We’ve hit the lab again! This time to see what parallel filters can do for our delicate audio systems. We take a Kemp SNS plug, an Isotek Isoplug and for comparison a serial filter with a toroidal transformer. As a bonus, we also take a realistic noise source.
This is the fourth video in the spontaneously created Alpha Labs series. We previously measured “full fleged” filters on a speaker output. Now it’s the turn of a pair of parallel filters. What do these little filters do? Are they even useful? We walk through it all in the video below. Have fun watching!
Hello Jaap, thanks for these measurements! Impressive! I think powernet filters will always be difficult and a matter of taste. I mean every cable or component you add to a system will have some impact, signature or whatever. I once had a pretty complex system and nowadays I have a pretty simple system. An integrated amp, a Dac and loudspeakers. Tuning the system is more easy in terms of logical thinking, but more difficult because there are less parameters to play with. When adding a filter in series with the system I also add an extra power cord, some contact resistance and the components of the filter itself. When it’s connected you’re done… enjoy the ride! With parallel filters I think you have more control and less signature at least in my opinion. Sometimes I think my bass is too strong and I have the possibility of removing one parallel filter to solve the problem. My experience with parallel filters is that 60% of the effect is audible instantly and +/- 40% takes a few hours up to one day. Of course the noise is canceled instantly, but it seems the equipment must settle itself to the new noise levels (like a short break in time).
Can we make up for these measurements that parallel filters bring good value for the price? I mean they are flexible because some systems only need little help in their environment and other systems need more. It seems this can be reached with more plugs. With one plug the impact began just above 10Khz and if I’m right with the second it already started at 7 or 8Khz?
Hallo Jaap, dat was zeer verhelderend. Bedankt voor de test en wat mij betreft hoop ik dat je door gaat met dit soort testen. Dat maakt Alpha-audio zo leuk en anders dan de standaard audio magazine’s waar alleen maar hifi apparatuur getest wordt. Hier hoor en zie je de verschillen.