RUSS ANDREWS SIGNATURE POWERBLOCK LAUNCHED

Twenty years ago Russ Andrews first introduced their PowerBlock eight-way mains extension.

The product has undergone several upgrades and is now being relaunched as the Signature PowerBlock.

Russ Andrews Signature PowerBlock has a distinctive triangular shape

TRIANGULAR FORM FACTOR

The Signature PowerBlock retains the recognisable triangular form factor and ‘upside down’ mains sockets of the original PowerBlock. But there has been upgrades to virtually every aspect of the design, from the internal wiring to the sockets.

Russ Andrews Signature PowerBlock with mains cables

SIGNATURE SOCKETS

Starting on the exterior of the custom made UL94-V0 ABS casing, which is high impact and fire-resistant, the noticeable feature is the familiar ‘upside down’ double sockets. These are the new Russ Andrews Signature Sockets, with high-pressure, rhodium-plated, phosphor bronze copper alloy contact surfaces to provide the best possible contact between the socket and mains plug. Each socket has been manufactured to BS1363 and benefits from the Russ Andrews Process Q™ treatment.

Russ Andrews Signature PowerBlock has upside down Signature Sockets

RUSS ANDREWS SIGNATURE POWERBLOCK

Externally, the Signature PowerBlock also features an earth socket, for use with a dedicated grounding system, such as the Russ Andrews RF Router™ or SuperRouter™, and a high current 16A mains output for daisy chaining another block or for connecting an item of audio equipment. This socket can be used to connect mains filtration products, including the Russ Andrews PowerPurifier™.

The end of the Russ Andrews Signature PowerBlock

KIMBER KABLE

On the inside, a new power distribution circuit board has been custom designed, which provides an even supply of power to all sockets. Each socket is wired using Kimber Kable’s high capacity TCX cable, with twin runs of wire per socket to halve the impedance. Higher performance earth wire is used throughout and a total of 6m of cable is utilised inside each Signature PowerBlock. A MegaClamp™ spike and surge protection filter is fitted as standard and the block is connected to the mains using a high current 16A IEC input from the user’s choice of Russ Andrews mains cables, such as the new Evolution-300 and -500 PowerKords. All elements are treated with exactly the same full Process Q treatment that can be applied to all Russ Andrews and Kimber cables.

RUSS ANDREWS SIGNATURE POWERBLOCK PRICE

Price: £1,699 inc VAT.

HiFi Pig Says: Russ Andrews has upgraded one of their customers’ favourite products, but still retained the features that made it popular.

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