Audiolab DC Block 6 Direct Current Blocker

Description

DC Block 6

Mains electricity has a fundamental influence on the audio signal as it passes through a system. All the way from power source, to amplifiers and through to loudspeakers.

The mains supply in a typical home is subject to interference induced by a range of issues. This causes the AC waveform to distort before it reaches each component. This creates noise in the audio signal, which degrades sound quality. This is a situation that continues to worsen as more and more electrical devices are added to your home 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.

AC transformers commonly used in home audio equipment cannot tolerate significant levels of DC voltage without being compromised. Less than 500 mV of DC (typical in an average household electricity supply) can be sufficient to cause toroidal transformers 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 Audiolab 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.

Features

• Suitable for all audio or AV systems.
• Removes DC from AC mains supply, transformer hum, and RF interference.
• 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.
• Simplified OLED display on voltmeter with display on/off option.

Specifications

• Description: Mains filter & direct current blocker.
• Design Philosophy / Core Technology: 6 outlet, high frequency filter suppressing noise on the mains power line, Blocks DC on the mains power line, overload protection, digital voltage.
• Audio Power: Each receptacle loading 8A
• Amplifier Compatibility: Max total loading 10A
• Net Weight: 4.6 kg
• Gross Weight: 6.8 kg
• Dimensions W x D x H: 444 x 306.4 x 78.4 mm
• Carton Size W x D x H: 500 x 455 x 140 mm
• Finish: Black / Silver
• Power Requirements (depending on region): 100 – 240 V ~ 50 / 60 Hz
• Standard Accessories: 6 x IEC C13 to C14 cables, 1 x Power Cord

Full Audiolab Range Available

Unilet Sound & Vision are official retail partners for Audiolab, providing sales, advice and assistance on their entire range of high-quality audio products. Please do get in touch if you would like a demonstration or wish to purchase.

More Information

• DC Block 6, by Audiolab

Additional information

Brand

Audiolab

Formed in the early 1980s by Philip Swift and Derek Scotland, Audiolab earned worldwide acclaim with their 8000A - an integrated stereo amplifier that became a classic ‘step-up’ from the budget models of the time. During the ensuing years, the 8000A established itself as one of the most successful British amps ever produced, and was joined by a range of electronics including CD players, pre/power amps and an FM tuner.

The brand switched hands in 1997, changing its name to TAG McLaren Audio, and was so known until 2004 when Audiolab became part of IAG and returned to its original name.