, and my sense is that the combination of all of these items makes a difference even if some of them on their own make little to no difference.

I have been using the Furman PST-8D for a few years now. I recently had a close lightning strike that took out electronics all over the house. My personal computer was not damaged at all and the PST-8D is still standing. Other computers and one TV in other areas of the house were which not protected by one of these were damaged which totaled over $4000 in damage. There is a slight difference in sound produced from my speakers using one of these power strips as well. Although, I would not purchase it with that in mind results on audio equipment will always vary. The PST-8D has proved it can withstand abuse. I'm considering buying more for other equipment in the house. This is an expensive strip that gets the job done. The only thing that might possibly be able to defeat it is a direct from lightning on the house itself.

Exactly what I needed! I changed out my cheapie Tripp Lite surge protector for a Furman PST-8D today, and the faint background noise I was hearing from my PC -> USB DAC -> hradphone amp when volume cranked high is now gone completely. Fwiw, my PC power supply, LCD, and printer are plugged into the "digital-ultrasonic noise filtered" outlets of the Furman, while DAC and headphone amp are plugged into the "linearly filtered" outlets. Have never heard such a black background with this amp before.