Cleaner AC Power for High-Performance Hi-Fi and AV Components
The Audiolab DC Block Direct Current Blocker is designed to improve the quality of the AC power feeding a single Hi-Fi or AV component. DC voltage present on household mains can cause the toroidal transformers commonly found in amplifiers and other high-performance audio equipment to become partially saturated, potentially producing mechanical vibration and compromising power-supply performance. The DC Block addresses this problem by blocking up to 1.2 volts of DC offset and helping restore a more balanced AC waveform.
Audiolab combines its DC-blocking circuit with a high-performance audio-class mains filter designed to reduce RFI and EMI contamination before it reaches the connected component. This dual-action approach addresses both differential-mode and common-mode noise while maintaining an 8-amp maximum load capacity. Its compact single-component design makes the DC Block particularly useful for an integrated amplifier, power amplifier, source component or other compatible piece of audio equipment that would benefit from dedicated mains optimization.
Highlights & Benefits
-
Blocks Up to 1.2V of DC Offset — Helps correct DC contamination on the AC mains supply that can cause transformer saturation, mechanical vibration and compromised performance.
-
High-Frequency Mains Filtering — Integrated audio-class filtering helps suppress RFI and EMI contamination carried through the household power supply.
-
Common & Differential-Mode Noise Reduction — Addresses multiple forms of electrical interference generated by household electronics, switching power supplies and wireless devices.
-
8-Amp Maximum Load — Provides substantial current capacity for use with compatible amplifiers, source components and other Hi-Fi or AV electronics.
-
Compact Single-Component Design — A dedicated IEC input/output configuration makes it easy to add DC blocking and mains filtering to one critical component in an existing system.
Technology & Design
DC Offset Blocking Circuit — Household appliances, dimmer switches, computer power supplies and other asymmetrical electrical loads can introduce DC voltage onto the AC mains waveform. The DC Block cancels this offset and helps rebalance the positive and negative portions of the AC sine wave.
Transformer Saturation Reduction — Even relatively small amounts of DC on the mains can adversely affect large toroidal transformers. By removing this DC component before it reaches connected equipment, the DC Block helps the transformer's magnetic core operate under more appropriate conditions.
RFI/EMI Mains Filtering — Audiolab's high-frequency filtering circuit is designed to suppress electrical contamination generated by switching power supplies and other household devices while also reducing interference associated with phones, Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth and other wireless technologies.
Protected IEC Power Path — A single IEC input/output connection creates a direct power path through the DC-blocking and filtering circuitry, while integrated overload protection adds an additional safeguard for the unit.
FAQ — Audiolab DC Block
What does the Audiolab DC Block do?
The DC Block removes DC offset from the incoming AC mains supply while also filtering high-frequency RFI and EMI contamination. Audiolab specifies that it can block up to 1.2V, or 1200mV, of DC offset.
Why can DC on the mains be a problem for audio equipment?
DC voltage on an AC mains supply can cause toroidal transformers to become partially saturated. This may produce audible mechanical vibration and can prevent the transformer's power supply from operating under ideal conditions.
What is the difference between the Audiolab DC Block and DC Block 6?
The standard DC Block is designed to condition the mains supply for one component and has a single IEC input/output connection with an 8-amp maximum load. The larger DC Block 6 provides six IEC outputs for powering multiple components from one centralized unit.
Does the Audiolab DC Block filter electrical noise as well as DC offset?
Yes. In addition to its DC-blocking circuitry, the unit includes high-frequency filtering designed to reduce both differential-mode and common-mode RFI/EMI contamination on the mains supply.
Why Buy From Us
- Authorized Audiolab Dealer
- 5% Reward Points on Every Purchase
- Price Match Guarantee
- Expert Power, Amplifier and Hi-Fi System Advice
