PS Audio Introduces Multiwave: A Breakthrough A/V-Enhancing Power Technology

New Technique Uses Re-Invented Sine Wave To Boost Performance Of Audio And Video Systems Through Power Plant Line Of Personal AC Generators

14-Jul-00

PS Audio, for over 25 years a specialist in developing superb high-performance audio and video components at reasonable prices, announces the introduction of Multiwave technology, a performance-enhancing breakthrough in providing AC power optimized to help users get the most out of their audio and video systems and components.The patented Multiwave technology ingeniously uses simultaneous multiple waveforms, embodied in a unique library of Multiwave patterns, to coax top performance from connected products. Multiwave technology also gives users - for the first time - the ability to dial-in, or customize, both the level and quality of AC power appropriate for their own home entertainment systems.The first application of Multiwave technology will appear in PS Audioís innovative Power Plant line of personal AC generators. Available as an optional feature for all Power Plant models, Multiwave can be installed at the factory by PS Audio or later, by Power Plant customers, with an easy-to-use upgrade kit. PS Audio Power Plants improve the audio and video performance of home entertainment systems by generating pure, regulated AC line voltage that is significantly cleaner than the AC voltage provided by standard electrical wall outlets. Power Plants eliminate the noise, voltage fluctuations and distortions typically present in AC line voltage, while providing superior protection from surges and spikes. Current models include the P300, designed to power all low-level products up to 300 watts, and the P600, which is designed for small- to medium-sized power amplifiers up to 600 watts.Multiwave technology adds to these capabilities by increasing the Power Plantsí efficiency and flexibility, especially when operating at higher frequencies. Moreover, Multiwave technology, apart from its initial availability as a Power Plant upgrade, also holds great promise for continuing improvements in audio and home theatre system performance.What Is Multiwave?Multiwave technology includes a new methodology for addressing the power needs of A/V products as well as a library of waveform patterns created to implement this new approach. The technology is based on more than a year of research by PS Audio CEO Paul McGowan and Doug Goldberg, an engineer currently serving as a project manager for Northrop Grumman Aerospace Defense Systems Group.In developing Multiwave, Goldberg and McGowan took another look at the technology that went into the Power Plant, which delivers a pure remanufactured AC sine wave, a sine wave better than what comes out of a wall socket. In doing so, Goldberg and McGowan effectively reinvented the single sine wave. First, they embarked on a search for the best possible waveform acceptable to the type of power transformers typically used by stereo and video components. Such transformers cannot handle a perfect waveform, which is actually square, because a square wave is full of higher order frequencies beyond their capabilities.A lengthy process of experimentation led Goldberg and McGowan to focus on compound waveforms that embodied the benefits of multiple frequencies. Their first successful Multiwave pattern, installed in a P300 Power Plant, used a unique combination of frequencies at 60Hz and 120Hz. The results were most encouraging and included a stronger bass, better soundstage, and a more powerful tonal balance.A Multiwave pattern consisting of 50 and 120Hz frequencies yielded an even better bottom end with no sacrifice at all on the top end. Continuing experiments led to the development of a growing repertory of Multiwave patterns. One that proved surprisingly effective uses 120Hz and 120Hz frequencies?not combined into a 240Hz frequency, but as two separate 120Hz waveforms. It delivered the best sound yet, and a clear demonstration that Multiwave technology worked.The Multiwave SecretThe secret of Multiwave is in the nature of the power supply itís intended to feed. Power supplies are integrators, or filters; they take in a frequency, and integrate it to DC. PS Audio discovered itís possible to get the benefits of a composite frequency by stacking the frequencies, creating what PS Audio calls Sequential Frequency Multiwaves, SFM for short. One frequency followed by another and another delivers the same response as multiple frequencies, but without the drawbacks.PS Audio also learned that different A/V systems and products respond better to some Multiwave patterns than others. One that works especially well employs a partially square sine wave with a broader peak that allows power supply capacitors to use more energy over a longer period of time to charge. This reduces power supply ripple, and significantly enhances audio and video performance. This type of pattern is called Partial Square Multiwave, PSM for short, and is actually the most significant waveform of them all.Which Pattern For Your System?Most A/V systems work best with the partial square wave pattern first, followed by the 120Hz + 120Hz + 50Hz pattern. But Power Plant users who select or upgrade to the Multiwave option receive all 10 Multiwave patterns now available. These include the patterns noted above, three partial square wave patterns, several unique waveforms that randomly vary between different frequency combinations, as well as 15 original pure sine waves. Users can select the Multiwave pattern that best enhances the sound or video of their system.Multiwave technology also lets users select any regulated output voltage they wish from 100 to 120 volts, or 200 to 240 volts in one-volt steps, a feature thatís extremely valuable to overseas customers and domestic customers who require a specific voltage.How To Get Multiwave TechnologyMultiwave technology is available exclusively as a Power Plant optional feature. It can be factory-installed in new Power Plants or installed at home by current Power Plant owners with an easy-to-use upgrade kit. Installation takes 15 minutes and simply involves replacing one integrated circuit and one socketed PC board. Crystal clear instructions are provided.The cost of Multiwave is $250, whether installed at the factory or at home. Technical support is free, as is shipping via FEDEX for upgrade kits ordered over the Internet. Upgrade kits, for customers who install their own, come with a full 30-day in-home trial period and money-back guarantee. The kits can be ordered by phoning PS Audio at its toll free numbers: 877 772 8340 in the U.S. and 720 406 8946 outside the U.S.PS Audio Power Plants are distributed through PS Audioís growing network of dealers and distributors and directly to customers through e-commerce and telephone sales. All Power Plants also come with a full 30-day in-home trial period and money-back guarantee. PS audio believes customers are best served when they can take the unit home and use it for up to 30 days in a system.