the silver Isotek syncro uni 10. not the prettiest bit of kit, but most effective.

Whilst we’re perennially on the lookout for hi-fi performance upgrades on your behalf (ahem), some product lines can sit in the shadows while shinier, sexier things capture our attention. Having recently changed their UK distribution partner and with a raft of new products, the lovely people at Isotek thought it high time to swing by, demonstrate some of their latest gear, and re-educate us on the theory of mains power conditioning.

First Impressions in the Demo Room

It’s no exaggeration to say we were all very impressed by the performance uplift in-store — especially when used with our current reference system: the Linn Selekt DSM Classik network audio player (currently available at a bargain price), Chord Electronics pre-power amplifiers (Ultima 3 and Ultima 5), and ATC SCM40. You might not think that such illustrious electronics would benefit from relatively modest mains conditioning products... and yet, here we are.

the isotek v5 polaris 6-way mains bar. it filters out mains noise and provides current surge protection for your hi-fi.

Giles from Isotek first installed their new V5 Polaris 6-way ‘power-cleaning mains bar’ in our demo room. This provided an immediate improvement in clarity, detail, and solidity — particularly with spatial information and lower bass register, which became much more apparent. Not more bass, but more detail in the bass.

Giles then added the Syncro Uni 10 ‘DC-cancelling system’. Wow! So much more air and space around the performers against a black background — but what struck me most was the freedom of expression. Instruments had more emotional impact, more vivacity, more joie de vivre. Vocals shone through, as if a grey veil had been removed from in front of the artistes. Quite remarkable.

So, What Is DC on the Mains?

In Isotek’s own words (far more succinct than mine…):

“So-called ‘DC on the mains’ is an increasingly common issue affecting the quality of your home’s power supply. Caused by a variety of everyday electronic devices around your home that are connected to the power grid — things like dimmer switches, hair dryers, and coffee machines — these items generally run a diode electrically in series. But it doesn’t end there: solar panels on the roof, elevators, and fast-charging stations for electric cars cause even more DC issues.
These could be in your house, your neighbourhood, or even further down the road. Strictly speaking, the problem with ‘DC on the mains’, as it is referred to, is the imbalance of the mains sine wave on the zero volts line. Technically speaking, it is not really a mains noise, but nevertheless, it’s bad power. It can cause considerable mechanical vibration within products (not only in amplifiers but in all electronics), which will dramatically affect performance.”

The Practical Impact

If any of your audio gear has a hum from inside the casework, chances are it’s caused by some DC on the line. We’ve had considerable success with Audiolab’s own £99 DC Block with many customers’ noisy equipment. They often report a modest improvement in sonic performance too, which is encouraging.

an audiolab dc blocker. a very modestly priced upgrade at £99, but in the correct circumstances, very effective.

However, the Audiolab unit should not be installed before a mains block or bar, as it cannot safely cope with higher levels of current draw — this is where the Syncro Uni 10 steps in. (Audiolab do make a multi-way unit called the DC Block 6-Way should you wish to treat multiple pieces of equipment.) Isotek also offer a heavier-duty 16-amp version of the Syncro — the Uni 16 — for systems with serious and/or multiple amplification units or subwoofers. Talking of which…

Trying It at Home

I asked Giles very nicely and took the Syncro Uni 10 home, along with an Isotek EVO3 Initium Mains Cable, to try in my two-subs-and-an-AV-amp home theatre system. Regular readers of this blog might enjoy a certain familiarity with it.

norah jones’ album ‘*come away with me*’ something of a house favourite.

Fortunately, I’ve owned a venerable Isotek GII Orion 8-way mains block since the early 2000s — still providing sterling service in my cinema rig. I installed the Syncro in front of my Orion, as recommended by Giles. To warm everything up, I played some two-channel music courtesy of Norah Jones and grinned at the immediate improvement. The soundstage was crisper, taller, and deeper — but the improvement in vocals and instrumental texture was the real USP.

stanley clarke’s track ‘*we supply*’ from his 1980 album ‘*rock, pebbles and sand*’

Bass guitars now shimmer with a glorious, fat, fruity richness — each note blooming with texture and presence. There’s a newfound sense of weight and authority, yet it never feels overblown or sluggish. Drums hit harder, sound deeper, and carry a dramatic sense of scale, with each strike landing with greater definition and intent. The overall sound is noticeably tighter, more controlled, and undeniably more three-dimensional. Spatial cues are clearer, instruments have more physicality, and timing feels locked-in — as confidently delivered by the master himself, Mr Stanley Clarke.

Home Cinema: Another Level

the 2017 period science fiction romance movie ‘*the shape of water*’ highly recommended viewing.

With film, everything is extra: extra air, extra scale, extra drama. Guillermo del Toro’s 2017 movie The Shape of Water was rendered with wonderful poise and proved stunningly beautiful.

Hoo-boy! I’m having one of these...

Thank you for reading.

Words and images by Adrian, (tea by Nic & Andy) - Audio T Swansea

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us

If you’ve enjoyed this, why not go ahead and read some more of our other blogs and be sure to follow us on our social media channels below…