iFi’s new PowerStation mains block uses Active Noise Cancellation to deliver a whole-system clean-power solution for audio/AV systems.

The PowerStation is the latest addition to iFi’s collection of performance enhancing audio products, a six-way mains block that ensures any audio or AV system is supplied with clean, consistent electricity.

Mains Purity

Every audio system can be tainted by poor mains quality and the problem is often particularly acute for those living in towns and cities. Mains purity is further eroded by the abundance of cheap switch-mode power supplies in typical household appliances, and the sea of RFI/EMI in which we are constantly bathed. The signals that move loudspeaker drive units are electrical; if the ‘unrefined fuel’ from which these signals are formed, electricity drawn from the mains, is corrupted, the negative impact on sound quality is inevitable. iFi manufactures a number of products that reduce ‘noise’ (distortion) in incoming electrical power, both directly from the mains or via USB ports, but the PowerStation is the first to offer the company’s proprietary Active Noise Cancellation in a whole-system, six-outlet mains solution.

PowerStation

The PowerStation’s core performance–enhancing technology is Active Noise Cancellation II, the latest version of iFi’s proprietary noise-busting tech. Most power ‘conditioning’ products engage passive noise reduction through a selection of filters and regulators. iFi’s active system uses inverse noise current to cancel out the noise in the mains signal. The way this works is not unlike the technology in noise-cancelling headphones.

Active Noise Cancellation II

iFi say that their Active Noise Cancellation II is effective in reducing noise consistently across the entire frequency spectrum, by approximately -40dB. This is coupled to additional passive filtering on each outlet to eradicate noise at the very highest frequencies, typically caused by wireless transmission systems. The result, say iFi, is an affordable mains bar that delivers effective reduction of both differential mode noise (caused by conventional switch-mode power supplies, for example) and common mode noise (including interference caused by Wi-Fi and Bluetooth).

Spikes And Surges

The PowerStation’s smart diagnostics system helps to avoid potential issues by indicating both correct polarity and whether the system has a ground/earth in place. The lack of an effective earth can cause an audible buzz or hum through the speakers, resulting from amplified low-level mains noise; this can be rectified by attaching an optional ground cable into Power Station’s earth socket. iFi calls this circuit Intelligent Ground because it will not create a ground loop (a common cause of buzz or hum) even if the system is already earthed. The PowerStation also guards the connected equipment from spikes and surges in the mains supply. Instantaneous and repeatable protection ensures that damage will not occur as a result of power fluctuations, providing valuable peace of mind. If the protection circuit is triggered, the PowerStation will only reboot once it is absolutely safe to do so.

The PowerStation’s case is solidly constructed from dark anodised aluminium.  Inside, each of the six mains outlets is independently isolated in its own chamber to prevent differential mode cross-contamination, with the addition of strategically placed EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) to damp vibrations.

PurCopper, a form of 99.9999 per cent pure OFHC (Oxygen-Free High-Conductivity) continuous-cast Copper, is used extensively for its superior conductivity. This includes heavy-gauge internal wiring with multi-layered polymer insulation, solid PurCopper busbars and the conductive elements of the AC outlets themselves. Available from August with a choice of four outlet types to suit the UK, EU, USA/Japan and Australia, at an RRP of £499 inc. VAT.

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