View Full Version : Audiolab DC Blocker
Enossification
09-06-2022, 11:10
Regarding this particular device, has anyone any findings from using one ? I contacted a hi-fi dealer about buying one and suitability but was told that some amplifiers prefer a gritty mains supply so it may not be compatible. I have no knowledge one way or the other. Your findings would be very interesting.
Sherwood
09-06-2022, 11:27
Regarding this particular device, has anyone any findings from using one ? I contacted a hi-fi dealer about buying one and suitability but was told that some amplifiers prefer a gritty mains supply so it may not be compatible. I have no knowledge one way or the other. Your findings would be very interesting.
Mine likes Pina Coladas and walking on the beach in the rain! :)
I think you need to change dealers!
walpurgis
09-06-2022, 11:33
I contacted a hi-fi dealer about buying one and suitability but was told that some amplifiers prefer a gritty mains supply
Seems an odd thing for a 'professional' to say. I can't think of a situation where poor quality mains would be of benefit.
A bizarre thing to say but IME dealers who actually know what they're talking about are pretty thin on the ground. Or they may have some real knowledge but they're still going to make stuff up to get a sale. I'd avoid any dealer who tried to sell me mains-related gadgets including fancy power cables, because they're either one or the other.
Vast majority of amplifiers will not care how 'gritty' the mains supply is. Even the very best mains supply contains horrendous levels of distortion, but since it is converted from AC to DC by the amp's power supply it doesn't matter in the slightest. The only time I've actually heard mains supply affect sound was at a bake-off where at tea-time the voltage dropped so low it caused an SE valve amp to motorboat. The solid state amps were unaffected.
Lawrence001
09-06-2022, 15:56
A bizarre thing to say but IME dealers who actually know what they're talking about are pretty thin on the ground. Or they may have some real knowledge but they're still going to make stuff up to get a sale. I'd avoid any dealer who tried to sell me mains-related gadgets including fancy power cables, because they're either one or the other.
Vast majority of amplifiers will not care how 'gritty' the mains supply is. Even the very best mains supply contains horrendous levels of distortion, but since it is converted from AC to DC by the amp's power supply it doesn't matter in the slightest. The only time I've actually heard mains supply affect sound was at a bake-off where at tea-time the voltage dropped so low it caused an SE valve amp to motorboat. The solid state amps were unaffected.
Do you think he does know what he's talking about then given he didn't push the sale? Just seeking clarity as you didn't actually say.
change your dealer...this one seems to be faulty...
As to the dc blockers use amazon ...with a full money back return policy.
I have three bought in this way ... when attached to my streamer hdd player, pre amp and power amp ...have made a worth while improvement ... including better imaging and separation.
But and its a big one ! I know I have poor quality mains.
Do you think he does know what he's talking about then given he didn't push the sale? Just seeking clarity as you didn't actually say.
I don't see how he can know given the reason he gave you makes no sense. Maybe he wanted to dissuade you for another reason he didn't want to disclose so he made something up on the spur of the moment in the hope that you'd believe it?
Lawrence001
09-06-2022, 18:03
I don't see how he can know given the reason he gave you makes no sense. Maybe he wanted to dissuade you for another reason he didn't want to disclose so he made something up on the spur of the moment in the hope that you'd believe it?I got that impression from what you said, but then you agree with him that mains doesn't make a difference and he didn't try and flog something, so they are positive points surely?
prestonchipfryer
09-06-2022, 20:04
Perhaps your dealer would be prepared to loan you one. Then you can decide whether it's worthwhile.
I have an iFi Audio DC Blocker and it does a good job for me.
Good luck.
I got that impression from what you said, but then you agree with him that mains doesn't make a difference and he didn't try and flog something, so they are positive points surely?
He can't think it makes no difference if he's saying that a particular amp prefers 'gritty mains.'
What he should be saying is that unless you have a specific issue there's no point buying a DC blocker, which amplifier is in use is irrelevant. A DC blocker might reduce transformer hum if it is present, it will not 'clean' the mains or reduce distortion on the mains or anything else. Any amp can have or develop transformer hum.
Enossification
10-06-2022, 06:51
Cheers you guys. I guess I'll save a hundred quid and not bother. My amp does induce some hum but from where I'm sat it is not a problem.
Lawrence001
10-06-2022, 10:01
He can't think it makes no difference if he's saying that a particular amp prefers 'gritty mains.'
What he should be saying is that unless you have a specific issue there's no point buying a DC blocker, which amplifier is in use is irrelevant. A DC blocker might reduce transformer hum if it is present, it will not 'clean' the mains or reduce distortion on the mains or anything else. Any amp can have or develop transformer hum.Fair points.
He made me wonder if gritty mains can induce distortion and apparent detail that some may like.
Or even if it can induce a pleasant valve like distortion, but recognise the frequently made even vs. odd point. (I think @Rabski disputed this a while ago ie that valves distort at all in a well designed amp, maybe I'm thinking of someone else apologies if so.)
Fair points.
He made me wonder if gritty mains can induce distortion and apparent detail that some may like.
perhaps that is his reasoning? Even if it is, it's still nonsense. If even a small percentage of mains distortion got past being converted from AC to DC in the power supply of the amplifier it would sound rotten. Hi fi as we know it wouldn't exist and we'd all still be using clockwork gramophones.
Enossification
10-06-2022, 11:07
Thanks guys. I guess it's the old "If it ain't broke don't fix it " thing. It's the best sounding system I have ever owned so maybe I should just shut up and listen.
I bought one of the Audiolab DC Blocks last month.
Have yet to install it.
Why not buy it under the proviso you can take it back and get a refund. I have done this with loudspeakers. Most dealers will oblige.
337alant
03-07-2022, 10:56
DC Blockers can work if you have that problem with your mains supply, buzzing transformers can be one sign
I built a Sjostrom DC03 mains blocker with optional EMI filtering I don't have a problem with DC I just like making stuff :D:mental:.
So as expected it made no difference in my system.
But a friend of mine has always complained that his system sounds different at certain times in the day and his present Denon PMA 2500NE amplifier buzzes and gets hot at certain times, he lives in an area where there is some heavy industry close buy so that may have something to do with it.
Anyway putting the DC blocker in his system has cured his problem and he is very happy that his excellent Amp /DAC no longer gets hot
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