Reference II
What it is:
The Reference II is a parallel RFI/EMI noise filter that can reduce and eliminate high frequency harmonic ringing residing on the AC up to 250 feet. Each filter is meticulously fine tuned and hand-crafted using audiophile-grade parts (6N copper wiring, copper foil capacitors, and lead-free silver solder).
What it does for your system:
The Reference II addresses power factor correction by bringing the power factor of an AC power circuit closer to 1 by supplying reactive power of opposite sign. The Reference II effectively cancels the inductive and capacitive effects of the load. At the same time, the Reference II filters eliminates/reduces RFI/EMI distortion and crosstalk distortion to improve signal to noise ratio and line impendence.
The Reference II increase bass definition, midrange warmth, 3-D soundstage, top/bottom detail and extension. Video benefits include increased black level and contrast, color saturation, hue, and sharpness. The Reference II is designed for the audiophile/videophile that craves tube sound on a shoestring budget.
Why it works – the science:
Linear loads are voltage fluctuations and harmonic noise that occur when any large appliance (i.e. amplifier, refrigerator, the factory down the street, etc.) are switched on or off. In a worst case scenario, reactive elements (inductance, capacitance, resistance) can interact with the system (any power supply plugged into the wall) and with each other (via the in-wall electrical wiring) to create resonant conditions (or odd harmonics) above 50/60 Hz, resulting in electrical instability and severe over-voltage/under-voltage fluctuations.
A non-linear load on a power system is typically a rectifier (such as used in a power supply), or some kind of arc discharge device (fluorescent lamp, washing machine, furnace, etc.). Because current in these appliances is interrupted by a switching action, the current contains frequency components (noise) that are multiples of the 50/60 Hz frequency. Non-linear loads change the shape of the current waveform from a sine wave to some other form. Non-linear loads create harmonic currents in addition to the original (fundamental frequency) AC current.
Typical linear components such as capacitors and inductors cannot cancel these harmonic currents, so other methods such as filters or active power factor correction are required to smooth out their current demand over each cycle of alternating current and so reduce the generated harmonic currents.
The Reference II is a meticulously designed filter bank that addresses problems in both linear and non-linear load applications within the professional and consumer environment.
Specifications:
Voltage Rating: 100 – 250 VAC, 50/60 Hz (Adapter Required)
Frequency Range: dc - 350 MHz
Plug Style: North America (NEMA)
Dimension: 4” x 2.25” x 1.5”
Average break-in time is about 4 weeks.
Price: $180.00
1 year warranty for parts and labor (normal wear). Returns are subject to a 15% restocking fee.