IFI AC Purifier
Contents
The IFI is an odd one, we think. “Similar to the fourth (Isotek Isoplug), but less layered and more compression in the image,” Martijn says in his notes. The IFI does fine at first, but really loses grip in the classical track (Debussy). There the whole thing just gets very cluttered.
The whole thing feels a bit glassy and rough. Especially with acoustic instruments. That makes longer listening really quite unpleasant in this set-up.
By the way, what is handy about this plug is that it indicates whether it is connected properly. Also, other devices can be grounded via the IFI.
LCR Measurements IFI AC Purifier
Response and noise measurements IFI AC Purifier
In the LCR measurement, we can clearly see that IFI is using a traditional filter with some active components. We measure a capacitance of 2.2 uF. So IFI combines an active system with a filter. The filter is less steep than the Kemp or Isotek Isoplug. Those work a little deeper and wider than the IFI.
The active system does not like our grid noise test very much; we see a lot of spikes in the graph. That may have to do with the modulation to 10 volts, so the circuit cannot do its job properly; keep that in mind; we doubt that measurement.
All in all, we see that the IFI plug does something without question. The question is whether it plays out to your liking in your system.
Overall IFI AC Purifier
| Auditory | Measured |
| Shift in sound and imaging. Must fit in the set. Some compression audible with more complex work. | Clear filtering effect measurable. Reacts a little crazy in our gridnoise test, but that may have to do with the active circuit. |
These filters are often marketed as being used in a wall AC mains socket adjacent/next to another mains socket into which a power conditioner plugged (ie both AC mains sockets next to each other /side by side are on the same mains circuit).
This is different to your test set up. So my question is…..(given the way these filters are marketed/manufacturer’s recommended use)…. can a power conditioner actually benefit from having a plug in filter along side it on the same AC mains circuit?
I think your test answered the question of the differences between using a power condition (the Aquarius) and a plug in filter….but not the impact of using both together in parallel.
Great stuff as usual in your testing/reviews. Unlike other youtube channels, which shall remain nameless…no egos, no hidden agenda, no human insecurities that require reductionist scientific measurements/calculations to explain the unexplainable (ie you are comfortable within yourselves and have the wisdom to accept what cannot be explained)…your passion is genuine and all purely in service of the music/hobby. Because of your holistic and much more balance and fluidly intelligent approach, i have stopped watching these other channels. Keep up the great work. (Btw a quote which i love and is very apt….”the mind (and by extension one’s ears) is/are like a parachute. They only work when they are open.”😉🙈
Thanks Alexander! Appreciate your feedback!
If you have a decent conditioner, I cannot imagine a parallel filter has much impact. The Aquarius for example already has parallel filters build in. You can use them together, but I never heard a significant difference. I would rather buy a decent power cord. :-).
Thanks Jaap. That makes sense. And yes it is my experience too that power cords can make a signifcant difference and are worth investing in ahead of many other things. Cheers.
Hello Alexander. Thank you for your kind words. Good to read that our intentions in how to test come across.
Parallel filters are often recommended to plug into the wall socket next to a power strip, which is logical. It very much depends on the power conditioner used if this is a wise idea. A lot of conditioners filter, which means that you are stacking filters. As with anything in electrical connections and HiFi, stacking stuff can have an effect which a particular listener very much enjoys, but it is a bit of a hit or miss. Or a very dangerous HiFi rabbit hole where hobbyist really get lost and are getting further and further from what they are looking for.
Thanks Martijn. Yes you are right in terms of marketing being more about being placed in paralell with power strips. Also very wise words about hit/miss &/or rabbit holes….both of which proven to be expensive for me in the past… so always nice to be reminded! Thank you😀
Good job and well done!
Would there be similar blind tests for USB/RCA type noise absorbers such as YUKIMU USB noise absorber PNA-USB01 and The Chord Company GroundARAY in the coming future? thank you.
We can check that out in the future… sure!
Good job and well done!
Would there be similar blind tests for USB/RCA type noise absorbers such as YUKIMU USB noise absorber PNA-USB01 and The Chord Company GroundARAY in the coming future? thank you.
We can check that out in the future… sure!
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/isotek-evo3-aquarius-power-conditioner-review.30223/post-1324437
[ I have only listen to one audio that I know very well, Jacques Loussier – Little Fuge in G Minor.
Conclusion: it sounds worse with any filter. Dynamic is lost.]
I didn’t notice any loss in dynamisch. These are parallel filters… With serial filters: yes… definately.
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/isotek-evo3-aquarius-power-conditioner-review.30223/post-1324437
[ I have only listen to one audio that I know very well, Jacques Loussier – Little Fuge in G Minor.
Conclusion: it sounds worse with any filter. Dynamic is lost.]
I didn’t notice any loss in dynamisch. These are parallel filters… With serial filters: yes… definately.