Hi Adam, I’ve bought two of these based on your review. Had some noise problems caused by homeplug devices. At first I was skeptical about it but now I’m absolutely flabbergasted. First of all the noise on my power amps instantly went away. But secondly something completely unexpected happened. I was struggling with audio dropouts from my AppleTV 4K connected to my receiver. Tried several expensive HDMI cables to no avail. I was even considering replacing it. Well, after plugging in those iPurifiers that problem went away completely. So I guess they work for digital stuff as well.
Methodical and honest review. I'm not sure about these things, and I have a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering! I can definitely hear a difference between power cords, which somewhat baffles me. I'm going to try their iSilencer on my LAN as it seems to get somewhat better reviews overall. My son likes the iFi phono preamp FWIW.
Thanks . I have for a while been trying to find out if an AC purifier could cope with that much line noise. my convenient socket is as bad as that so I gave up using it and had to use extension leads etc. Most reviewers reassure me "It will sound better" but your the first to convince me it would work on my line.
Very interesting. I have this because I bought it to reduce powerline noise in my system. It did not work, but the Emotiva CMX-2 solved my problem. It's nice to have an example of the problem this solves.
Am vaguely thinking about the iFi PowerStation, which has actual active noise cancellation, and passive noise cancellation. I don't feel I have a noise problem, or rather have not heard one like this video showed. However I must have plenty on noise in my system, due to what's plugged in around my audio kit. I saw a video by PS audio however, which made me sceptical about passive noise cancellation. it stated that regular mains noise reduction, introduces stull like more resistance into the mains supply. It apparently affects the peaks of mains cycles. (Anyway if anyone is curious, it should be easy to find. Although they may just be promoting their own noise cancelling kit. it looked convincing though.)
Great demo! Nice to have actual proof rather than subjective talk. I have a powerline connection in my living room to deliver streaming services to the TV and my hi-fi in the same room, therefore running off the same circuit and likely to be a contributor to the hum I'm getting in my amps mains transformer plus any other nasties. I have been pondering one of these iFi units for a while so you have convinced me to try one of them if nothing else. I have put in an order on the basis of your demo. Earned yourself a subscription as well. Nice one!
I have never used any sort of noise reduction system in my hifi, although I can't say I have had any issue with noise - at least not like that! I have heard that sometimes dynamics can be squashed with these devices, so am keen to await your further investigations.
I have a few similar components like the LS50 and the Schiit Gungnir. Both are quite resolving equipment so I think the power conditioner will make a difference in that system.
I added iFi AC iPurifier to my Greenwave filter. I don't have static or hiss but I wanted to see if it was snake oil. I put them on the bottom of my outlet for my PC/headphone set up and another set to my theater set up. It does changes the sound. From my experience, iFi AC iPurifier rolls off a bit of treble and soundstage but it adds better separation. For Greenwave filter, it adds a lot of body to the sound like vocals and acoustic guitar. When both added together it combines the characteristic. It turns into a hifi warmth characteristic.
Interestingly un my system it does not roll off the treble, quite contrary, it adds detail and focus to the 3-10KHz range. The leading edges are better defined. I definitely works? I was actually surprised. It doesn't remove the static hiss.
@@sashbar for me it adds 1-2db to 1khz-3khz and reduces 1-2db 8khz-20khz. It is not bad tho. I like the sound. It is the same for my headphone set up and my theater.
I am considering adding the ifi-powerstation to my system. I think that the demonstration is very clear that the system is having an effect. However, I also use WiFi adapters over the power grid and wonder whether there might be interference in this regard. not that the internet will be wiped out at the same time 😅. I would be very grateful if someone had experience in this regard.
I had the same problem a couple of years ago with power line adapters getting picked up by the headphone amp of my system. I wish I knew about this device then. I would have kept the power line adapters around!
@@khoi83 Actually there are other reviewers that can confirm my findings. My cables were not the problem. My system is very resolving. If your system is not highly resolving you may not hear the difference.
Hi all (and sorry for not noticing how many comments there are on here -- need to work on my notifications!). I agree with a lot of these comments: the iFi iPurifier AC solved noise problems for me, but it did squash a bit of treble. I've now moved away from using power line internet, and use a balanced power transformer, which reduces noise and makes everything sound better. All details here: www.hifiaf.com/power-conditioning-shootout/
I don't find it to squash the treble. What I hear instead is more resolution and treble transients being more smooth and less grainy. To me this means my DAC is receiving cleaner power and less jitter distortion (which causes sidebands and harshness to treble transients).
Two questions: 1: Does it make the noise with the Ethernet Cable disconnected? 2: If it doesn't produce any noise with the Ethernet cable disconnected can you post a follow up video showing the ends of your Ethernet cable. I have a potential (pun intended) theory.
I dumped my ethernet over power because of the terrible noise it injected into my audio chain. I just ordered the iFI purifier, so I might try the Ethernet over power again.
Well, to be fair to myself... the powerline internet system created the noise, and it's the only practical way to share internet in my home. So the iFi allowed me to solve a problem I was stuck with.
First: the gain is so high that there is NO WAY you can listen that high, based on the noise floor. So, we are so far down right at the gate that it is debatable if the noise is enough to be audible at normal levels. Second: internet over power lines requires you to add filtering. Any filtering will do, that iFi is NOT magical.. it is very basic and in this case, by FAR the better choice is to run the entire system from a power conditioner, because it does WAY more to that interference. This is like the most extreme case, using gains that are unusually high. The problem in these kind of demonstration is that regular, untrained audiophile does not understand scale. So, if you push gain 70dB up... are you EVER going to listen it like that? You have to also include typical use case. It is not a test to just push gain up, we can get all kinds of results that then are completely negated in a normal listening levels blind test. Oh, yeah.. third: If you do NOT have such strong interfere source, notice how the overall noisefloor.. does not change at all... It only picks up those awful digital ripples. A power conditioner, in series is needed. Parallel capacitor bank can only do so much, at that interference levels you want to get way more isolation and stronger filtering. Note: adding one device that has large capacitors visible to the mains will DO THE SAME THING. That is all that the iFi purifier has inside: large voltage capacitors with maybe a current shunt and 1meg discharge resistor. That is literally how these things work. DIY is easy.
The power line internet noise was clearly audible at normal listening levels. I cranked it for the purpose of demonstration, but I only knew it was there because it was bugging me during regular listening.
My video card on my gaming computer emits RF to my tv antenna. So interference can come from many sources. Then add ip over power modules into the mix and i am not surprised audio equipment can benefit from pwr conditioning.
Hi Adam, I’ve bought two of these based on your review. Had some noise problems caused by homeplug devices. At first I was skeptical about it but now I’m absolutely flabbergasted. First of all the noise on my power amps instantly went away. But secondly something completely unexpected happened. I was struggling with audio dropouts from my AppleTV 4K connected to my receiver. Tried several expensive HDMI cables to no avail. I was even considering replacing it. Well, after plugging in those iPurifiers that problem went away completely. So I guess they work for digital stuff as well.
Methodical and honest review. I'm not sure about these things, and I have a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering! I can definitely hear a difference between power cords, which somewhat baffles me. I'm going to try their iSilencer on my LAN as it seems to get somewhat better reviews overall. My son likes the iFi phono preamp FWIW.
Yes in my experience power cords can change the sound. It’s odd that none seems to know how or why.
Thanks . I have for a while been trying to find out if an AC purifier could cope with that much line noise. my convenient socket is as bad as that so I gave up using it and had to use extension leads etc. Most reviewers reassure me "It will sound better" but your the first to convince me it would work on my line.
Awesome demo! Really well put together and it consolidated the faith I already had in these products, which is great! Thank you 🙏
Very interesting. I have this because I bought it to reduce powerline noise in my system. It did not work, but the Emotiva CMX-2 solved my problem. It's nice to have an example of the problem this solves.
Am vaguely thinking about the iFi PowerStation, which has actual active noise cancellation, and passive noise cancellation. I don't feel I have a noise problem, or rather have not heard one like this video showed. However I must have plenty on noise in my system, due to what's plugged in around my audio kit.
I saw a video by PS audio however, which made me sceptical about passive noise cancellation. it stated that regular mains noise reduction, introduces stull like more resistance into the mains supply. It apparently affects the peaks of mains cycles. (Anyway if anyone is curious, it should be easy to find. Although they may just be promoting their own noise cancelling kit. it looked convincing though.)
Great demo! Nice to have actual proof rather than subjective talk. I have a powerline connection in my living room to deliver streaming services to the TV and my hi-fi in the same room, therefore running off the same circuit and likely to be a contributor to the hum I'm getting in my amps mains transformer plus any other nasties. I have been pondering one of these iFi units for a while so you have convinced me to try one of them if nothing else. I have put in an order on the basis of your demo. Earned yourself a subscription as well. Nice one!
Any luck with it?
I noticed you have a guitar there - have you tested whether this affects RFI into guitar pickups?
Awesome, thank you for posting this. Can you tell me if the iFi AC purifier affects the powerline network speeds?
Not that I noticed, Noah.
I have never used any sort of noise reduction system in my hifi, although I can't say I have had any issue with noise - at least not like that! I have heard that sometimes dynamics can be squashed with these devices, so am keen to await your further investigations.
I have a few similar components like the LS50 and the Schiit Gungnir. Both are quite resolving equipment so I think the power conditioner will make a difference in that system.
I added iFi AC iPurifier to my Greenwave filter. I don't have static or hiss but I wanted to see if it was snake oil. I put them on the bottom of my outlet for my PC/headphone set up and another set to my theater set up. It does changes the sound. From my experience, iFi AC iPurifier rolls off a bit of treble and soundstage but it adds better separation. For Greenwave filter, it adds a lot of body to the sound like vocals and acoustic guitar. When both added together it combines the characteristic. It turns into a hifi warmth characteristic.
Interestingly un my system it does not roll off the treble, quite contrary, it adds detail and focus to the 3-10KHz range. The leading edges are better defined. I definitely works? I was actually surprised. It doesn't remove the static hiss.
@@sashbar for me it adds 1-2db to 1khz-3khz and reduces 1-2db 8khz-20khz. It is not bad tho. I like the sound. It is the same for my headphone set up and my theater.
@@varyynice Well I can hardly hear anything above 10 kHz anyway:)
This is literally perceptual bias... this doesn't work
I am considering adding the ifi-powerstation to my system. I think that the demonstration is very clear that the system is having an effect. However, I also use WiFi adapters over the power grid and wonder whether there might be interference in this regard. not that the internet will be wiped out at the same time 😅. I would be very grateful if someone had experience in this regard.
I had the same problem a couple of years ago with power line adapters getting picked up by the headphone amp of my system. I wish I knew about this device then. I would have kept the power line adapters around!
So great to see this real-world demo of the product, which I bought recently. Thanks!
Interesting. I'm going to try one of these out. Thank you!
Haii..why polarity blinking?sometimes..
I tried this just now with EMI meter, the ifi AC purifier draws higher mV to the power line.
Noticed that also, too bad this is not considered by the manufacturer
Unfortunately, I sent mine back.. It does what you say...but at the cost of some dynamic range. I
How did you experience the lower dynamic range while using the power conditioner?
@@SirDemonLord Some of the higher frequencies were removed. If you do not have a resolving system you may not notice.
@@ge3466 Funny, I thought dynamic range was the difference between the loudest and most quite sound. Nothing to do with frequency.
Buy and use better shielded câbles!
@@khoi83 Actually there are other reviewers that can confirm my findings. My cables were not the problem. My system is very resolving. If your system is not highly resolving you may not hear the difference.
Hi all (and sorry for not noticing how many comments there are on here -- need to work on my notifications!). I agree with a lot of these comments: the iFi iPurifier AC solved noise problems for me, but it did squash a bit of treble. I've now moved away from using power line internet, and use a balanced power transformer, which reduces noise and makes everything sound better. All details here: www.hifiaf.com/power-conditioning-shootout/
I don't find it to squash the treble. What I hear instead is more resolution and treble transients being more smooth and less grainy. To me this means my DAC is receiving cleaner power and less jitter distortion (which causes sidebands and harshness to treble transients).
Two questions:
1: Does it make the noise with the Ethernet Cable disconnected?
2: If it doesn't produce any noise with the Ethernet cable disconnected can you post a follow up video showing the ends of your Ethernet cable.
I have a potential (pun intended) theory.
OMG Adam, I’ve found your RUclips presence ;)
I dumped my ethernet over power because of the terrible noise it injected into my audio chain. I just ordered the iFI purifier, so I might try the Ethernet over power again.
You have to buy an electronic device, to solve the problems that the other device causes.. man you're a genius!
Thanks.
Nice headphones 👌
i tried it..nothing happened
It’s hi-fi Mr. Rogers.
so you solved the problem that you created in the first place ;-)
Well, to be fair to myself... the powerline internet system created the noise, and it's the only practical way to share internet in my home. So the iFi allowed me to solve a problem I was stuck with.
👍
Sorry but it increased white noise tremendously.
schiit is stack my nyukka
its snake oil
but its cheap
First: the gain is so high that there is NO WAY you can listen that high, based on the noise floor. So, we are so far down right at the gate that it is debatable if the noise is enough to be audible at normal levels.
Second: internet over power lines requires you to add filtering. Any filtering will do, that iFi is NOT magical.. it is very basic and in this case, by FAR the better choice is to run the entire system from a power conditioner, because it does WAY more to that interference.
This is like the most extreme case, using gains that are unusually high. The problem in these kind of demonstration is that regular, untrained audiophile does not understand scale. So, if you push gain 70dB up... are you EVER going to listen it like that? You have to also include typical use case. It is not a test to just push gain up, we can get all kinds of results that then are completely negated in a normal listening levels blind test.
Oh, yeah.. third: If you do NOT have such strong interfere source, notice how the overall noisefloor.. does not change at all... It only picks up those awful digital ripples. A power conditioner, in series is needed. Parallel capacitor bank can only do so much, at that interference levels you want to get way more isolation and stronger filtering.
Note: adding one device that has large capacitors visible to the mains will DO THE SAME THING. That is all that the iFi purifier has inside: large voltage capacitors with maybe a current shunt and 1meg discharge resistor. That is literally how these things work. DIY is easy.
The power line internet noise was clearly audible at normal listening levels. I cranked it for the purpose of demonstration, but I only knew it was there because it was bugging me during regular listening.
Could you name a cheap non-snake oil conditioner/filter that will do the same thing? My budget is only 30 dollars (very poor, my soul is). Thanks.
Something is very wrong with filtering inputs, never heard such noise for 45 years of audio.
Something is broken.
My video card on my gaming computer emits RF to my tv antenna. So interference can come from many sources. Then add ip over power modules into the mix and i am not surprised audio equipment can benefit from pwr conditioning.
Why buy a tube amp. Tubes make noise🤦🏻♀️