PLiXiR Cube 8 BAC Balanced Power Conditioner

PLiXiR Cube 8 BAC

 

The Cube 8 BAC by PLiXiR is a less expensive alternative to the flagship Elite 3000, still featuring 8 outlets and borrowing technology from the Noratel-made transformer used in the Elite series. The removal of the on/off switch reduces inherent noise and further allows the Cube 8 to deliver clean power to your hifi devices, allowing them to perform to their potential.

 

What PLiXiR say

In response to customers’ requests for a high performance and cost-effective alternative to the top-of-the-line ELITE balanced power conditioner, PLiXiR have introduced their Cube series. The Cube 8 uses a Noratel-made, audio grade balanced transformer core derived from the Elite’s XQ transformer core technology, giving it high immunity to DC voltage components on the power lines, as well as low noise. The Cube 8 will allow customers to enjoy very high quality balanced power conditioning at an affordable price.

The Cube 8, with 2280 Watts of power, is designed for full hifi (Stereo Class A/B, up to 450W into 4 ohms) and Home Theatre HT setup. It naturally reduces the incoming AC mains noise while improving the current delivery to your system. Based on a custom single winding balanced power transformer, ground loop current and noise is reduced to negligible level to equipment connected to it, making it suitable for sensitive equipment like turntable and phono stages.

Features

• 8 outlets for Hi-fi equipment use. Designed for source equipment, noise-sensitive equipment, full Hifi and Home theatre setup.
• Custom-wound Noratel made, audio grade balanced transformers
• Single-winding transformer dedicated models for 120 Vac and 230 Vac input/output, and each transformer only has a single winding for their intended application for the best performance possible
• Ground reference / Earth binding post. This is a connection to the incoming earth. It is meant for customers to connect equipment/phono stage grounding cable for hum noise reduction.
• No on/off switch (always on) for best sound quality possible. 99% of the time PLiXiR customers switch on their BAC and keep it running 24/7. The removal of the on/off switch reduces the number of connections we have to make internally and the result is a big improvement on the sound quality of the Cube BAC as a final product.

 

True balanced power can only be attained if every component along the chain is purpose-built for such transmission. Mating Plixir’s Signature Balanced Power Cable with Plixir’s Balanced AC Conditioners and Balanced DC linear power supplies, we now have a total system and solution for balanced power transmission – the world’s first fully Balanced Power Delivery system.

The new Plixir Signature BPC is custom designed from the ground up for balanced power delivery and transmission to your Hifi equipment. When used in conjunction with our Elite and Elementa BAC Balanced Power Conditioners, noise is rejected throughout the whole chain, right up to your equipment.

 

PureTone

From concept to design, the goal for PLiXiR products has been clear: the accurate and natural reproduction of PureTone.

• A violin should sound like a violin, the magical interaction between wood and string.
• A trumpet exhibiting the glorious metallic tones of the brass from which it is crafted.

Whether it’s a bright and brassy musical passage, or the sharp tones characteristic of a vocal singer, PureTone accurately and unbiasedly reproduces all the nuances in timbre – nothing more, nothing less.

PureTone is all about going back to the fundamentals of music – when music starts to convey its meaning and stir our soul, so that we begin to understand and emote with the music, no matter the system resolution. And without artificial sweeteners to smoothen and colour the sound.

This is PLiXiR's goal, the pursuit of Pure Tone.

 

BAC Power Conditioning

But first, some theory. Power conditioning and system grounding profoundly affect sound reproduction, yet are poorly understood.

What one hears from their hifi system is the conversion of energy from the AC mains to the DC power supply of our equipment, which it then draws upon to amplify the music signal.

Under ideal conditions, AC power drawn from the mains supply is a smooth, sinusoidal wave. Following this, the “perfect AC/DC converter in your equipment will output flat DC voltages.

In reality, AC mains is noisy, and this noise will leak into the DC power supply and subsequently into the audio signal that you hear. In conventional electronic circuit design, steps are taken to reduce this noise, but it remains insidious and will find its way into your system.

 

System Grounding

This is often confused with the safety earth, which is different and is meant to protect you from electric shocks in case of equipment failure. System grounding, instead, provides the zero reference voltage level for all signal and power voltage in the hifi system.

Ideally, for the best sound, the two are electrically separated, with the signal ground generated from the AC/DC converter, and the equipment casing connected to safety earth. This is because noise levels in the Earth will directly affect the system’s ground reference voltage.

In the real world, for cost and/or expediency reasons- e.g. to pass EMI/EMC regulations- the safety earth and signal ground are electrically connected. This causes earth noise to leak into signal ground and high-frequency EMI/EMC noise to leak into Earth. In this way, noise levels in the Earth are mashed together in a complex web in a modern-day hifi system, creating noise loops that affect the sound quality of the system in a big way. This is why grounding and earthing products are becoming more and more important.

 

PLiXiR Balanced AC Power Conditioners

Because power and grounding have such a profound influence on sound, we are determined to solve the issues of power delivery and grounding of the equipment naturally and organically in accordance with our Pure Tone philosophy.

The PLiXiR range of Balanced AC power conditioners provides fundamental grounding solutions to your system while naturally lowering down the system noise floor to allow even more harmonics to come forth, without sacrificing dynamics. Most importantly the tonal structure will be intact and improved, not shifted.

Balanced Transformer Design

Our solution employs a balanced transformer design to solve all these power issues naturally and elegantly. Mains AC noise is reduced by the isolating nature of the transformer, enhanced by the balanced design, which increases the common mode noise rejection. At the same, the balanced design elegantly places its output’s live and neutral voltage at equal and opposite potential to the earth. Thus the earth now becomes a true null point and equipment powered with it will contribute very little leakage current and noise to the Eart, from their power supply sources. As mentioned earlier, safety earth and system ground are now inter-related, which also means less system ground pollution from the power supply side. Thus the balanced winding nature of the transformer is the key.

Power Delivery

In traditional non-balanced power delivery, noise from the equipment and mains leak to earth, polluting every chain in the system. In PLiXiR Balanced delivery, noise from live and neutral are out of phase to each other and cancels off at the earth point.

Transformer

It is not easy to wind a truly balanced power transformer, however. PLiXiR are delighted to work with Noratel, the premier audio transformer manufacturer. Besides being truly bifilar and balanced in design across their whole range and models, Noratel’s transformers also have unique design features which enhance noise rejection and current delivery into load, to gain better dynamics and transient attack.

PLiXiR spec their design to only have one set of winding per transformer. They do not cater for multi-voltages in one transformer. Often this method is used to save cost so that one can use a single model for all variants and thus enjoy greater economy of scale. However, this method of design unnecessarily complicates the transformer and introduces noise to the system. Their spec is, thus, performance first.

 

Specification

• Voltage- Input 220~240Vac to output 220~240Vac balanced 50hz, 10Amps peak continuous current delivery.
• Idle power consumption- Less than 1.5% of Max power.
• Weight- 30 kg
• Dimensions (in mm)- 240 x 270 x 245
• Casing Finish- Black anodized, sandblasted aluminium

 

About PLiXiR Power

Plixir Power is a leading provider of high-quality audio industry power supplies and accessories. With a focus on delivering clean and reliable power to enhance audio performance, Plixir Power has gained recognition for its innovative solutions and commitment to quality.

Established as a passion project in 2014 by James Soh, the founder and engineer behind Sound Affairs, Plixir Power emerged as a response to power's critical role in audio systems. James, a seasoned professional with a background in audio-digital electronics design, recognised the profound influence of power on hi-fi equipment performance. Inspired by his extensive experience and knowledge, James set out to design power products that would optimise the performance of audio systems.

At the core of Plixir Power's product lineup are the popular Plixir Elite BDC and Plixir Elite BAC power supplies. These carefully engineered power supplies provide a solid foundation for audio systems, delivering clean, stable power to unleash the full potential of hi-fi equipment. With their neutral, natural, and pure tone, Plixir Elite power supplies are designed to allow your equipment to perform at its best, ensuring a truly immersive listening experience.

In addition to power supplies, Plixir Power offers a range of power cables designed to maximise the performance of audio systems. The Plixir Statement and Plixir Elementa Power Cables utilise high-quality materials and advanced construction techniques to minimise interference and deliver optimal power transmission. These power cables are designed to balance flexibility, durability, and superior audio performance.

At Plixir Power, the philosophy is rooted in effective engineering principles. James believes that the best solutions are often the simplest, and this principle guides the design and development of Plixir Power products. One key aspect of Plixir's approach is the focus on balanced power delivery, which has been proven to offer significant improvements in audio performance. Plixir Power is dedicated to promoting the use of true balanced power solutions in home hi-fi systems, ensuring a solid and stable power foundation for audio equipment to thrive.

The Plixir Elite range of balanced AC power products exemplifies Plixir Power's commitment to excellence. These products are created without compromises, utilising the finest commercially available components to create a no-object, cost-no-object solution. Plixir Power is proud to be the first company in the world to offer a complete balanced power delivery system, including balanced AC power conditioners, balanced power cables, and balanced DC power supplies.

As Plixir Power continues to push the boundaries of power delivery in audio systems, customers can expect to introduce more innovative products based on effective, balanced power delivery. Plixir Power's mission is to provide audio enthusiasts with the tools they need to unlock the true potential of their hi-fi systems, delivering pristine power for unparalleled audio performance.

Experience the transformative power of Plixir Power and elevate your audio system to new heights. Explore the range of Plixir Elite BDC and Plixir Elite BAC power supplies, along with the exceptional Plixir Statement and Plixir Elementa Power Cables, and discover a new level of audio clarity, dynamics, and musicality.