I will be buying a new ballast and light set soon. My garden has outgrown my 430 watt hydrofarm HPS system (cant complain though its a good system for a small garden). I'm looking at getting a 600 watt system to run along side with it. What are the main differences between the magnetic and digital ballasts? Is one more reliable than the other? A brief scan through amazon and I see several ballasts in the $100-$150 range and then others in the $200-$250 range. I assume like everything else in life you get what you pay for...are there any systems made in the USA as I wouldn't mind spending extra to keep my neighbors employed.
Digital are said to be slightly more efficient and run cooler plus will usually run mh or hps. Magentic are said to be more reliable but put out more heat and draw more power. I have had both, and have no preference.