IsoTek V5 AQUARIUS silver

After more than a decade of success with the EVO3 Aquarius, IsoTek is launching its fifth generation with a completely redesigned unit. The chassis features a new, streamlined design, but the most significant changes are on the inside: optimized electrical architecture, custom components, and enhanced protection. Six independent filtering networks are housed in a compact 9.5 kg enclosure, each one dedicated to an output socket to avoid any cross-contamination between connected devices.

A redesigned architecture to minimize losses

One of the recurring criticisms leveled at power conditioners is their tendency to clamp the dynamics of amplifiers. IsoTek has made the reduction of DC resistance (DCR) an absolute priority on the V5 Aquarius. The copper loading of the PCB has been increased by 35% compared with the previous model, and the overall DCR reduced by at least 25%, bringing the signal closer to the theoretical ideal of zero ohms. The new circuit also offers twice the inductance with a 40% increase in current-handling capacity.

This “Direct Coupled” philosophy aims to give the impression that each device is plugged directly into the mains, without the inertia introduced by some filters. Amplifiers in particular retain their responsiveness and their ability to deliver clean, incisive transients.

Six filters, six isolated outlets

The V5 Aquarius stands out for its multi-channel architecture: each output socket has its own dedicated filtering network. This design eliminates contamination from differential-mode noise, those interferences generated by electronic devices themselves when they draw current. On conditioners with shared filtering, this noise circulates from one outlet to another and affects all connected equipment.

Four standard outlets deliver up to 6 A each (1,380 W total at 230 V) and are intended for sources, players, preamplifiers, or network devices. These outlets incorporate Adaptive Gating technology, which automatically detects the power consumption of the connected device and adjusts the filtering level accordingly. The two high-power outlets support up to 16 A (3,680 W total at 230 V) for power amplifiers, active subwoofers, or powered speakers. The filtering is calibrated differently there to preserve the instantaneous current needed for power peaks.

Thermomagnetic protection and surge suppression

Instead of traditional thin-wire fuses, the V5 Aquarius uses two separate thermomagnetic circuit breakers: a 16 A model for the high-power outlets, and a 6 A model for the source outlets. The contact surface of this system is at least 1,000 times greater than that of a conventional fuse, resulting in a more stable connection and lower resistance.

Surge protection relies on a network of varistor devices (VDR) operating in cascade. This sequential system adapts to the severity of the problem encountered: it intervenes gradually for minor disturbances and can react extremely quickly in the event of a major spike. Instantaneous protection capacity reaches 81,000 A, a level that covers the vast majority of incidents occurring on the household power grid, including indirect lightning strikes.

Internal wiring and build quality

The internal wiring uses solid-core OCC (Ohno Continuous Cast) copper conductors plated with silver. This monocrystalline copper, produced via a continuous casting process, has a grain-boundary-free structure that promotes conductivity. Fluoroethylene propylene (FEP) insulation is helically wound around the conductor to create a virtual air dielectric, further reducing losses.

The aluminum chassis contributes to the overall electromagnetic shielding. With dimensions of 450 × 110 × 350 mm, the unit integrates easily into a rack or on a dedicated shelf. A black finish is also available.

System Link connection for scalable systems

On the rear panel, a System Link socket (Neutrik powerCON connector) allows several IsoTek devices to be linked together while maintaining a star-earthing topology. This configuration ensures that all devices share exactly the same ground reference, avoiding the slight potential differences that can occur with multiple wall outlets or daisy-chained power strips. A V5 Aquarius can thus be combined with a V5 Titan to power amplifiers separately, or with an IsoTek power strip to increase the number of filtered outlets.

EVO3 Premier power cable included

The unit comes with a 1.5 m EVO3 Premier power cable. This cable uses three 2 mm² conductors made of 99.9999% OFC (oxygen-free) copper plated with silver, insulated with FEP fluoropolymer. The 24-carat gold-plated connectors feature a Schuko plug on the wall side and an IEC C13 connector on the component side, with a current rating of 16 A. This cable is a solid starting point, which some users may later choose to upgrade to a more advanced model from the IsoTek range.

Technical Specifications

Main Features

• Compatible with all audio and audiovisual systems
• 6 optimized filtering circuits for eliminating mains interference
• Fully grounded circuit
• Thermomagnetic protection

Connectivity

• 4 independent outlets for source devices (6 A)
• 2 high-power independent outlets (16 A) for:
  • Amplifiers
  • Active subwoofers
  • Active speakers

Electrical Specifications

• Instant protection: 81,000 A, 40,000 A
• Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) attenuation: 60 dB
• Standard outlets 230 V: 4 × (6 A, 1,380 W total)
• Standard outlets 115 V: 4 × (6 A, 690 W total)
• High-power outlets 230 V: 2 × (16 A, 3,680 W total)
• High-power outlets 115 V: 2 × (16 A, 1,840 W total)
• Surge protection: 81,000 A

Construction

• Internal wiring made of single-crystal copper (OCC) with solid-core silver plating
• Insulation with virtual air Fluoroethylene Propylene (FEP)

Physical Characteristics

• Dimensions (W × H × D): 450 × 110 × 350 mm
• Weight: 9.5 kg

EVO3 Premier Power Cable

• Length: 1.5 m
• Outer diameter: 10 mm
• Conductor cross-section: 3 × 2.0 mm²
• Conductors: 99.9999% oxygen-free copper (OFC) with silver plating
• Insulation: Fluoropolymer (FEP)
• Dielectric constant: 2.1
• Sheath: Flexible PVC
• Rated current: 16 A
• Connectors: 24-carat gold-plated audiophile-grade, EU Schuko plug and IEC C13 connector