The Isolation Base
Small box. Big improvements.
*Discontinued.*
The Isolation Base is a solution we have designed that creates a barrier, not only for the DAC, but for the critical connection from the DAC to the Amplifier. The Isolation Base keeps the environmental noise out of the critical DAC conversion process. We start with a really cool machined block of aluminum and build up a defense against noise, that protects the DAC and the critical connection to the amplifier. Every detail has been considered, from the medical grade 20A outlet to the specific inductor used. The Isolation Base is easy to use, but MUST be used exactly as specified. Only the DAC is to be plugged into the Isolation Base, not the transport, not a dedicated preamp, just the DAC. The ground wire supplied must be connected from the ground lug on the back of the Isolation Base to the chassis of your Amplifier. That’s it. No other connections are required.
How do I hook it up?
You have two options for hooking up the Isolation Base. One is designed to give full protection to the DAC and the other protects both the DAC and the sensitive connections to the Amplifier. This is usually the most effective method, but you can try both and see what is best for you.
Jumper IN:
The Basic Operation provides isolation only for the DAC. This gets you half the protection available, but leaves the very important Amplifier interface open to noise. This is a quick easy way to test the Isobase. Be sure the jumper is in place between the Chassis Ground and Amplifier Ground. This is the shipping configuration and is shown above. NEVER OPERATE WITHOUT THE JUMPER OR A GROUND WIRE ATTACHED. Plug in the DAC and listen to the results.
Jumper OUT:
The Enhanced Operation provides isolation only for the DAC and the amplifier interface. This gets you the full protection available. With the jumper disconnected, connect the supplied ground wire from the AMPLIFIER GROUND lug to the chassis of the amplifier. DO NOT CONNECT TO EITHER THE INPUT OR OUTPUT LUGS ON THE AMP. If you have mono-blocks or multiple amplifiers, just connect to one of the amplifiers to avoid making a ground loop. Plug in the DAC and listen to the results.
With a PreAmp:
The Enhanced Operation can be extended with a second Isolation Base to provide isolation for a DAC, PreAmp and the amplifier interface. This gets you the best protection available. With the jumper disconnected, connect the supplied ground wire from the AMPLIFIER GROUND lug between the two IsoBases and then to the chassis of the amplifier. DO NOT CONNECT TO EITHER THE INPUT OR OUTPUT LUGS ON THE AMP. If you have mono-blocks or multiple amplifiers, just connect to one of the amplifiers to avoid making a ground loop. Plug in the DAC and listen to the results.
For more information on product grounding visit our grounding setup page > Here.
The Isolation Base |
|
|---|---|
| Maximum Power | 300 Watts |
| Fuse | 1/4"x1-1/4" 7A 250V Slow Blow |
| AC Output | Galvanically isolated |
| Controls | None |
| Width: | 8 in (203 mm) |
| Depth: | 8 in (203 mm) |
| Height: | 3 in (76 mm) |
| Weight: | 15.9 lbs (7 kg) |
| Width: | 11 in (279 mm) |
| Depth: | 11 in (279 mm) |
| Height: | 12 in (304 mm) |
| Weight: | 22 lbs (9 kg) |
Ground Cables IEC Power Cord | |