Question 1

What kind of plastic is used for the Essential Audio Tools products?

Accepted Answer

All Essential Audio Tools products are made of POM-C synthetic material.

Question 2

Why are the products made of POM-C?

Accepted Answer

POM-C, also referred to as acetal copolymer is produced using a copolymerization process. By introducing a co-monomer during the polymerization, the material exhibits enhanced toughness, improved impact resistance, great chemical resistance and exceptional vibration properties . POM-C also excels in machinability. Due to these characteristics we can ensure a consistent level of the highest quality.

Question 3

In what way is the synthetic material (POM-C), used for the casings, beneficial in comparison to metal casings used by competitors?

Accepted Answer

The POM-C used in our products is chosen because of its mechanical properties. It doesn't resonate/vibrate when it is affected by 50Hz electro-magnetic fields. These, low frequency, 50Hz electro-magnetic fields are induced by your other electronic devices. This form of energy may directly influence the distribution and quality of your mains power supply feeding your audio equipment. A metal case does provide more protection against air-born interferences. Yet, your mains supply is already affected by air-born interference because of the hundreds of meters long unshielded wires in your walls. It is much more important to filter these interferences, already present on your mains supply, than it is to block a fraction of extra air-born interference by a metal casing.

Question 4

Is grounding/earth required?

Accepted Answer

Yes, grounding/earth plays a major role in mains power supply audio equipment. Proper grounding helps to minimize the risk of electrical shock and provides a path for excess electrical current to safely dissipate. Besides that, grounding can reduce unwanted noises and interferences.

But, if there happens to be no grounding/earth, don't worry. If you were to connect a Mains Multiplier with grounded power cables to an ungrounded socket, the Mains Multipliers ensures that all earth connections of the devices end at one point (star earthing), which prevents a potential difference between the earths of the different devices. The absence of these potential differences prevents equalization currents through the shielding of the interconnects, which can only improve the sound quality.

Question 5

Which product or combination of Essential Audio Tools products would solve humming/buzzing/vibrating amplifiers?

Accepted Answer

The mains supply is different in every situation. Those mechanical/electrical noises can have different causes; earth loop, distortion on the mains, DC offset, reversed phase-neutral connections etc. The answer depends on where the noise is coming from. For instance; If the noises are coming from a (toroidal) transformer there might be a DC offset on your mains supply. We have multiple products to solve different problems, like the Mains Multiplier series, Noise Eater and DC Blocker. See their respective product pages for more information. If you have any questions feel free to contact us, or contact your local dealer.

Question 6

What is the proper length for an audio power cable?

Accepted Answer

The proper length for an audio power cable is generally advised to be as short as possible. This is due to the fact that longer power cables can result in reduced efficiency, increased resistance, and potential for electromagnetic interference, ultimately affecting the performance of your audio equipment.

Question 7

I want to reduce my cable mess, how can I do this?

Accepted Answer

To address this issue, we've designed the Current Spyder, a revolutionary mains power supply solution that can significantly reduce cable mess. The Current Spyder features multiple outlets in a compact and sleek design, allowing you to power up to three devices from a single source.

Question 8

What is the purpose of a Common Mode filter in the mains power supply?

Accepted Answer

A common mode filter in mains power supply for audio equipment serves the crucial function of reducing electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI) that can negatively impact the performance of audio devices.

Specifically, the common mode filter helps to suppress noise and unwanted signals that may be present on the mains power supply, ensuring that your audio equipment receives clean and stable power. In the end this contributes to improved audio quality, reduced system noise, and enhanced overall performance.

Question 9

What is the purpose of a Differential Mode filter in the mains power supply?

Accepted Answer

A Differential Mode filter in the mains power supply serves the purpose of removing any noise or interference that is present in the electrical supply. This filter is specifically designed to target and eliminate differential mode noise, which is the unwanted electrical noise that flows between the live and neutral conductors of the power supply.

Question 10

What is the difference between Common Mode filtering and Differential Mode filtering?

Accepted Answer

Common Mode filtering and Differential Mode filtering are both techniques used on the mains power supply to reduce electromagnetic interference in audio equipment. Common Mode filtering targets noise that appears on both the live and neutral conductors of the power supply, while Differential Mode filtering targets noise that appears between the live and neutral conductors.

Question 11

What is Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)?

Accepted Answer

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) refers to the disturbance caused by an electromagnetic field on the operation of an electronic device, such as your audio equipment. This interference can result in static, hum, or other unwanted noise in audio signals, compromising the quality of sound.

Question 12

What is Radio-Frequency Interference (RFI)?

Accepted Answer

Radio-Frequency Interference (RFI) refers to any electromagnetic disturbance that disrupts the audio signal by introducing unwanted noise or interference. This can be caused by various sources, including nearby electrical equipment, wireless devices, or even environmental factors.

Question 13

What is the difference between EMI and RFI?

Accepted Answer

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Radio-Frequency Interference (RFI) are both forms of electrical noise that can affect audio equipment. EMI is interference caused by electromagnetic fields, typically from power lines, motors, or other electrical devices. RFI, on the other hand, is interference caused by radio frequency signals, often from cell phones, radios, or other wireless devices.

Question 14

What is a Faraday cage?

Accepted Answer

A Faraday cage is a conductive enclosure designed to block electromagnetic fields. When it comes to mains power supply for audio equipment, the use of a Faraday cage is beneficial to prevent interference from external electromagnetic sources.

Question 15

Neighbouring electrical installations spread noises on the electrical circuit (around 5KHz). This noise is audible through the amplifier. What solution does Essential Audio Tools recommend in this particular case?

Accepted Answer

A Noise Eater would be the best fit to cancel this noise. It has multiple filter sections that can kill or reduce the 5KHz. Positioning the product nearby the source of the problem is important. Otherwise, place the product close to the mains supply connector of the amplifier.

Question 16

What is star-wiring?

Accepted Answer

Star-wiring refers to the method of connecting all power outlets directly to a single centralized point, rather than sharing the same neutral, live and earth wiring.

Question 17

How does star wiring benefit my audio system?

Accepted Answer

Star-wiring in your audio system helps minimize electrical interference and ground loop issues, which can degrade audio quality and introduce unwanted noise and hum. By ensuring each piece of equipment has its own dedicated power source, star-wiring helps maintain clean and consistent power delivery, resulting in improved sound quality and overall performance of your audio system.

Question 18

What is Oxygen Free Copper (OFC)?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen Free Copper (OFC) is a type of high conductivity copper that is free from oxygen, with a minimum copper content of >99.99%.

Question 19

How does Oxygen Free Copper (OFC) benefit my audio system?

Accepted Answer

OFC offers several benefits. Firstly, its high conductivity allows for the efficient transmission of your mains supply, resulting in clearer and more accurate audio reproduction. Additionally, OFC cables have lower signal loss and distortion compared to other types of copper, ensuring that the audio signal remains pristine throughout the cable. Furthermore, the absence of oxygen in OFC prevents the formation of copper oxide, which can degrade the wiring's performance over time. This means that OFC cables offer better longevity and reliability, making them a valuable investment. We prioritize the use of OFC in our products.

Question 20

Where can I purchase Essential Audio Tools products?

Accepted Answer

You can purchase Essential Audio Tools products through authorized dealers and retailers. These can be found on the websites of our distributors. For our distributor network you can click here.

Question 21

Where are the products produced?

Accepted Answer

All of our products are produced and assembled in our own factory in the Netherlands. Therefore, we can continuously monitor the quality of the entire process and ensure that every individual product produced meets our quality standard.

Question 22

How to connect my product to my audio equipment the proper way?

Accepted Answer

Our Mains Multipliers and Power Cables have a phase indication feature, simplified; a red mark. This red mark is an indicator where the phase of the product is connected. For a proper connection you need to connect the phase of your Essential Audio Tools product to the phase of your audio equipment or power outlet.

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