The IsoTek Syncro is back: enhanced and evolved as the new ‘EVO3’ Special Edition
IsoTek, the leading brand of mains conditioning products for hi-fi and home cinema, has launched an upgraded ‘EVO3’ Special Edition of the Syncro, the pioneering power cable that’s much more than just a cable.
Originally launched in 2010, the Syncro is IsoTek’s most advanced mains cable. It incorporates unique performance-enhancing electronics housed in an anti-resonant aluminium cylinder positioned part way down the cable’s length. This key feature is essentially a ‘pre-filter’ designed to synchronise the mains supply in order to promote a perfectly symmetrical sine wave, delivering significant sonic improvements when used with any hi-fi system.
What’s that buzz?
Modern day electronics tend to pollute and interfere with the local mains power supply, which varies in quality and consistency as a result. This in turn has a direct impact on the optimal functioning of any electrical component, not least a highperformance audio system in which every detail counts.
IsoTek’s extensive range of mains conditioning components improves the quality of the mains supply significantly, filtering out contaminants such as radio frequency interference (RFI) and electromagnetic interference (EMI), and ensuring that each component in the audio chain receives pure and consistent power in line with its specific requirements. However, there is a further issue with the electricity supply that has tended to elude most filters and conditioners.
The problem in question is referred to as ‘DC on the mains’. In terms of audio equipment, this manifests as a low-level humming or buzzing sound emitted by the transformer in an integrated or power amplifier. Traditionally it would have taken a large, heavy expensive regenerator to eliminate the ‘DC on the mains’ problem. But the Syncro takes care of it.
The Syncro solution
The Syncro effectively knocks the ‘DC on the mains’ problem on the head by rebalancing the AC sinewave.
In designing the Syncro, the challenge for IsoTek was to offer a universal solution to remove the unwanted and damaging DC component from the mains supply, while allowing the maximum possible current to pass. IsoTek’s research led to the conclusion that mains electricity should be a pure sine wave of either 50Hz or 60Hz of correct voltage and good symmetry about the zero volts line, in order to power audio equipment with maximum effectiveness. The Syncro was therefore designed to centre (or synchronise, hence the name) the mains sine wave on the zero volts line, thus removing any audible transformer hum or buzz from an amplifier.
As well as removing amplifier noise, the Syncro’s synchronising effect also results in an overall reduction in the noise floor, greater bass depth and improved detail and micro dynamics with a more open and extended soundstage.
“Syncro is not a mains conditioner or filter in the accepted sense,” says Keith Martin, IsoTek’s founder and managing director. “It can be used on its own to power a single hi-fi component and will bring significant improvements if used in this way. However, it’s primarily designed as a ‘pre-filter’ device: for best results, plug the Syncro into a wall socket and use it to power an IsoTek mains conditioning unit. The Syncro takes the mains electricity supply and realigns its waveform prior to filtration of contaminants – RFI, EMI and so on – by the conditioning unit, which then feeds each hi-fi component and improves the performance of every link in the audio chain.”
EVO3 Special Edition enhancements
The cable in the new EVO3 edition of the Syncro is now IsoTek’s acclaimed EVO3 Optimum. It features three 3.0sqmm silver-plated ultra-pure OCC (Ohno Continuous Cast) copper conductors arranged in an innovative square-shaped configuration of 40 strands, each strand also being of square cross-section. This unique design provides an enlarged inter-strand contact surface, which, in combination with the OCC copper’s vastly superior level of purity compared with traditional OFC copper, delivers outstanding electrical conductivity.
A high quality Teflon FEP dielectric (insulation) is extruded over each conductor, providing a very low dielectric constant over a wide frequency range. The three Page 3 of 4 conductors are given a slight rotational twist to aid RFI and EMI rejection, and are then surrounded by IsoTek’s hallmark cotton filler which, as well is adding internal strength and reducing microphony, also possesses superb dielectric properties – similar to FEP. The whole construction is then double shielded by first enclosing it in a Mylar wrap to provide an additional dielectric buffer, before applying an active OFC copper shield for maximum rejection of high frequency interference. A durable, heatresistant PVC outer jacket gives a high degree of flexibility and mechanical strength.
Finally, the cable is terminated by hand using IsoTek’s bespoke audiophile grade 24- carat gold plated connectors. Connectors at the component end are available in C7, C15 and C19 IEC varieties, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of audio and AV equipment.
Finally, inside the Syncro’s cylindrical case, the electronic circuitry has also been fine-tuned in the new EVO3 edition, further enhancing performance.
IsoTek EVO3 Syncro key features
Uniquely removes harmful DC from the mains supply by rebalancing the mains sine wave on the zero volts line.
Can be used with all power conditioning solutions, including IsoTek, or directly with any hifi system.
Silver-plated Ohno Continuous Cast (OCC) copper conductors provide exceptional levels of conductivity, as well as being highly resilient and less likely to fracture or degrade over time.
Innovative cable construction features three 3.0sqmm square conductors of 40 square cross-section strands, providing an enlarged contact surface designed for superior electrical conductivity.
High quality Teflon FEP dielectric (insulation) provides a very low dielectric constant over a wide frequency range, while cotton filler adds mechanical damping and reduces microphony.
Mylar wrap shields the cable from high frequency radiation while an active OFC copper shield drains RFI to earth protecting the conductors from common mode noise.
Available terminated with UK, EU, US and Australian mains plugs and with C7, C15 and C19 IEC connectors.
Total cable length including central cylinder 2.2m.
Pricing and availability
The EVO3 Syncro is available now.
Priced at £1,195 (including VAT).
