audioplan PowerPlant 100 S5

audioplan PowerPlant 100 S5 | Network disconnection of A/V components

The PowerPlant is used to disconnect individual devices from the mains that emit high-frequency interference into the mains or are particularly sensitive to mains interference.
The unique design of the PowerPlant, with its multiple nested windings, numerous shields and specially manufactured and tuned filter modules, results in high reverse attenuation. This means that not only mains interference coming from the mains is filtered out, but also interference running from the filtered device towards the mains.

This makes the PowerPlant ideal for use with digital devices. These devices emit high-frequency interference into the mains, which in turn has a negative effect on the sound quality of other devices in the system. Phono stages and analogue drives also benefit exceptionally from separate filtering using PowerPlant. In addition, PowerPlant filters all DC components from the mains power supply automatically and without additional electronics that could affect the sound.
To prevent interference from entering via the earth cable while still allowing it to be diverted away from the device, the earth connection in PowerPlant is gently filtered.

New features of the PowerPlant100S5 are a mains switch and a IEC connector for the mains cable. Both are integrated into the overall design in such a way that the additional components do not result in any deterioration in sound quality. This means that the quality and length of the power cable can be changed at any time and the power consumption of the PowerPlant100S5 can be reduced to zero in standby mode.

In addition, we have revised the filter isolation transformer and the encapsulation based on our experience with the latest PowerPlant1500U3 generation. In fact, "small details" such as avoiding resonances in the laminated core or air gaps and optimising the packing density play a clearly discernible role in the sound. The encapsulation is not just a mechanical damping measure either. Its electrical properties in terms of capacity and losses play an important role and influence the sound quality. After a long search and many attempts, I found a material and modified it with additives in such a way that significant advantages over the previous material could be achieved. The sound becomes freer and smoother, more differentiated, more dynamic and richer in detail. This allows the listener to become more involved in the musical experience.

Regarding the challenges of filter development, I would like to mention that we noticed early on – as early as the 1980s – that filters enable a cleaner sound, but can also reduce the dynamics of the reproduction and cause a change in timbre. In the network area in particular, it is quite easy for upstream components to improve hi-fi criteria such as resolution, clarity and spatial imaging, but at the same time worsen musically important criteria such as naturalness, agility and liveliness. This prompted me to investigate these effects more closely, analyse them and develop a solution. After all, dynamics, timbre and naturalness in reproduction are important elements in drawing the listener "into the music".

According to my findings, interactions between the interference and the components in the filter lead to these effects, which ultimately become audible through modulation in the music signal, leaving an undesirable signature.
Only filter components that are specifically developed and tuned to the ear for each filter task, and their generous oversizing, avoid the negative effects and allow the filter effect to unfold to its full potential.

This allows us to reproduce coarse and fine dynamic gradations in a more differentiated manner, thereby increasing rather than decreasing the dynamic range. Instruments and voices sound more natural because the intermodulation between mains interference and the music signal is significantly reduced and is not merely altered by secondary effects in the filter.

Technical specifications for the PowerPlant S5:

• Netzspannung: 230 V ~
  
• Belastbarkeit: 100 VA Dauer
  
• Überspannungsschutz: thermisch, Rücksetzung nach Abkühlung und Netzsicherung 0,8AT
  
• Filter: 6-fach Schachtelung
  
• Ausgang: erdfrei, gleichspannungsfrei
  
• Aufbau: frei verdrahtet, vergossen gegen Microphonie, 5 mm Alu-Gussgehäuse
  
• Zuleitung (optional): Ampere S, Ampere L | 0,9 m
  
• Länge: 0,9 m, andere Längen auf Bestellung
  
• Abmessungen (BxHxT): 12 x 8,5 x 22 cm
  
• Gewicht: 2,4 kg