[iFi audio]

Thanks. The are three components on the mains block without an earth and two of them are powered by iFi iPower PSUs. The other is a router with its own switch mode PSU. So I assume none of these would be affected by the lack of earth or if the polarity was wrong.

Yes, that's true, however I'd take a look into why your PowerStation's polarity LED is red even if you reverse your Schuko plugs. You might want to take a look here:

https://support.ifi-audio.com/kb/faq.php?id=806

 

[Bard Rich]

The product's active filtering circuit will work regardless of two LEDs red, but ideally it would be good to have them green. Some components are sensitive to polarity. If it's reversed, their performance might be truncated.
[/QUO
Hi,

Im using ifi ac ipurifier in my audio system. Im experiencing polarity light turn red especially during night time, but green light during the day. It is normal? Any major problem that i should worried about. Any effect on my audio set up?. Another thing , this product is to detect noise or filtering the noise from the electricity source?
Hope you can help me on this matter

Tq
Hope you can help me on this matter.

 

[iFi audio]

Im using ifi ac ipurifier in my audio system. Im experiencing polarity light turn red especially during night time, but green light during the day. It is normal? Any major problem that i should worried about. Any effect on my audio set up?. Another thing , this product is to detect noise or filtering the noise from the electricity source?
Hope you can help me on this matter

AC iPurifier actively detects noise and cancells it by injecting its reversed form, similarly to how ANC in noise-cancelling headphones works.

As for its LEDs going red and green, AC iPurifier indicates what's going on in a particular socket it's connected to. You might want to use it in a different one and see what happens.

 

[darkarn]

Hi, I am using this surge protector: https://www.belkin.com/sg/p/P-F9G823-4M/

If I want to use the AC iPurifier with the surge protector, which slot should I use?

 

[Sebastien Chiu]

Annuled.

 

[Sebastien Chiu]

Hi, I am using this surge protector: https://www.belkin.com/sg/p/P-F9G823-4M/

If I want to use the AC iPurifier with the surge protector, which slot should I use?

Here you are, hope this helps - let me know if you have questions still after watching this!

Positioning this in-between digital/analog power supplies is best if you are only planning on using one.

 

[darkarn]

Here you are, hope this helps - let me know if you have questions still after watching this!

Positioning this in-between digital/analog power supplies is best if you are only planning on using one.

Thanks, I watched the video but am unsure about the following:
1. My surge protector is set up such that it is two rows of 4 outlets instead of one row of 6 outlets so how should I place the iPurifier such that it is between the digital and analog products? (I am unable to find any teardowns of the surge protector so I am unsure how exactly is that wired)

2, I am currently using a Schiit Eitr DDC, Schiit Modi Multibit DAC, Garage1217 Project Ember tube amp and two JBL LSR 305. Schiit products are using linear power supplies, Project Ember uses the switching power supply from Meanwell while the LSR 305 are also using their inbuilt switching power supplies.

Am I right to say that only the Schiit stuff are digital products while the rest are analog?

3. One big reason why I want to try the iPurifier is that I am encountering this "stray inductances" issue as described here: https://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/schiit-eitr-preview-thread.4729/page-40 . Basically my Eitr would turn itself off and on briefly whenever high powered stuff like computers, networking items or even just the LSR 305 are being switched on/off (even though they are placed on different circuits from the Eitr's).

Will the iPurifier be able to help with this?

 

[iFi audio]

Thanks, I watched the video but am unsure about the following:
1. My surge protector is set up such that it is two rows of 4 outlets instead of one row of 6 outlets so how should I place the iPurifier such that it is between the digital and analog products? (I am unable to find any teardowns of the surge protector so I am unsure how exactly is that wired)

2, I am currently using a Schiit Eitr DDC, Schiit Modi Multibit DAC, Garage1217 Project Ember tube amp and two JBL LSR 305. Schiit products are using linear power supplies, Project Ember uses the switching power supply from Meanwell while the LSR 305 are also using their inbuilt switching power supplies.

Am I right to say that only the Schiit stuff are digital products while the rest are analog?

3. One big reason why I want to try the iPurifier is that I am encountering this "stray inductances" issue as described here: https://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/schiit-eitr-preview-thread.4729/page-40 . Basically my Eitr would turn itself off and on briefly whenever high powered stuff like computers, networking items or even just the LSR 305 are being switched on/off (even though they are placed on different circuits from the Eitr's).

Will the iPurifier be able to help with this?

Hi there,

1. In that case I'd first ask a manufacturer of your surge protector how are its socekts set up; which is the first one and which is the last one.

2. Yes, you're right, Schiit products are digital and remaining hardware is analog.

3. It wouldn't hurt to try it, AC iPurifier was designed to actively cut and isolate noise, and also indicate whether polarities and Earth are in check.

 

[darkarn]

Hi there,

1. In that case I'd first ask a manufacturer of your surge protector how are its socekts set up; which is the first one and which is the last one.

2. Yes, you're right, Schiit products are digital and remaining hardware is analog.

3. It wouldn't hurt to try it, AC iPurifier was designed to actively cut and isolate noise, and also indicate whether polarities and Earth are in check.

Thanks, let me see how. Worse come to worse I'll start over with a surge protector that is in a row

May I know what is ifi's return policy for Singapore market? I need about 14 days at least to test out the AC iPurifier properly especially due to the nature of the issue I am trying to resolve. I am ok with overseas sellers if they can ship to Singapore reliably

 

[iFi audio]

May I know what is ifi's return policy for Singapore market? I need about 14 days at least to test out the AC iPurifier properly especially due to the nature of the issue I am trying to resolve. I am ok with overseas sellers if they can ship to Singapore reliably

The best way would be to reach your iFi dealer in Singapore and ask for local return policy. If there's none, alternately you can send us a mail here: support@ifi-audio.com

..and we'll let you know who exactly to contact in your area.

 

[Piffles]

Hello all,

I've taken a dive into ifi accessories over the past year. I started with the iDefender & iPower 5V to inject a clean power supply to my USB DAC. I was very sceptical it would do anything at all but it turned out to be the single biggest improvement I've had to my system in terms of midrange body & bass impact. Encouraged by this, I added the iPurifier 3 USB and that was another massive leap with better spacing and microdetail. That pretty much concluded my USB optimization.

So, emboldened by this experience with improved DC power, I purchased the iPurifier AC to tackle the 220V AC side of things.

Now, with this product I did not hear any difference. So I have a couple of questions to make sure I'm using it properly.

I have a dual wall socket. Once of these sockets goes to a 6 socket multiplug which powers all my audio gear, computer & screen.
I chose to insert the iPurifier AC into the multiplug, AFTER the computer/screen, BEFORE the audio gear. (BEFORE = physically closer to the input main cable of the multiplug)

1) dual wall socket
The ifi youTube video on iPurifier AC says to insert it in the first socket of the dual wall socket. The 2nd socket going to your multiplug. How do I know which one is "first", which one is "second"?
In my mind, there is no "before" or "after" in wall sockets. All the sockets connected to the same circuit breaker are in parallel (not series): they have their live terminals shunted together. Same for neutral. Same for earth. When you power an electrical device, its current comes from the main cable. The current doesn't have to go in and back out of every other electrical device that happens to be placed "before" the one in question.

2) Surge protection
Considering the above, I don't understand where the iPurifier would could power from in case of surge/short. The iPurifier may shut itself off but i don't see how that can affect neighbouring sockets as they still receive voltage/current from upstream. If that wasn't the case, then the iPurifier would be shutting off power to all the sockets in the household that happen to be downstream of where it's inserted.
- Where would the power would shut of in the case where
2a) iPurifier is inserted in wall socket
2b) iPurifier is inserted in socket of Multiplug

3) Noise reduction
Same question here. I don't see how noise can be directional? if there is noise on the line, it will affect all devices, regardless of whether they are "before" or "after" the iPurifier.

4) polarity/earth display
Am I correct in saying that, if the earth connection is not adequate, the "polarity" LED will be red even if polarity is correct?
This seems to be the case based on what I see from ifi's youTube video.

5) Does the noise reduction still work if the polarity and/or earth LEDs are/is red?

Thank you very much for your help in clarifying these points.

 

[rkt31]

I use 7 ac purifier. 2 in main socket. 5 in distribution board. Somehow I was getting bright sound in correct polarity. I reversed the polarity of all and it removed all the brightness from sound. I don't have earth connected though.

 

[iFi audio]

Hello all,

I've taken a dive into ifi accessories over the past year. I started with the iDefender & iPower 5V to inject a clean power supply to my USB DAC. I was very sceptical it would do anything at all but it turned out to be the single biggest improvement I've had to my system in terms of midrange body & bass impact. Encouraged by this, I added the iPurifier 3 USB and that was another massive leap with better spacing and microdetail. That pretty much concluded my USB optimization.

So, emboldened by this experience with improved DC power, I purchased the iPurifier AC to tackle the 220V AC side of things.

Now, with this product I did not hear any difference. So I have a couple of questions to make sure I'm using it properly.

I have a dual wall socket. Once of these sockets goes to a 6 socket multiplug which powers all my audio gear, computer & screen.
I chose to insert the iPurifier AC into the multiplug, AFTER the computer/screen, BEFORE the audio gear. (BEFORE = physically closer to the input main cable of the multiplug)

1) dual wall socket
The ifi youTube video on iPurifier AC says to insert it in the first socket of the dual wall socket. The 2nd socket going to your multiplug. How do I know which one is "first", which one is "second"?
In my mind, there is no "before" or "after" in wall sockets. All the sockets connected to the same circuit breaker are in parallel (not series): they have their live terminals shunted together. Same for neutral. Same for earth. When you power an electrical device, its current comes from the main cable. The current doesn't have to go in and back out of every other electrical device that happens to be placed "before" the one in question.

2) Surge protection
Considering the above, I don't understand where the iPurifier would could power from in case of surge/short. The iPurifier may shut itself off but i don't see how that can affect neighbouring sockets as they still receive voltage/current from upstream. If that wasn't the case, then the iPurifier would be shutting off power to all the sockets in the household that happen to be downstream of where it's inserted.
- Where would the power would shut of in the case where
2a) iPurifier is inserted in wall socket
2b) iPurifier is inserted in socket of Multiplug

3) Noise reduction
Same question here. I don't see how noise can be directional? if there is noise on the line, it will affect all devices, regardless of whether they are "before" or "after" the iPurifier.

4) polarity/earth display
Am I correct in saying that, if the earth connection is not adequate, the "polarity" LED will be red even if polarity is correct?
This seems to be the case based on what I see from ifi's youTube video.

5) Does the noise reduction still work if the polarity and/or earth LEDs are/is red?

Thank you very much for your help in clarifying these points.

Hi there,

To address your questions:

1. The place in your duplex wall outlet doesn't matter as they're equal as you've said.
2. That's a fair question. I believe that AC iPurifier's MOVs would take a hit if it were used on the first socket of your power strip. I'll double-check that.
3. We didn't say that AC iPurifier affects hardware before it. Its ANC circuit works from its place onwards and not back, but multiple AC iPurifiers are advised because their performance stacks, and separating various power supplies is also beneficial on its own.
4. Can you please first explain what the description "not adequate" stands for ?
5. Yes, it does, but I'd make sure to have these LEDs green anyway.

 

[Piffles]

@iFi audio thanks for your response.

In the meantime, I have done some serious experimenting.

RE: "not adequate" earth and both polarity and Earth LED red:
I've measured the voltage on my wall plugs. I have 229V phase to neutral, 80V earth to neutral and 140V earth to phase. In other words, my earth has 80V on it. I assume that's why both LEDs on the AC iPurifier stay permanently red.
I'm only mildly surprised. Here in Thailand, the earth is generally considered a useless extra wire that is best cut off to keep things tidy... I half expect that my building earth is buried in a concrete wall somewhere. I guess my only option is to make my own earth. Dedicated line for audio... oh dear, where am I heading?

RE: placement of the AC iPurifier, "before" and "after" considerations:
I have tried all kinds of different positions. The overall conclusion is, the higher up the chain the AC iPurifier goes, the more difference it makes. It took me a while to notice the difference, but now that I know what to listen for, it's obvious. With the AC iPurifier in, the mids become less shouty and more relaxed, the bass tightens up and is more impactful and there is more detail in the treble. It's the same kind of improvement as iPower 5V for my USB but much subtler.
However, the treble had this weird metallic, fatiguing quality to it. I removed the AC iPurifier and ended up prefering the sound without it, despite the slight loss of detail.

That got me thinking - this electrical noise affair is no delusion. The higher up I move the iPurifier, the more I filter, the more difference it makes. So, I thought, instead of filtering noise, let's try removing it.
I already knew removing my printer from my computer improved the sound. I had assumed that was because its power cable went right passed the USB audio connector.
I looked around on my desk seaching for anything else that used 220V AC. It was staring right back at me: the screen.

I unplugged the screen's power cable...
I instantly got this widening of the sound, tighter bass, more detail, but this time without the metallic harshness in the highs.
Added bonus: with the screen off, I'm forced to focus on the music. No messing around surfing the net. I've added some keyboard shortcuts in foobar so I can still skip tracks.

Conclusion:
Step 1 - I interpret all this as the AC iPurifier is doing its best and is removing some noise and also a small amount of signal. The sound therefore tends towards being less noisy. However, this is not a match for actually removing the noise in the first place. So I'm not going to be using the AC iPurifier in the foreseeable future but I'm still glad I got it for the learning process it has been. And, while not exactly dirt cheap, the experiment didn't break the bank.
Step 2 - I'm starting to understand the utility of these Music Servers and Music Streamers. They are turn-key solutions to this electrical noise reduction process that I'm going through. But it would kill all the fun.
Step 3 - I'll try unplugging the LAN cable next. That also goes to a router with a SMPS. After that, I'm going to have to ask everyone is the house to switch off all their devices whenever I listen to music, including the Wifi, and possibly wrap myself in tin foil...

 

[iFi audio]

That also goes to a router with a SMPS.

That's probably why many people use linear PSUs for their routers and switches, or REALLY silent switching PSUs, like ours