This is a product that can support your audio system in two
very different ways! Firstly, it’s a very solidly made equipment support that
can handle loads of up to 45kg. Secondly, it incorporates a mains conditioner
unit that provides filtered and conditioner power to whatever sits on top of
it.
PS Audio
The aim of the Power Base is to solve both physical and
mains-borne interference in a single unit. It takes a different approach to
vibration control by engineering a holistic multi-tiered system that includes
both vibration dissipation and masking. The first subsystem consists of stiff,
adjustable sorb ethane feet that are attached to a specially damped 16-gauge
steel and aluminum bottom chassis that forms the first level of energy
dissipation in the system. Mounted inside the base chassis is the second
subsystem, formed from soft sorb ethane feet supporting a 9kg damped,
6.4mm-thick steel floating platform that your equipment sits on. This
combination of a soft suspension with a high-mass floating platform coupled to
a stiff suspension lower-mass body forms a broad spectrum mechanical energy
dissipation system that is claimed to be extremely effective at reducing
induced vibrations from external sources, such as loudspeakers.
In the air tonight
In addition, the Power Base addresses airborne vibrations by
employing masking techniques similar to dither. Masking is a simple system of
adding back-randomized noise in much the same way that room diffusors work. The
system is engineered to couple the diffused mechanical energy of the platform
back into equipment, thus helping mask any airborne vibrations picked up by the
stereo system.
The aim of the
Power Base is to solve both physical and mains-borne interference in a single unit
The Power Base also contains a mains conditioner, which has
been built to not only handle the electrical power that it has to carry, but
also have the physical properties to withstand vibrations and not induce any
resonances itself. PS Audio notes that AC power problems are inherent in both
the wall voltage as well as the equipment itself and so its engineers have
designed a new low impedance passive common and differential mode filter that
is built into the Power Base. Using large core magnetics and heavy gauge
oxygen-free copper windings, PS Audio quotes that reductions of power line
noise greater than 40dB can be achieved. The Power Base works at any AC voltage
ranging from 90 to 270V at 50 or 60Hz. The dimensions are 432mm x 356mm x 64mm.
Although the Power Base itself is fitted with an IEC
connector for the input power, it has two US three-pin sockets fitted for the
output power, as the thickness of the support is not deep enough to permit UK
mains sockets to be installed. Instead, the Power Base is supplied with two
power leads: a short and a long US plug to IEC connector lead, which will be
suitable for most audio equipment.
My first impression when I lift the Power Base from the box
is that it weighs a ton – well, 12.2Kg! In place underneath my turntable I
connect up the power leads and listen to a wide range of records that I have
previously auditioned before fitting the support. I feel that there is an
improvement in clarity and openness to music. The background is blacker and
vocals seem to stand out further from the background. When I play Don’t Misunderstand
by Thelma Houston on my Sheffield Labs-2 direct to disc recording, all of the
excitement of a live performance that is inherent in the format is very
apparent. The excellent imaging places the performers in their correct
locations within my listening room. However, I do have a little niggle that the
dynamic range feels a teeny-bit restrained with some recordings, although this
is a very minor sensation.
I have the Power!
Next I use the Power Base to support and power my Prima Luna
Pro Logue eight-valve CD player. When I play my recording of Vivaldi Violin
Concertos Op.6 by The Academy of Ancient Music on Decca 455 653-2, I once again
consider imaging to have benefitted from the presence of the Power Base.
The excellent
imaging places the performers in their correct locations within my listening
room
This is certainly worth an audition with your system and the
top black, mirror-polished surface is protected with a plastic cover to enable
the purchaser to evaluate the unit without risk of damaging the surface, which
is a nice touch! Overall the Power Base provides further refinements to the
sound from my system, which are most noticeable when used with my record deck.
Details
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Price: $1,418.40
·
Website: www.signaturesystems.com
·
Our verdict: 4/5
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Technical
specs
·
Weight: 25 lbs
·
Dimensions: 14" D × 17" W × 2.5" H
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Dual isolation system
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Massive (20 pound) floating equipment platform with
built-in power conditioning
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Dual sets of tuned Sorbothane supports
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Perfect for virtually any component: Turntables, preamps,
sources, poweramps, even Power Plants
·
40 dB rejection of common and differential mode noise
·
Supports up to 100 pounds
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Isolates and distributes power for up to 2 pieces of equipment
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Remarkable improvement in sound quality
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