This was posted 7 years 8 months 2 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

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Dick Smith - Dick Smith Brand 8 Way Surge Protector $15, RAR Sound Stand with Internal Subwoofer $39 Free Shipping

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Dick Smith - Dick Smith Brand 8 Way Surge Protector $15, RAR Sound Stand with Internal Subwoofer $39 Free Shipping
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Fiximol on 29/04/2017 - 15:31 dicksmith.com.au (7652 clicks)
Last edited 30/04/2017 - 12:43 by 2 other users

A blast from the past!

RAR 2.1 soundbase here

These are OK boards - I have had one for years and it still works (having said that I never tested its surge capabilities).

The response time is claimed to be <1 nanosecond with a suppression of 2000 joules - which means it provides reasonable protection for AV and PC.

If you like to have 6 outlets instead they are also available for the same price

As for the sound base, it has all the connections that you can ask for, optical, HDMI, coaxial for digital (only via optical conversion, my mistake) and analog, and comes with a RCA to 3.5mm cable for those using 3.5mm and has bluetooth. (though only RCA cables are included in the box, no HDMI, high impedence coaxial or optical cables included). However that's about all I can say. It arrived yesterday and the subwoofer doofs as you would expect from a cheap set of speakers but it might improve the output of some cheaper TVs simply due to the fact that it is front facing. It also doesn't look bad and feels decently built.

Electrical & Electronics Power Board Subwoofer Surge Interceptor Surge Protection

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Dick Smith / Kogan
Dick Smith / Kogan
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closed Comments

  • ouryou on 29/04/2017 - 15:58
    +1

    Thanks op. Having been looking for a Surge Protector comes with antenna LAN port for long time.Missed the officeworks deal but this deal looks better.

    • Kegsta on 29/04/2017 - 17:51
      +3

      Looks like it's only cat3 (phone cable) rather than cat5 (ethernet)

  • SteveAndBelle on 29/04/2017 - 16:05
    +7

    I can personally vouch for the SoundBase. Great, solid little units with pretty decent sound for the money. I've helped friends without a lot of cash solve their 'flimsy' TV sound with these but with the added bonus of Bluetooth and an FM Tuner some are even using them as their complete home entertainment system! 2-3 years on and they're still going strong. I've even used a few of these in an office situation underneath VideoConference units to help project the sound forward instead of relying on side-firing TV speakers which can play havoc with VCs by adding unwanted reverb and room sound feedback.

    • Vortex99 on 30/04/2017 - 11:54

      Does the TV volume controller control the volume on the SoundBase? As in, CEC connection happening.

      • SteveAndBelle on 30/04/2017 - 11:58
        +1

        Yes, pretty sure it has CEC over HDMI.

    • Noblejoker on 01/05/2017 - 10:39

      Thanks @SteveAndBelle - bought on your recommendation
      No pressure lol!
      Do you typically put the tv on top as shown in the picture?

      • SteveAndBelle on 01/05/2017 - 13:01
        +1

        Ha :) Nice one. For $39 you really can't go wrong, even if it only turns out being 'satisfactory'.

        If your TV stand fits on top then go for it but I think this is exactly why they're the price they are… most modern TVs have legs on each end, not in the middle as they used to be. Doesn't effect sound quality or anything but may make placement difficult.

        • Windows7forever on 04/05/2017 - 11:39

          All of my TV's have plastic bases in the middle :)

  • davicta on 29/04/2017 - 16:15
    +3

    I guess they don't do the Lifetime guarantee with $100,000 Connected Equipment Warranty for their surge protectors anymore.

    • yaziyo on 30/04/2017 - 10:35
      +6

      Honestly, I wouldn't have expected that warranty to be worth the paper it's written on.

  • mubd1234 on 29/04/2017 - 16:37
    +5

    Hopefully they won't cancel half of the orders like with last week's radio fiasco.

    • Petesdragon85 on 29/04/2017 - 19:24
      +1

      What happened there? I was disappointed I missed out on that deal.

  • Windows7forever on 29/04/2017 - 16:45

    Thanks

  • [Deactivated] on 29/04/2017 - 17:26

    Can anyone please tell me how much watt the subwoofer consumes? Thinking of using it in the camper on an inverter :)

  • Make it so on 29/04/2017 - 17:39
    +2

    Never thought I'd see these come along again!
    Got 1, for nostalgic sake, and because Ozbargainers said they were good. I already had 4….

    • Jackson on 29/04/2017 - 21:58
      +1

      If I am not mistaken they didn't get this low during the closing down sale?

  • altomic on 29/04/2017 - 17:40
    +7

    I have one of those surge boards. found it in a DSE dumpster 9 years ago. still using it. i like the big power button

    • montorola on 29/04/2017 - 18:49
      +2

      I love how you know exactly how many years ago you got it

      • altomic on 29/04/2017 - 18:52
        +11

        one of the benefits of having kids…..

        • Jackson on 29/04/2017 - 21:59
          +1

          I thought you found them in cabbage patches?

        • db2k on 30/04/2017 - 10:13

          Great idea! Save money on a Tag watch and have kids instead ;)

          J/k

        • Gershom on 29/05/2017 - 04:57

          What, having to be dumpster diving?

  • Regie69 on 29/04/2017 - 18:03
    -3

    Anyone know if Kogan has it. I got a $10 voucher to use

  • Tekuza on 29/04/2017 - 18:20

    Thanks bought 3 of the surge protector and can finally stop using so many 4 outlet adapters for my computer and home theatre.

  • PJC on 29/04/2017 - 18:22

    Excellent price. The 6 outlets version is $85.00 + Postage $11.20 here …
    http://buyabargains.quicksales.com.au/ad/untitled/973318
    … I wish someone who truly paid that would try explaining here.

  • [Deactivated] on 29/04/2017 - 18:35

    Thanks OP, got two.

  • ronnknee on 29/04/2017 - 18:35
    +5

    Almost thought the surge protector power board had an internal subwoofer.

  • Plasma on 29/04/2017 - 18:38

    Remember getting all the RAR crap in when I was working at DSE. RAR stood for Real Audio Research…

    • Jackson on 29/04/2017 - 22:00
      +2

      Real Asian Rebadged?

  • aussieprepper on 29/04/2017 - 18:48
    +12

    The power boards are built decent i pulled one apart every thing is fairly solid the protection is nothing amazing but much better then any other board for around this price.

    • montorola on 29/04/2017 - 18:50
      +1

      Cheers for the review!

  • bugsucher on 29/04/2017 - 19:17

    Does anyone know the power board cord length? I cannot find it from the prod. description.

    • adr8 on 29/04/2017 - 19:55

      The cord length is 190cm

  • King Tightarse on 29/04/2017 - 19:22
    +1

    Hey thanks OP seems Kogan is getting rid of old Dick Smith branded stock now.
    Grabbed a couple

  • spackbace on 29/04/2017 - 19:25
    +1

    Giving the soundbase a go :) cheers op (and those giving reviews)

  • adr8 on 29/04/2017 - 20:12
    +2

    I have two of the DS surge protectors, not the best quality two outlets no longer hold the power plug in firmly enough and the power keeps cutting out, I'm guessing the plastic internals must have broken. Also the indicator and power lights no longer light up on one of them.

    I got a couple of the Cyberpower ones from this deal and quality is much better.

  • cumova on 29/04/2017 - 20:22

    So tempted to get the power boards
    I have bought 4 in the past, exchanged 2, 1 died after dick closed down so i couldnt exchange that one and then another 2 that i exchanged died again. Only have 1 working which i think was the original one.
    Still tempted though..esp at $15 but dont think its worth the hastle.

    • aussieprepper on 29/04/2017 - 21:18

      What broke on them?

    • King Tightarse on 29/04/2017 - 21:29

      these shut down once they have copped a critical surge

      • Jackson on 29/04/2017 - 22:02

        So they are not the breaker type but the fused type? That's shitty

        • aussieprepper on 29/04/2017 - 22:14

          Both but it would depend on what stuff up. If its a full surge it will trip and blow and you cant use it again. If its a small fault you can reset it say you overload it with more 2400w it will show a fault.

        • Russ on 29/04/2017 - 23:12
          +5

          not the breaker type but the fused type?

          A common misconception, it has nothing to do with fuses or circuit breakers. Neither fuses nor circuit breakers can stop a big surge, it would just arc across the opened fuse/opened contacts.

          When you get a surge through the power lines, the MOV clamps the surge at about 400V and gives the surge "somewhere else" to go, other than through your connected electronics. In doing so, the MOV dissipates an enormous amount of power, and fails if the surge has more energy than the MOV's dissipation rating. MOVs are designed to fail as a permanent short circuit, so if they fail then the powerboard will become useless, as the circuit breaker/fuse will see the short and "pop" every time you try to reset it/replace it.

        • Jackson on 30/04/2017 - 08:59
          +1

          @Russ: thanks for the explanation, for those like me that didn't know what a MOV was you can read about it here: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varistor

          Out of curiosity do you (or is it ever worth) repairing boards like this with a new MOV?

        • Russ on 30/04/2017 - 09:27
          +1

          @Jackson:
          I recommend not repairing them. You can't tell if the circuit breaker has been damaged, and there are usually three MOVs in a power board, so you won't be able to tell if the other two MOVs have been damaged either.

          If you replace all four components (and also the filtering components if your board has them), it's more expensive than buying a new powerboard through OzBargain.

        • Jackson on 30/04/2017 - 09:46

          @Russ: so after reading that I got to thinking, if people are complaining about these boards failing would that mean that some of the MOVs in these's are cheaper or lower rated than other boards? (I thought this because it mentions in the article that some (cheaper) lower rated components may fail after repeated non catastrophic events- or something like that) And if so I guess that's something to think about if you have had a few of these go on you to just buy a better one?

        • Russ on 30/04/2017 - 11:43
          +1

          @Jackson:
          You are correct, a higher-rated MOV would be better. The problem is that the general public don't understand MOV ratings, so they can't judge the "quality" of surge-busting power boards, and aren't willing to pay a price premium for the higher-quality ones. So most manufacturers don't make them.

          That said, there will always be failures, even with the best-quality parts. A lightning strike has a ridiculous amount of energy, it can't really be properly protected against by something "tacked on" like a power board. I have designed equipment for mobile phone base stations, and they get hit by lightning all the time. Every part of the tower, and every piece of equipment connected to the tower, is designed for lightning strikes. For your home to have the same level of protection, you would have lightning protection on the power pole, at your fuse box, at every power point, and built into every appliance. And you wouldn't use MOVs, they fail after about 100 small surges.

          For proper protection, you need gas discharge tubes backed with avalanche diodes, and good design for the circuit board and the enclosure. It's not difficult, but MOVs cost about ten cents each when you buy 100,000 of them, so manufacturers stick with MOVs.

  • elcheapodeniro on 29/04/2017 - 20:32
    +1

    Hope she's not too loud in the bedroom. Thanks, just purchased sound bar.

  • ubor on 29/04/2017 - 22:04

    Noob question: How do you connect the RAR to the TV? Do you need a HDMI output port on the TV for the connection?

    • Fiximol on 29/04/2017 - 22:42
      +2

      The soundbase has pretty much every known connection except digital coaxial (HDMI, optical, analogue coaxial, 3.5mm via RCA adapter and bluetooth) so as long as your TV has an audio out option you can connect to it however you want.

  • Windows7forever on 29/04/2017 - 22:13

    Is the RAR basically just a low end sound bar?
    I didn't think they get this cheap. Might get one for the TV when I don't want to run the big amp and HT speakers.

    • Windows7forever on 29/04/2017 - 23:22

      Bought the soundbar. Should be good :)

  • apprentice on 30/04/2017 - 00:09

    Could anyone please let me know if I will be able to control the volume of the soundbase with tv remote control or I have to use two separate ones? Wife hates using two remote controls. That's why I got rid of a sound system I had before.

    • dazweeja on 30/04/2017 - 00:53
      +2

      Wouldn't it be have been easier to just get a Logitech Harmony remote instead of selling the sound system? Even the low-end ones allow you to assign the volume control to the sound system while controlling the TV, and turn on/off the TV and sound system with a single button.

    • expertreader on 30/04/2017 - 06:41
      +2

      I typically put the volume on speaker at 70% of max and then use Tv remote to change the sound of the tv output.

  • E4xtream on 30/04/2017 - 07:41
    +2

    You've no idea how confused I was when I read '8-way surge protector with internal subwoofer'…

  • rohanp16 on 30/04/2017 - 08:22

    How long is the cable on the surge protectors? If it is the standard 1.5m, can I buy an extension cord and plug in the protector to increase the length ?

    • Jackson on 30/04/2017 - 09:07

      Yes, why wouldn't you be able to?

      • rohanp16 on 30/04/2017 - 15:53

        I only skimmed through it online but apparently the surge protecting capabilities of the power board can be detrimentally affected?

    • Jabba the Hutt on 30/04/2017 - 10:43

      How long is the cable on the surge protectors?

      About 1.8m, if it hasn't changed.

      If it is the standard 1.5m, can I buy an extension cord and plug in the protector ?

      Not if you go by the book. Is there anyone who does?

  • idonotknowwhy on 30/04/2017 - 10:54

    I still use 2 of these, which I bought 5 years ago.
    I like it because it lets me run the microwave and kettle at the same time without cutting the power, unlike all my other boards.

  • ozizoy on 30/04/2017 - 12:38

    Thank you. got 2 ordered. :)

  • Pug on 30/04/2017 - 15:21

    I wonder what Bluetooth standard this soundbar uses? Given the price one assumes the BT audio quality isn't the greatest?

  • cashews on 30/04/2017 - 17:18

    Sold out.

    • spackbace on 30/04/2017 - 18:16
      +2

      Still available? From what I see

      • cashews on 01/05/2017 - 13:26

        Thanks bought one now that it's showing in stock again.

  • Ruckmauler on 30/04/2017 - 19:52
    +1

    Just picked up RAR Sound Stand via eBay using code C5AUS - so got it for $38.35 (was $40.36) - that's 65c in my pocket suckers :)

  • Savitar on 30/04/2017 - 20:15

    Thanks just bought two…

  • The Gent on 30/04/2017 - 23:04

    Lovelovelove these boards. Bought 2 in a deal few years back, ended up shipping me 4, well-made, lifetime warranty, highly recommend for this price.

  • King Tightarse on 02/05/2017 - 09:42
    +1

    Received surge protectors, good deal.
    Unfortunately in typical Dick Smith Kogan-era style, there was nothing protecting the protectors IE just a plastic bag no box or padding. Very shabby seeing as they came Aust Post.

    • bargainsville on 06/05/2017 - 19:15
      +2

      the sounstand didnt even have a bag, just the original box with label stuck on

    • Jared17 on 15/05/2017 - 18:29

      Was lucky. Mine came in a box.

  • dingdong3000 on 02/05/2017 - 10:29

    Really tempted to pull the trigger on that soundbar

  • mrtin on 03/05/2017 - 09:47

    thanks bought the board with the $10 kogan voucher

  • Jamryu on 03/05/2017 - 17:30
    +1

    I received my powerboard today.

  • [Deactivated] on 04/05/2017 - 18:06
    +1

    Got mine today.

  • lovepub on 05/05/2017 - 12:49

    They are still around?
    Thought Dick is dead long ago

  • bargainsville on 06/05/2017 - 19:17

    Do any popular universal remote codes work with these to control volume/source with tv remotes or fetch, foxtel remotes etc?

  • Windows7forever on 07/05/2017 - 16:05
    +3

    Received the soundbar last week.
    Can vouch for the sound quality and build for the price; top notch!

    Quick Review:
    + BT works well and pairs automatically with my phone.
    + FM radio is functional.
    + Build quality is solid. It's a big solid block.
    + Energy efficient - soundbar only uses 18w of power and will automatically go to sleep after 15 minutes when the TV is turned off.
    + Bass is balanced and not overbearing.

    Negs
    - Remote control is a bit cheap and runs off CR2025 batteries.
    - Kogan ship by slapping the consignment sticker on the box(no fault of the product)

    Highly Recommended. Will buy another few as presents.

  • Harvey1 on 10/05/2017 - 09:42

    Great deal. Just bought both!
    Thanks OP!

    • dingdong3000 on 11/05/2017 - 09:30
      +1

      I bought them on Ebay with 5% code and additional 1.3% from cashrewards hehe

      • Harvey1 on 11/05/2017 - 10:58

        That is thrifty. I'm not yet that thrifty.

  • rdchristy2 on 24/05/2017 - 20:32

    Just wondering if anyone else has had problems with AUX output? No sound coming out.. 😕

  • BigTed on 25/05/2017 - 13:23

    I just set up and used the sound base last night for a movie.
    I'd say it was pretty bloody good for the price. Very happy.
    Thanks Dick and thanks Fiximol.

  • Gershom on 29/05/2017 - 05:02

    Picked up 4 surge protectors at Jaycar last week at $2.53 each.
    https://www.jaycar.com.au/mains-surge-protectors/p/MS4017
    Hard to find though, I cleaned out the Mornington store. They're 10 amp, so just plug in a cheap Bunnings power board.

    • CVonC on 29/05/2017 - 13:27

      Joules rating?

      • Gershom on 30/05/2017 - 06:51

        Watts are units of Power, whereas Joules are units of Energy. Power is Energy in accordance to time: P = E/t . So One Watt of Power is equal to one Joule per second. P=E/t 1 Watt = 1 Joule/ 1 second.

        If you want to know the relationship between amps and watts, see Mr Google.

        • CVonC on 30/05/2017 - 13:37

          so 2400 Joules then? how come this DSE one is 10A too but only 2000 Joules?

          eh can't find the jaycar ones around anyway

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