T500VA Balanced Mains Supply
A balanced mains supply and distribution system designed to lower noise without constraining the system it serves.
The T500VA combines a custom-wound balanced toroidal transformer, patented QPower absorption, d.c. blocking, high-speed shunt filtering and isolated output architecture inside a 28kg machined chassis.
Its purpose is simple: reduce mains-borne and system-generated disturbance so connected components can retain dynamic expression, timing, tonal texture and spatial clarity.
The Ear and Hi-Fi+ both found the T500VA most compelling when judged in-system: quieter backgrounds, stronger dynamic expression, improved low-frequency articulation and a greater sense of musical flow.
December, 2022
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Quiet power, preserved dynamics
Many power products reduce one problem while introducing another. The T500VA is designed to lower unwanted mains and system noise without dulling the musical signal or restricting dynamic expression. Balanced power provides common-mode noise rejection for sensitive electronics, while Quiescent’s passive absorption architecture gives mechanical, EMI and RFI energy a controlled path away from the components it would otherwise disturb.
Technology
Modern systems are surrounded by switch-mode supplies, routers, chargers, lighting, computers and household appliances. Yet the system itself can also generate and circulate interference through power supplies, grounding paths, cables and reactive loads.
The T500VA addresses both sides of the problem. It treats incoming power, isolates connected components from one another, and manages the vibration and high-frequency energy created inside the distribution system itself.
Specifications
With 4 balanced power outputs (total max load 750W) and 2 direct outputs, T500VA delivers ultra-low noise mains power for even the most power-hungry components.
Balanced and direct outputs, separately isolated
Audio separates exist for a reason. By placing power supplies and audio circuits in separate chassis, each component is given a better chance to operate without direct electrical and mechanical interference from the others.
The limitation is that the components are still joined again through the mains loom. When separates are connected through a conventional mains block, or even through different wall sockets, high-frequency electrical noise and mechanical vibration can still move between them.
At these frequencies, traditional audio-band assumptions no longer apply. Capacitors and inductors do not behave as simple reservoirs or filters, and unwanted energy can propagate through the mains network in ways conventional filtering does not fully address.
The T500VA uses Quiescent noise-quietening matrix modules to absorb this high-frequency energy without restricting the 50/60Hz mains supply the system needs. The aim is to lower interference while preserving the current delivery, timing and dynamic expression that the audio signal depends on.
The same architecture addresses the mechanical path. Dedicated pathways inside the modules drain vibration, reducing the contribution that mechanical energy can make to noise generated inside connected components.
Four balanced PowerCON outputs supply sensitive source components and low-power electronics with balanced -115-0-115V to -120-0-120V mains, using common-mode noise rejection and a total balanced load capacity of 750W. Two direct PowerCON outputs supply 230-240V a.c. for higher-power components, with a total direct load capacity of 1,500W. These balanced and direct outputs are mounted on isolated rear-panel sub-plates, helping to prevent vibration from the built-in balanced transformer being passed directly into the mains inputs of connected cables. Noise and vibration arriving from the grid, or from other devices in the home, are treated with the same QPower principles used in Quiescent’s award-winning power amplifiers.
Two direct PowerCON outputs supply 230-240V a.c. for higher-power components, with a total direct load capacity of 1,500W. The balanced and direct sections are mechanically and electrically separated to reduce cross-talk between source components and current-demanding electronics.
Specifications
POWER
Outputs
Sockets 1-4
Balanced -115-0-115Va.c. up to -120-0-120Va.c., 50-60Hz Neutrik PowerCON (total max load 750W) utilising common mode noise rejection
Sockets 5 & 6
Direct 230-240V a.c., 50-60Hz Neutrik PowerCON (total max. load 1,500W)
Input
Via IEC C16 Socket
230-240V a.c., 50-60Hz
Max Power Load
2,200W
Isolation Technology
Transformer and Input
Custom-wound fully balanced toroid directly coupled to patented QPower™ module
In and out high-speed shunt filter and inline EMI/RFI absorption
Output Sockets
Quiescent proprietary mechanical and EMI/RFI absorption and grounding
Inline mechanical and EMI/RFI isolation module
Independent Balanced and Direct isolated rear panel sub-plates for maximum mechanical separation of sensitive source component from high-power electronics
Casework
Finish
Bead blasted natural or black anodised high-grade aluminium and non-metallic top
Weight
28Kg
Dimensions (HxWxD)
140x440x430mm
Grounding
M5 binding post on rear panel
