Audiolab DC Block Mains Filter
The Audiolab DC Block mains filter is a great way to improve the sound of your system without spending much money. Installation is as simple as plugging it into the mains and then your amplifier so even technophobes will have no trouble having this little puppy up and running in less than a minute.
Audiolab's DC Block promises to remove RFI/EMI whilst banishing 'DC on the mains' to deliver pure, rebalanced power to audio and AV system components. Audiolab's DC Block is the company's first product designed to improve the quality of AC electricity we feed our audio and AV systems.
Mains electricity has a fundamental influence on the audio signal as it passes through a system, from source to amp to speakers. The mains supply in a typical dwelling is subject to interference induced by a range of issues, causing the AC waveform to distort before it reaches each component which can create noise in the audio signal and degrade sound quality.
One common issue is 'DC on the mains' – a problem well known to affect the performance of audio equipment, especially amplifiers. In theory, the mains electricity we obtain from the sockets in our homes should be pure AC; however, we're told that the presence of 'asymmetrical loads' causes the waveform to become offset, resulting in DC voltage on the AC supply.
This is where the DC Block comes in. By blocking or cancelling DC voltage found within the AC mains supply, the unit corrects the DC offset and rebalances the mains sine wave.
Additionally, this dual-action device is said to boast a high-performance audio class filtering circuit that removes RFI/EMI contaminants from the mains supply. This reduces both differential-mode noise (exacerbated by cheap switch-mode power supplies used by many home appliances) and common-mode noise (aggravated by airborne interference from phones, Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth).
The Audiolab DC Blocker helps to unlock the sonic potential of any audio component to which it is connected. You can expect the noise floor to drop and the sound to gain greater focus, with reduced grain, improved clarity, better-defined bass and 'airier' treble.
The device is designed for use with a single audio or AV system component. Audiolab recommends that it should be used with the integrated amp or power amp component within your system to obtain the most significant benefit.
About Power Conditioners: Power conditioners block AC waveform distortions (known as DC on the mains) from interfering with the signal quality of audio electronics. In addition, they also remove both radio frequency and electromagnetic interference, significantly reducing noise distortion to increase music quality.
Less Noise, More Music: Bang for buck, power conditioning is the single best sonic improvement you'll ever make. With stronger detail, greater dynamics, and precision imaging, DC Block is uniquely designed to ensure you hear much more for a lot less.
Finding The Flow: DC Block purifies the AC power flow within your electronics by filtering the contaminates caused by home appliances on your mains. This reduces signal noise to improve audio clarity, and the results are breath taking.
A Listening Transformation: DC Block blocks the uneven use of AC energy by home appliances commonly referred to as 'DC on the mains'. Plugged into your amplifier, the net result is improved transformer power capacity, reduced mechanical vibration and acoustic hum.
Secrets In The Source: While inferior cables act like antennas for RF noise, DC Block filters unwanted signal noise from surrounding Bluetooth and Wi-Fi products. Because the only frequencies you want to hear are the rich, detailed ones from your favourite audio source.
Small On Size, Big On Sound: Available in Audiolab's 6000 Series silver or black, DC Block is wrapped in a clean, discrete aluminium chassis at just 140 x 113 x 59mm. This means you're unlikely to notice the component, but you damn sure will notice the sound
Our Take On The Audiolab DC Block
Here at Audio Trends we know mains power conditioning works and works well. That's why we sell Isotek products and why almost all our staff use their cables and mains conditioners in our systems at home. The main deterrent has always been cost, as a full Isotek solution can run into the thousands. That's why we are so happy to welcome the Audiolab DC Block to our family of mains conditioning products. At the price, there is absolutely nothing that can touch it. Even if it were twice the price we would be happy to recommend it. And boy does it work. We had a sit down to test it when it came in and we were shocked by the improvement it made to the tone and clarity in the midrange, the blackness of backgrounds and the increase in rhythmic drive & dynamics, all from a little box that sells for so little we think it's a steal, an absolute steal. Recommended? Absoruckingflutely!
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: Mains Filter & DC Blocker
- Power Requirements: 100-240V
- Maximum Peak Load: 600VA
- Amplifier Power Compatibility: Up to 2 x 150W or 1 x 300W
- In The Box: 1 x Audiolab DC Block, 1 x IEC C13 Mains Cable (to provide power from the wall socket to the DC Block), 1 x IEC C14 to C13 Jumper Cable (to provide power from the DC Block to the component)
- Available Finishes: Black & Silver
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 113 x 59 x 140mm
- Weight: 0.7kg
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 2 Years
Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.