HiFi-Tuning Miniature circuit breakers (MCBs)

HiFi-Tuning Miniature circuit breakers (MCBs) | Power optimisation for hi-fi systems

Bernd Ahne is regarded as one of the leading specialists on the effects of electricity on audio components. Having spent decades studying in depth the sonic effects of miniature fuses in audio components and fuse boxes, he has now turned his attention to the subject of circuit breakers, or ‘LS’ for short. Such an MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) provides protection against short circuits and overloads, can be used in both the pre-fuse and main fuse circuits, and is required by law (in accordance with DIN VDE). With a current-carrying capacity of 63 amps, the MCB Supreme³ from HiFi-Tuning is ideally suited to protecting up to three circuits in parallel (3 x 16 amps) from damage caused by overheating due to excessive current.

Due to their design, circuit breakers do not exactly contribute to sound improvement, as any fuse represents a ‘bottleneck’ for the flow of current that should not be underestimated, and thus indirectly affects the sound of the downstream hi-fi system. Compared to standard circuit breakers, however, the HiFi-Tuning MCB Supreme³ delivers an audible improvement in sound quality – without the need for any other complicated electrical ‘modifications’. At the same time, it prevents potential interference fields, for example through the use of non-magnetic stainless steel screws. The conductors are made of pure copper, terminated with silver-grade contacts at the connection points to ensure consistently superior conductivity compared to brass. Conductivity is further optimised by cryogenising the switch via a one-week, computer-controlled nitrogen treatment at -196° Celsius.

The MCB Supreme³ is available in three variants:

- MCB Supreme³ 63A 1P (1-phase)
- MCB Supreme³ 63A 1P1N (1-phase and neutral)
- MCB Supreme³ 63A 3P (3-phase)

The MCB Supreme³ is also available in a Diamond version. This is technically identical, but the improvements in sound quality are clearly audible.

The MCB Supreme³ Diamond is also available in three variants:

- MCB Supreme³ Diamond 63A 1P (with 1 diamond, diameter 3 mm)
- MCB Supreme³ Diamond 63A 1P1N (with 2 diamonds, each 3 mm in diameter)
- MCB Supreme³ Diamond 63A 3P (with 3 diamonds, each 3 mm in diameter)

Important note: The installation of a circuit breaker and all electrical work must only be carried out by a qualified electrician!