Well, I have the 2600 model, and I like it very much. BUT! Ken is right! (Had ya worried, didn't I Ken
). The guy wants you to buy it because it makes him a whole lot of money. It is more expensive than it should be, and you could get by with something that would do the job for a lot less.
If you really like the 2500, you can find it on ebay for as little as $165 plus shipping. I got my 2600 on ebay for about $225, give or take (Crap! I see it's available now for $175. DRAT!
Whoops! I see the seller only has 2 feedbacks. I'll pass, thank you)
Now. All that being said, I really do like my 2600. And I consider "because I like it" to be a perfectly valid reason for purchasing anything. I do NOT fool myself into thinking it makes a difference in the way my system sounds, nor do I fool myself into thinking that I needed to spend that much in order to provide adequate protection for my system.
Here's what I like, in no particular order of importance.
1. It looks good (cool). Lots of pretty lights.
2. It has lots of inputs, 10 to be exact. (6 unswitched, 2 switched, and 2 timed) Timed inputs are great if you have a separate amp. A timed input enables you to turn on your your electronics (preamp/TV/DVD/etc) first, and then your Amp. That reverses when you're turning your equipment off. This prevents any "pops" from going to your speakers when the electronics turn on and off. I happen to have BFD between my receiver and my sub, with the sub plugged into a timed input. The BFD turns on first, and off last. No "thumps' from the subwoofer.
3. It is a GOOD surge protector, with something like $400,000 connected equipment guarantee which gives me peace of mind.
So, to me, it's worth it. But, you can get adequate protection for a whole lot less.
Some, like our own JohnK, don't believe in surge protection at all. John's philosophy is that a lightning strike that destroys your equipment is Mother Nature's way (or God's way, depending on your religious bent) of telling you it's time to upgrade.
