iFi Audio DC Blocker - Transformer Hum Eliminator

iFi Audio DC Blocker

If one of your audio components suffers from an irritating transformer hum, then the DC Blocker is the perfect product for you. By intelligently blocking DC voltage greater than 1,000mV (the main cause of humming), the DC Blocker can eliminate the transformer hum in your equipment. The DC Blocker manages this while maintaining equipment safety and EMI shielding to ensure there are no negative side effects. Additionally, the DC Blocker can be used anywhere around the world!

Many large amplifiers have a really annoying mechanical hum (emitted from the toroidal transformer itself). You can hear it when you place your ear close or next to the chassis. This is caused by a small amount of DC voltage in the mains which makes its way through to the mains transformer, it will become ‘saturated’ and start to hum like a trooper. The DC Blocker is a clever device that you place at the IEC (at the rear power inlet) and as its name implies, it stops DC from getting into the amplifier. It therefore eliminates amplifier transformer hum.

The bigger the amplifier, usually, the larger the toroidal which is susceptible to residual DC voltage. Just add the DC Blocker at the IEC to stop DC from getting in.

Features

• ZERO DC Block technology – stops DC from getting into your amplifier and eliminates amplifier transformer hum
• High-performance glass passivated semiconductor. High-case dielectric strength of 1500VRMS. UL listed. Flame resistant IEC socket/connecter/chassis (Fireproof polymers UL94-V0)
• EMI shielding is retained
• The DC Blocker removes such DC and eliminates such mechanical transformer hum, makes the transformer operate at the optimum environment. With the DC Blocker, there is 0 DC pass through

How do I know if I need one?

If you hear audible hum inside a powered audio product, especially with a toroidal transformer inside, iFi's DC Blocker was designed to either lower or remove that noise.

How do I use it?

Insert a DC Blocker into the mains input of your equipment at the IEC power inlet. Plug the power cord into the DC Blocker. You can use a DC Blocker on each piece of equipment that has a power transformer in its power supply.

My device has a switchmode power supply, will this unit work for me?

Although the DC Blocker unit will still provide switchmode power supplies with power, there is little benefit in doing so. In a switchmode power supply the AC mains is first rectified into DC, after which a high frequency switching regulator circuit takes care of any AC or DC fluctuations on the mains.

What are the reasons for distortion (hum)?

The majority of audio electronic equipment uses a power transformer or transformers for their power supply. Mains power starts out being a pure sine wave at the power station but ends up having a lot of distortion imposed upon it by the time it reaches your equipment at home. The distortion comes from other equipment connected to the same power line and could be industrial or domestic in nature, such as pulse-width modulated electric motors (eg. vacuum cleaners, heat pumps), household heating, washing machines, phase-controlled industrial equipment in factories, light dimmers, etc.

What sort of equipment should I connect to it?

The DC Blocker is mainly designed for source equipment and amplifiers with a power transformer rating up to 500W (for 230V) or 350W (for 115V). Using equipment with a higher power rating is ok though, as any more power demanded through the DC Blocker is transferred straight to the equipment. DC blocking will still work, but to a lesser degree.

Will it negatively affect an audio product in any way?

iFi's DC Blocker was designed not to. If anything, it will improve a connected component’s sound quality due to removal of excess DC voltage.

Specifications:

• ZERO DC Block technology: Blocks incoming DC – up to 1,200mV
• Voltage rating: 90 – 240 volts
• Maximum current rating: > 10A
• Continuous current rating: 7A
• Universal IEC: Hospital-grade IEC connectors
• Dimensions: 68 x 37 x 32 mm / 2.7” x 1.5” x 1.3”
• Weight: 63g / 2.2oz
• Warranty period: 12 months

About iFi Audio

iFi Audio is an award-winning audio tech company dedicated to enhancing your music enjoyment. With a mission to improve sound quality and eliminate noise, distortion, and hiss, iFi Audio offers a wide range of products that cater to headphones, speakers, portable audio devices, phones, and TVs. By doing so, they aim to deliver studio-quality audio that allows you to experience music as the artists intended.

Since its establishment in 2012, iFi Audio has been driven by the love of music and a commitment to making a difference in people's lives. With over 50 meticulously designed and manufactured products, they ensure every detail meets their high standards. Sourcing parts from around the world, including Germany, the USA, and Japan, they bring together global expertise to create exceptional audio devices.

At the heart of iFi Audio's business are its customers. They prioritise delivering the highest quality audio wherever you are, whether in the comfort of your home or on the go. Their distribution centre in the USA serves renowned retailers such as B&H and etailz, expanding their global network and reaching more music enthusiasts.

iFi Audio takes pride in its eco-friendly practices, using recyclable materials like aluminium, paper, and recycled plastics for its products and packaging. They strictly adhere to environmental standards, ensuring their components are hazardous toxins-free.

With a focus on Class A analogue circuitry and maintaining the audio signal's integrity, iFi Audio's products offer exceptional performance without compromising environmental sustainability. They believe that how a product looks, performs, and impacts the environment all matter, and they strive to deliver audio solutions that meet these criteria.

Experience the difference of high-quality audio with iFi Audio and immerse yourself in the joy of music.