About The Audiolab DC Block 6 Mains Filter
The Audiolab DC Block 6 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 components so even technophobes will have no trouble having the DC Block 6 up and running in no time.
Mains electricity has a fundamental influence on the audio signal as it passes through a system, from source to amplifiers to speakers. The mains supply in a typical home is subject to interference induced by a range of issues, causing the AC waveform to distort before it reaches each component. This creates noise in the audio signal, which degrades sound quality – a situation that continues to worsen with more and more electrical devices being added to the home mains supply.
DC Mains Supply: One common issue is 'DC on the mains' – a problem that is 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, with a perfectly symmetrical sine wave alternating between positive and negative phases.
DC Voltage: The AC transformers commonly used in home audio equipment cannot tolerate the presence of significant levels of DC voltage without being compromised. Less than 500mV of DC – typical in an average household electricity supply – can be sufficient to cause toroidal transformers of the kind often found in amplifiers to become saturated, which adversely affects sonic performance and may cause audible mechanical vibration.
The Audiolab DC Block 6 is a six-way solution for this all-too-common problem. By blocking, or cancelling, DC voltage found within the AC mains supply, the DC Block 6 corrects the DC offset and rebalances the mains sine wave. But tackling 'DC on the mains' is not the only benefit delivered by this dual-action device – it also contains a high-performance audio-class filtering circuit that removes RFI/EMI contaminants from the mains supply. This is effective in reducing 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).
A specialised six-way power optimisation device of such impressive efficacy, DC block 6 is available in black or silver. It comes with a full set of power cables – six IEC C14 to C13 cables to connect its outlets to the user's system components, plus a cable to plug it into the mains.
The DC Block 6 has one single mains input and offers six IEC outlets for the mains power supply of your audio system components. Perfectly sized to match most components and to easily fit into a typical hi-fi shelf/rack system, the DC Block 6 also features a front-panel voltmeter display (which can also be powered off for a more discreet placement).
Our Take
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 6 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 component size box that sells for such a reasonable price we think it's a steal. Highly recommended.
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: Mains Filter & Direct Current Blocker
- Suitable for all audio or AV systems
- Removes DC from AC mains supply, transformer hum, and RF interference
- A high frequency filter suppresses noise on the mains power line
- Provides overload protection
- Offers radical improvement in mains quality, transformer and power supply performance, and therefore sound quality
- Six independent outlets for source components; power amps, preamps, integrated amplifiers, CD players, DACs, etc.
- One single mains input connection
- Audio Power: Each receptacle loading - 8A
- Amplifier Compatibility: Max total loading - 10A
- Power Requirements (depending on region): 100-240V ~ 50/ 60Hz
- Included Accessories: 6 x IEC C13 to C14 Cables, 1 x Power Cable, User Manual
- Available Finishes: Black or Silver
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 444 x 306.4 x 78.4mm
- Net Weight: 4.6 kg
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 2 Years
Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.