Audiolab DC Block Single-Outlet Inline Power Conditioner (Silver)

One common issue with AC power is "DC over AC," a problem well known to affect the performance of audio equipment, especially amplifiers. In theory, the AC 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. However, the presence of "asymmetrical loads" – myriad household devices that use the AC energy available in the power cycle unevenly, from dimmer switches to kitchen appliances to computer power supplies – causes the waveform to become offset, resulting in the presence of DC voltage on the AC supply.

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. By blocking, or cancelling, DC voltage found within the AC mains supply, the DC Block corrects the DC offset and rebalances the AC sine wave.

The DC Block also contains a high-performance audio filtering circuit that removes RFI/EMI contaminants from the power supply. This is effective in reducing both differential-mode noise (exacerbated by inexpensive switch-mode power supplies used by many home appliances) and common-mode noise (aggravated by airborne interference from phones, Wi-Fi networks, and Bluetooth).

This combination of technologies ensures that the DC Block does more than solve the problem of transformer saturation caused by DC over your AC line; it also helps to unlock the sonic potential of any audio component to which it is connected. The noise floor drops and the sound gains greater focus, with reduced grain, improved clarity, better-defined bass, and "airier" treble.

Using the DC Block is simple – plug its output into the IEC power socket of an audio / A/V component, then connect its input to an AC outlet. The device is designed for use with a single system component – Audiolab recommends that if one DC Block is used, it should be used with the integrated amp or power amp component within your system to obtain the greatest benefit from the DC-blocking technology.