Argentum Acoustics Announces PowerGrid X-8 Line Conditioner

10-Feb-03

Argentum AcousticsÆ, a division of Ultralink/XLO Products, Inc., is now shipping the PowerGridÆ X-8 line conditioner. The PowerGrid system has been created to provide both protections from harmful voltage spikes as well as clean, consistent, and ripple-free AC power to enhance the performance of audio and video components. The X-8 offers four HubbellÆ duplex hospital-grade, isolated ground outlets for premium equipment connection. The Argentum Acoustics PowerGrid X-8 comes standard with two XLOô power cables and is now shipping with a suggested retail price of $1,600.""As a long-time two-channel lover, I longed for a power product that has the attributes of the PowerGrid,"" stated Peder Beckman, Argentum Acoustics' Sales and Marketing Director. ""With the popularity of power-hungry digital video displays, the need for clean, safe, and near-zero rise time power has grown exponentially. We've taken many of the power handling concepts employed in only the most esoteric audio components and designed them into the X-8. Now home theatre enthusiasts and audiophiles can have a solid power platform for source components and high-definition displays,"" Beckman concluded.First-Stage ProtectionA fast-acting metal-oxide varistor (MOV) is the first stage in the conditioning process. The MOV chops very high power surges or spikes that could damage components. Unlike common ""Surge Protectors"" or ""Power Strips"" that fail at this task, the PowerGrid stands up to the most destructive type of attack on a system's components.Dual-Mono Design The PowerGrid acts as two line conditioners in one. Its dual-mono design allows users to isolate and physically separate analog sources from digital and noise-producing video components. Right down to the power cords, each side of the power system consists of its own internal parts and circuits.The Origins Of Noise: Common And Transverse Mode NoiseThe PowerGrid X-8 offers a solution for both of these types of noise. Common mode, or line-to-ground transients, are the most frequent type of disturbance. Common electrical noise is caused by the internal switching operations in electronic equipment (oscillators) and by turning on and off noisy equipment. The other type of disturbance is in the form of transverse or across-the-line mode. The transverse mode is the least likely to cause a problem with the equipment, but we take this extra precaution to protect your system.Common Mode Noise SolutionThe PowerGrid X-8 uses two 500 VA custom isolation transformers with electrostatic shields for common mode noise reduction. The isolation transformer has two purposes with the ""dual-mono"" design. It isolates the equipment from the power line and also isolates the noisy pieces of your system from each other. The isolation transformer has physically separate windings for the primary and secondary side. These windings are separated by the electrostatic shield, which is connected to ground. This acts to shield the common mode noise of one system from affecting another. The equipment plugged into the X-8 is therefore isolated from all of the other items plugged into your home's electrical system.Transverse Mode Noise SolutionFiltering is used to reduce the transverse mode noise. Argentum Acoustics uses the highest-quality filtering components including MillsÆ wire-wound resistors. Their non-magnetic, non-inductive construction greatly enhances frequency response. In addition, MIT MultiCapÆ RTX polystyrene capacitors are used due to their low equivalent series resistance, with the lowest dielectric absorption and dissipation factor available.The Final ConnectionThe PowerGrid X-8 uses four Hubbell duplex hospital-grade, isolated ground outlets (two for each mono section). These hospital grade plugs maintain optimum pressure on the line cord. The isolated ground is connected directly to a central grounding point in the conditioners, thus providing maximum isolation.Audible And Visual Benefits Of The PowerGrid SystemPowerGrid virtually eliminates power line pollution. But that is only the first stage of system performance enhancement for the PowerGrid. The second is stage is to present pure, consistent AC power in the broadest range of current requirements to the components' power supply sections. This then allows audio components to present their optimum frequency response and video displays to render better detail, more robust black levels, and a more consistent gray scale.Argentum Acoustics is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ultralink/XLO Products, Inc. For more information on Ultralink and their product brands, visit www.ultralinkcables.com.

Read More:
http://www.ultralinkcables.com