IsoTek V5 Aquarius 6-way (2/4) mains filter

IsoTek's iconic Aquarius power-cleaning system has been drastically improved and has undergone a bold restyling. The V5 model is not only state of the art in terms of design — it looks as if it has been carved from a single block of aluminium — but also uses the latest technical innovations from a market-leading specialist in power supply systems for audio and AV.

The V5 Aquarius is an innovative power-cleaning and distribution system 450mm wide, 350mm deep and 110mm high. It has 6 independent power-cleaning circuits, each with its own dedicated power-cleaning network, so Aquarius consists of six power cleaners in one housing. Both differential- and common-mode mains noise are enormously reduced. Cross-contamination of connected components is also limited thanks to the multiple mains-cleaning stages for each socket. Most mains filters join outlets together, with each filter working in series. This is not ideal, as cross-contamination by differential-mode mains noise arising from your connected electronics will occur from one outlet to another.

The electrical architecture and design of Aquarius are of a very high standard. The PCB design and topology have been revised, offering a 35% improvement in current capacity and reduced resistance. Unique critical (custom-made) components have better overall tolerances with improved inductance and current handling. The new circuit offers twice the inductance with 40% more current, leading to a more open soundstage, micro-dynamics and detail with more immediate timing. The DCR (Direct Current Resistance) has been drastically improved throughout the design. Part of IsoTek's aim is to lower the DCR to bring performance closer to the zero-Ohm ideal. The V5 Aquarius is improved by at least 25% compared with its predecessor.

Thanks to these technological improvements, the V5 Aquarius delivers absolute power and unrestricted current delivery within the limits of what the energy company can supply and the permitted regulations.

The V5 design has two 16 A high-current outlets, delivering 3,680 W at 230 V or 1,840 W at 115 V. These are suitable for power amplifiers, active loudspeakers or subwoofers. The four remaining 6 amp medium-current outlets are designed for source components and feature IsoTek's unique Adaptive Gating© technology. This technology automatically detects the connected load to deliver the optimal clean power based on the power demand.

The thermomagnetic system is a considerable improvement over a standard ordinary fuse because of its contact area. Because of its electrical function, a standard fuse has to have a very thin wire, which also applies to the expensive gold-plated audiophile versions. IsoTek's thermomagnetic fuse system, however, provides a contact area at least 1,000 times larger than that of a standard fuse, and therefore a consistently powerful connection.

KERP © (Kirchhoff's Equal Resistance Path) ensures equal resistance and equal current delivery to all outlets. The internal wiring is of the highest quality. It consists of a high-purity core of Ohno Continuous Cast solid silver-plated copper strands, which also offers low resistance at high current. A helix of fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) is then wound around the conductor, before an extruded FEP dielectric protects the conductor, creating a virtual dielectric of air (VDA). This construction delivers unrivalled performance and provides an ultimate internal power delivery system with very low resistance and extremely high performance. In addition, surge protection of 81,000 A is provided, protecting valuable equipment via IsoTek's unique sequential and repeatable protection system.

The internal wiring of IsoTek products works in synergy with the range of IsoTek power cables. An important but often overlooked aspect is maintaining commonality of design and material properties across cable looms. This applies both to signal-carrying cables and to the power cable network.

The V5 Aquarius also includes a System Link outlet, designed to connect several units together so that a common ground reference is maintained and multiple wall sockets are not needed.

V5 Aquarius is a high-quality design, extremely functional and an excellent upgrade for a complete audio system. IsoTek's award-winning Premier power cable is also included.

• Suitable for all audio and AV systems

• RFI reduction 60dB

• 6 optimised power-cleaning circuits to effectively remove common- and differential-mode mains noise

• 4 independent outlets for source components (6A)

• 2 independent high-current outlets for power amplifiers, active subwoofers, active loudspeakers, etc. (16A)

• Easy-to-reset thermomagnetic fuse system

• 81,000A instant protection, 40,000A continuous

• Fully star-grounded network

• Internal wiring of solid silver-plated Ohno Continuous Cast copper core with FEP virtual air dielectric

• SYSTEM LINK socket for extending the outlets while maintaining a star-grounded reference

• Supplied with IsoTek EVO3 PREMIER POWER CABLE

• UK, EU, US, AU & CH outlets available

Would you like to hear this first? In our two listening rooms on Hoenderstraat in Maastricht, each with its own acoustics, we will set up the system for you. Make an appointment or call 043-7370028 — we are happy to help you find the right choice and the right placement.