Up to 37% in savings when you subscribe to hi-fi+
hifi-logo-footer

Begin typing your search above and press return to search. Press Esc to cancel.

IsoTek launch new advanced EVO3 version of high-performance Optimum power cable

IsoTek launch new advanced EVO3 version  of high-performance Optimum power cable

IsoTek – the leading brand of power conditioning solutions for hi-fi and home cinema systems – has upgraded the acclaimed Optimum power cable to deliver enhanced performance at outstanding value for money.

Mains electricity is distorted by, and gathers noise from, a variety of influencing factors which constrain the performance of electronic components. For more than a decade, IsoTek has produced standard-setting solutions designed to filter and distribute the mains supply and deliver pure, refined power that allows audio and audio-visual systems to perform at their best.

The Optimum is the third of IsoTek’s high-performance power cables to be upgraded to the new advanced EVO3 (Evolution 3) version, and is clearly positioned at the top of the range. 

Advanced thinking, superior materials

The new EVO3 Optimum delivers radical advances over its predecessor, the earlier GII version. Cutting-edge thinking in terms of conductor geometries has been combined with excellent materials to develop a cable of superlative quality.

At the Optimum’s core are three silver plated copper conductors made from Ohno Continuous Cast (OCC) copper. The OCC process for refining copper, developed and patented by Professor Ohno of Japan’s Chiba Institute of Technology, gives a vastly superior level of purity compared with traditional OFC copper. The benefits for audio and AV applications include outstanding electrical conductivity along with improved flexibility and resistance to fatigue and corrosion.

Each of the three 3.0sqmm conductors features a new and 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, further enhancing 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 conductors are given a slight rotational twist to aid RFI and EMI rejection, and are then surrounded by a 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, heat-resistant PVC outer jacket gives a high degree of flexibility and mechanical strength.

Finally, the EVO3 Optimum 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.

 

A clear difference

“Our new EVO3 Optimum has been significantly enhanced on almost every level” says Keith Martin, IsoTek’s founder and managing director. “Compared to its predecessor, it features a larger conductor size, superior conductor material, a new innovative design, and improved dielectric and mechanical properties.”

The resulting sonic benefits are easily heard, from greater bass weight and precision to a more detailed and extended airy treble. A lowering of the noise floor leads to inky black silences between notes and between performers on the soundstage. The soundstage itself has a stronger degree of focus, as well as supremely stable image positioning. Greater micro-details lead to a more realistic timbre and a more natural sound quality.

The Optimum’s larger conductor size, and its high quality materials and construction, make it the ideal choice for upgrading the performance of any audio or AV system – from front-end equipment to components with higher current demands such as power amplifiers, subwoofers and video projectors.

Adds Martin, “The product has evolved, but our aim has remained the same: to deliver class-leading performance at outstanding value for money.”

IsoTek EVO3 Optimum: key features at a glance

·         Construction: A new innovative construction featuring three 3.0sqmm square conductors of 40 square cross-section strands provides an enlarged contact surface, designed for superior electrical conductivity.

·         Conductors: 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.

·         Dielectric (insulation): A high quality Teflon FEP dielectric (insulation) provides a very low dielectric constant over a wide frequency range. FEP possesses an exceptionally high degree of stress crack resistance and a low coefficient of friction making it an exceptional dielectric, and is the first choice for safety in both temperature and electrical insulation.

·         Filler: A cotton filler gives the cable internal strength, adds mechanical damping and reduces microphony. Cotton also possesses excellent dielectric properties very similar to FEP.

·         Wrap: A Mylar wrap is used to shield the cable from high frequency radiation.

·         Copper shield: An active OFC copper shield drains RFI to earth protecting the conductors from common mode noise.

·         Jacket: PVC is used as an outer jacket to give a high degree of flexibility and mechanical strength.

·         24-carat gold termination: Termination of the EVO3 Optimum is done by hand using IsoTek’s bespoke audiophile grade 24-carat gold plated connectors.

·         Available terminated with UK, EU, US and Australian mains plugs and with C7, C15 and C19 IEC connectors.

The EVO3 Optimum is provided as standard as a fixed 2-metre cable. It can also be provided on 50-metre spools for custom termination.

Pricing and availability

·         The EVO3 Optimum is available from April 2014.

·         Priced at £595.00 (including VAT) for a 2m terminated cable.  

 

About IsoTek

Hampshire-based IsoTek is the worldʼs leading brand of specialised power optimisation products for hi-fi and home cinema use. Its product range includes performance-enhancing power conditioners focused on the specific requirements of individual systems, plus a series of high-performance mains cables and connectors. IsoTek products are enjoyed by more than 50,000 customers in 45 countries, and have earned numerous accolades from specialist audio and AV publications worldwide. A number of third-party manufacturers use IsoTek products for development and/or demonstration purposes, including Arcam, Denon, Genesis, Marantz, Monitor Audio, Nordost, Onkyo, Pioneer, PMC, Primare, Roksan and TEAC Esoteric. All IsoTek products are designed for purpose, manufactured in Europe and built to last.

Consumer contacts for publication

www.isoteksystems.com

UK distributor:

Sound Fowndations

www.soundfowndations.co.uk

T: 07789 307619

E: [email protected]

Press contact

For more information, product samples or high-resolution print-ready images please contact David Denyer on 07976 646 404 or [email protected].

Adblocker Detected

"Neque porro quisquam est qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit..."

"There is no one who loves pain itself, who seeks after it and wants to have it, simply because it is pain..."