Performance improvers
- Taga mains distribution blocks
- Quiescent Peak mains system
Microphony destroys detail
The Vertex Taga 6-way distribution block is probably the best single way to upgrade almost any system, even if you have already installed some mains “cleaning”. Not only does the block clean up superbly the RF contamination, from radio and mobile phone transmissions that blight us all, it also provides the Vertex speciality: acoustic energy absorption. There is also an advantage for lessening noise, usually, of connecting all components to a common Earth
Plug any component into the block and some of this acoustic energy – basically vibration over a very wide band of frequencies – will be drained out of the component via the mains lead into the block. This acoustic energy is created within the system itself, mainly by transformers and the loudspeakers, and is carried everywhere by the cables.
It’s easy to see that shaking circuit boards that are carrying signals, bathed in complex magnetic fields, is – well, hardly ideal! There is significant damage to timing, detail and musical dynamics. Remove the damage and music opens out and is immediately more communicative.
But if that information is destroyed it’s gone and no amount of conventional ‘upgrading’ can recover it.
The RFI menace
We are all bathed in Radio Frequency interference (RFI), all the time, wherever we are. It propagates through the air and also enters our systems via the mains. Sometimes customers say, “But I live in a country village, miles from a town.” Then we say, “Do you watch TV or listen to the radio? Does your mobile phone work?”
Why is it a problem? Surely manufacturers take care of this when they design their products? Actually, they rarely do, because a) they think it’s not necessary, b) they haven’t recognised the problem or c) it puts up the cost by comparison with competitors. One has only to hear some jangly, hard-edged demonstrations at dealers and shows to realise that not everyone recognises the problem. If you hear it, then it’s a problem for you and it will spoil your enjoyment.
Taga blocks
The Taga distribution blocks offer huge potential improvements and our standard recommendation as a starting point. They incorporate sophisticated ‘shunt’ filtering that does not limit current supply. There is nothing between the IEC input socket and the mains output sockets – UK 13A, continental (Schuko) or US sockets – except high quality copper or silver wire. RF pollution is shunted to the side without affecting power delivery.
Shown here is our preference, the HiRez version, with improved EMI and RFI shielding and a more sophisticated energy-absorbing labyrinth than the standard model. Above that is the Balanced HiRez version which supplies balanced power to four sources plus a filtered supply for two power amplifiers – a significant jump again.
Read more about this under Mains/Cables
HiRez Taga block, absorbs vibration and RFI that destroy musical information
- Quiescent Peak mains system
This mains system builds on the technology established by Vertex with their Roirama mains cables but increases performance, improves user convenience and offers upgrade flexibility as funds permit. Read more details here.
