iFi Audio DC iPurifier

[Duke40]

iFi Audio DC iPurifier .... seen this available on eBay , though nothing on the iFi website,

wonder if iFi Audio could provide some more information

[AMR/iFi audio]

Hi,

 

Some retailers got a little excited - but the DC iPurifier's launch date is today:

 

DC iPurifier

 

Kill power supply noise by 316x > 100,000x

 

http://ifi-audio.com/portfolio-view/accessory-dcipurifier/

 

Transform your existing noisy power supply The SMPS/Linear power supply is noisy.

 

The DC iPurifier is a one-stop solution:

 

 

• RFI-polluted Power from a generic DC adapter goes in. The Active Noise Cancellation® circuit kills noise across a wide bandwidth (1Hz – 5GHz), so only pure, low-noise DC comes out.
  
• Insert between the source, e.g. routers, laptops, mixers and DJ desks etc. and the existing SMPS to bring power supply noise down by 316x to 100,000x (very effective in the audible range).
  

 

 

The DC iPurifier totally transforms the existing, generic 5v-24v SMPS/Linear power supply:

 

 

1. Active Noise Cancellation® military-grade circuit
   
2. Ultra-wide band design, effective 1Hz to 5GHz
   
3. Noise reduction from 316x up to 100,000x[1]
   
4. Compatible with all power supply designs from 5V-24V[2]
   

 

---

[1] Depending on noise frequency.

 

[2] Handles up to 3.5A/84W.

 

 

Specifications

 

• iFI ‘FINAL’ aircraft-grade RFI shielded aluminium chassis
  
• With 3 DC barrel fittings: 5.5x2.1mm (adapters for 5.5x2.5mm and 3.5x1.35mm incl)
  

 

• Warranty period: 12 months
  

 

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

 

The retail price of the DC iPurifier US$99 (ex-tax) or Euro109/£85 (incl VAT).

[Duke40]

Thanks for responding, I appreciate it.

 

By the way, the information in the "Tech Specs" and "Download" tabs of this DC iPurifier products page may need to be updated, it looks like it is information for a different product (maybe a dac/amp).

[AMR/iFi audio]

You dont miss a thing!

 

Correct tech specs page now. Good spot.

[Duke40]

You dont miss a thing!

 

Correct tech specs page now. Good spot.

 

 

I have my moments

 

Actually noticed 2 other things on your web page that do not seem right (by the way, I'm not doing this to be picky ... it is more about me and actually having a sobering moment today at work today when my extremely detailed reputation must have gone on holidays and my accuracy was not the best. Just trying to personally improve it again). Anyway, enough waffle, the 2 items are below ...

 

Accessory – DC iPurifier

 

 

1) Got SMPS? Just add the DC iPurifier

Generic Switch Mode Power Supply designs are noisy – but they were ‘only’ intended for mainstream use so noise was never a consideration. Just insert the DC iPurifier between the existing noisy power supply and the source; noise is reduced by a factor of 316x to 100x.

 

 

I think it (the bit I highlighted in bold) needs to be changed to "316x to 100,000x".

 

 

2)

Ultra wide-band design, effective from 1Hz to above 5GHz

iFi leaves no stone unturned: the DC iPurifier is a ground-up, ultra-wide band design. Effective from 1Hz all the way up to 5GHz, crucially the strongest performance is in the audible range of 20Hz to 20MHz.

 

 

I think it (the bit I highlighted in bold) needs to be changed to "20Hz to 20KHz".

Think audible range is 20Hz to 20KHz (Nyquist or something) , 20MHz is not audible.

 

 

I also have a question ... the information on the iFi mentions providing clean DC to the device ... but does the DC iPurifier also prevent noise getting back to the power source (whether that be a SMPS or Linear Power Supply) ? I was thinking maybe the electronics of the device to be powered could create noise and this flow back to the power supply, which would then affect the power supply and neighbouring gear.

 

More simply stated, my question is really "does it clean in both directions" (this may not be important aspect at all, I do not know, just curious).

 

 

Thanks again for responding, I am grateful.

The DC iPurifier has attracted my interest, looks to be a great product.

 

 

John

[AMR/iFi audio]

I have my moments

 

I also have a question ... the information on the iFi mentions providing clean DC to the device ... but does the DC iPurifier also prevent noise getting back to the power source (whether that be a SMPS or Linear Power Supply) ? I was thinking maybe the electronics of the device to be powered could create noise and this flow back to the power supply, which would then affect the power supply and neighbouring gear.

 

More simply stated, my question is really "does it clean in both directions" (this may not be important aspect at all, I do not know, just curious).

 

 

Thanks again for responding, I am grateful.

The DC iPurifier has attracted my interest, looks to be a great product.

 

 

John

 

 

Hi, website gremlins will be terminated very quickly. Much appreciated!

 

Yes - the DC iPurifier is a bi-directional purifier.

[Duke40]

Thanks for confirming that

[craighartley]

 

Yes - the DC iPurifier is a bi-directional purifier.

 

Any increased advantage putting it between the ipower and source? Or would that be redundant?

[AMR/iFi audio]

Any increased advantage putting it between the ipower and source? Or would that be redundant?

 

 

Hi,

 

No need to buy the DC iPurifier if you already have the iPOWER. For those who want the absolute best it is the iPOWER but it is only available in 5/9/12/15v.

 

BUT, the DC iPurifier works for 5v > 24v (handles up to 3.5A).

 

One is a specialist and the other a generalist that works across a whole range and can be used here, there and everywhere (as it accepts the whole range of different voltages out there).

 

Cheers.

[craighartley]

Thanks for that.

[mkman]

Having used various ifi Audio products, I always appreciate the innovative idea of ifi audio product.

 

I am excited about the new product, iPurifier DC

Accessory – DC iPurifier

 

However, I am very disappointed about the only option of taking "5.5 x 2.1mm" plug as input and output.

 

Although there will be include 5.5×2.5mm and 3.5×1.35mm converters (I am not sure the no. of adaptors include for each type. But ideally should have 2 for each size for both input and output), however, being an audiophile, I don’t want to see so many converters involved.

 

Imagine I have a 5.5×2.5mm adapter:

 

5.5×2.5mm adapter -> 5.5×2.5mm to 5.5×2.1mm converter -> iPurifier DC -> 5.5×2.1mm to 5.5×2.5mm converter -> Target device

 

You can think of how long is the "plug" will be......and with each converter passing thru, there will be certain degrade of quality.

Most of the consumers who are willing to purchase this kind of product should be audiophiles and every tiny detail is concerned by them. 2-Converters solution is totally not acceptable for hifi audio use purpose (definitively, no issue for casual use).

 

As 5.5×2.5mm is very common for computer device, I appreciate if ifi-Audio will seriously consider launching another version of taking both input and output of 5.5x2.5mm. Sure, it will be even good if there are more models available like 3.5x1.35mm.

 

I will hold up the purchase decision of iPurifier DC as there is such trade-off of 5.5x2.1mm size issue. Of course, if there are other sizes available, I have no hesitation to buy the iPurifier DC like other ifi Audio products.

[Liam]

Think of the manufacturing complexities for iFi and the stocking turnoff for distributors and retailers.

 

Anyway you are stressing unduly. This is a DC not an audio device. Most DC cables are not screened and even if one was used a few adapters or short unscreened pigtail cable is not going to have any material effect. Current and voltage would be unaffected.

[AMR/iFi audio]

Hi,

 

Fair points raised which we also considered during the R&D process. To further add:

 

1) There are some 48 different DC barrel types. With 3 DC barrel fittings: 5.5x2.1mm (adapters for 5.5x2.5mm and 3.5x1.35mm incl) the one built into the DC iPurifier is the most common one and along the two sets of pigtails, covers the lion's share.

 

2) Laptops/routers/streamers vary in height - so physically, the DC iPurifier may/may not mechanically sit at the power port of the source.

 

3) As the other poster said, the degradation (if any) will only be applicable after the iPurifier DC which is just a few centimetres' worth. We are pretty fanatical about sound quality and if this was of any concern, we would not have given the green light.

 

Cheers.

[Duke40]

@ AMR/iFi Audio ... Has the DC iPurifier been sent out to any of the professional reviewers ? Do you know of any feedback so from purchasers ? (know a guy on headfi has one but he has not had a chance to provide feedback).

 

I suppose that I am just trying to do a bit of research and find some feedback before I commit. Am specifically curious on any improvements/benefits when using them with Linear Power Supplies (as I have eliminated SMPS from my rigs).

 

Thanks for your time.

[AMR/iFi audio]

Hi,

 

Nope - it was launched just a few days ago and we prefer to satisfy customer orders first and reviewer requests second. The same case with the micro iUSB3.0. We're more of a tortoise, steady and surely.

 

When customer reviews come through, they usually pop-up on Head-Fi in the iUSB3.0 thread or on our Facebook page:

 

https://www.facebook.com/iFiAudio/

[AMR/iFi audio]

@ AMR/iFi Audio ... Has the DC iPurifier been sent out to any of the professional reviewers ?

 

Thanks for your time.

 

 

 

Hi,

 

As requested...Sasaki-san from Japan.

 

 

DC iPurifier squeezes more out of the Geek Pulse

 

Sasaki-san is one of the most, if not the most well-known reviewers from Japan (and he also has his own column on Head-Fi). He wrote a very nice review of the DC iPurifier and how it positively surprised him with his Geek Pulse.

 

 

ƒXƒCƒbƒ`ƒ“ƒO“dŒ¹‚ðƒNƒŠ[ƒ“‚ɁAiFi iPurifier DC: Music TO GO!

 

Comclusion using Google translate:

 

“iPurifier DC was inserted and first, better transparency was noticed, the richness strength to sound Minagiri was felt. Feels like a more open sound field, voices heard more clearly. The clarity of a cappella chorus stands out. Originally, it was muffled and set back in its original state without the iPurifier, you will have the feeling that the sound is small. Even if not confirmed by the switching differences of the actual place of sound, you'll see immediately if equipment you're listening always as good. Probably buy one to try, for most people, you will soon want one. Please try by all means.”

 

Thanks

[Liam]

For those unfamiliar with the Acoustic Revive RR-888 it is a Schumann Resonance generator. It is not connected physically to the equipment, merely plugged in within the room. Image below...

 

 

Using a linear PSU is a well known/accepted way to improve it's performance. I got good results replacing the supplied smps with a Keces DC-116 linear PSU, in my main system.

 

I was curious to try and establish if it was the beefier nature of the Keces and/or that it was simply cleaner than the supplied smps was responsible for the benefit, and the DC iPurifier was just the job for that. I'm also trying to avoid buying a second linear PSU for using the Acoustic Revive RR-888 in the Retro 50 living room system, not wanting to haul the heavy PSU back and forth from the main system.

 

I was quite taken aback at the affect putting the DC iPurifier in the line from the Keces PSU had. For example, listening to Greek Orthodox Russian chant the bass lead's voice became fuller. Now he was singing from his chest with an open mouth, a big strong sonorous voice, rather than previously with a more closed mouth and more like from the back of his throat. The texture, harmony and body of the choir was much improved. The guitar on Nils Lofgren's live album became sweeter on the opening track. Listening to piano the transformation was quite startling. The notes were richer, and the whole sound was fuller. The dynamic power of the piano was more evident. Bass extension is improved overall.

 

I had planned to use the DC iPurifier in the DC line of my Gemini cable, but there is no way it is leaving the back of the Acoustic Revive unit now. I have ordered a second one to carry on.

 

I did read when researching the RR-888 that some noise suppression was added to the circuit when it's predecessor the RR-777 was superseded. So it would seem noise suppression is important for optimum performance.

 

The question has been asked as to whether there would be benefit in following a linear PSU with a DC iPurifier. A definite yes in the application above.

 

Sorry about the image below....I couldn't delete it.

[Duke40]

Hi,

 

As requested...Sasaki-san from Japan.

 

DC iPurifier squeezes more out of the Geek Pulse

 

Sasaki-san is one of the most, if not the most well-known reviewers from Japan (and he also has his own column on Head-Fi). He wrote a very nice review of the DC iPurifier and how it positively surprised him with his Geek Pulse.

/QUOTE]

 

 

AMR/iFi audio, thanks for providing the review, I appreciate it.

[Duke40]

The question has been asked as to whether there would be benefit in following a linear PSU with a DC iPurifier. A definite yes in the application above.

 

Liam,

Thank you for taking the time for providing your thoughts on the DC iPurifier.

Good on you. I appreciate it.

John

[fmak]

I am trying to register this with IE11 and have failed. The site wants me to use

another browser, which I don't want to install.

 

Any advice? Is there another way?

[AMR/iFi audio]

Hi,

 

Just drop an email to one of our press staff: [email protected]

 

Will forward it on.

 

Cheers.

[MikeyFresh]

The photos of the DC iPurifier seem to show 2 different LEDs lit when the unit is in use?

I received my unit today, and while it seems to work, only the Power LED is lit, the +/- LED is not lit. Does that indicate a potential fault/problem?

[AMR/iFi audio]

The photos of the DC iPurifier seem to show 2 different LEDs lit when the unit is in use?

I received my unit today, and while it seems to work, only the Power LED is lit, the +/- LED is not lit. Does that indicate a potential fault/problem?

 

 

Hi,

 

The RED led for '+/-' will only be lit IF one has wrong polarity. Hence you have the correct centre postive/outer negative power supply connected. So you have no problem.

 

For Pro Audio people who use the DC iPuriifer, a lot of equipment is center negative/outer positive and they cant just connect it in series - hence the LED to warn of this.

 

Cheers.

[MikeyFresh]

Hi,

 

The RED led for '+/-' will only be lit IF one has wrong polarity. Hence you have the correct centre postive/outer negative power supply connected. So you have no problem.

 

For Pro Audio people who use the DC iPuriifer, a lot of equipment is center negative/outer positive and they cant just connect it in series - hence the LED to warn of this.

 

Cheers.

 

Thank you for that clarification.

 

This is an amazingly effective device based on my short time with it yesterday, I'll need more of them as I suspect the improvement will be cumulative.

 

While it seemed to make a small but noticeable difference on a Thunderbolt external drive enclosure, I was floored by a somewhat more dramatic difference when using it on an Airport Extreme router, the system sounding both much more dynamic and also tonally smoother, with better stereo imaging.

[Liam]

Following on now my favourable report of the DC iPurifier in tandem with a linear PSU and the Acoustic Revive Schumann resonance generator at post #17 above. This morning I received a iFi iPower.

 

I inserted it in place of the linear PSU/DC iPurifier. First impression was that I preferred the iPower alone.

 

I went on to do some swapping back and forth with different combinations and the following was my experience.

 

Yes the iPower alone is better than the linear PSU/DC iPurifier. The iPower brings an extra level of musicality, losing none of the benefits of the previous configuration described in my post #17 above.

 

However the addition of the DC iPurifier in tandem with the iPower seems a step too far to me. Again as previously with the linear supply the DC iPurifier adds more 'body' on top of the iPower, but it now seems at the loss of some transparency and soundstage, so that I personally prefer the iPower alone.

 

This means this DC iPurifer and the second one I have will be tried in tandem with the Aqvox linear supplies I use in the power legs of the iFi Gemini cables in the main AMR system in the lounge and the Retro system in the living room. That power in both cases is the supplying the iPurifier 2 in each system.

 

My standard supply now for the Acoustic Revive RR-888 is the iPower alone.

 

To summarise the linear PSU displaced the supplied smps and the addition of the DC iPurifier in tandem with it improved on that. The iPower alone is best, making it a significant upgrade on the standard smps and a subsitute for a linear supply at significant cost benefit for a good one. Also a no brainier when moving the Acoustic Revive RR-888 between the two systems from a weight/convenience point of view.