Isol-8 SubStation F3 silver
ISOL-8 SubStation F3: six-outlet mains conditioner
A hi-fi system shares its mains supply with the refrigerator, internet router and household chargers, each of which feeds interference back into it. Audio components also interfere with one another: a digital source introduces noise into the circuit supplying the neighbouring preamplifier. The entry-level model in ISOL-8’s new F range, this conditioner separates sources from amplifiers and filters each circuit according to the component it supplies. It is hand-assembled in England.
Separate outlets for sources and amplifiers
A network player, a converter or a preamplifier draws little power, but reacts to even the slightest noise on its power supply. Their dedicated outlets use multi-stage Transmodal filtering, and ISOL-8 limits the transfer of interference from one outlet to another: noise fed back onto the mains by one component does not directly reach its neighbour. These low- and medium-current outputs support a total of 6 A.
A power amplifier presents the opposite problem. Its average consumption remains reasonable, but a sustained bass note or a percussion attack demands much higher current in a fraction of a second. An overly restrictive filter at this point compresses dynamics. The F3’s high-current outputs therefore use a variant of the Transmodal filter with very low series resistance: the amplifier retains its current reserve while filtering remains active. The six outlets share a maximum continuous current of 15 A.
Common mode, differential mode and the earth circuit
Mains interference travels in two ways. In differential mode, it is superimposed on the voltage between live and neutral. In common mode, it appears simultaneously on both conductors, relative to earth. A filter that addresses only one of the two lets part of the problem through. Transmodal filtering acts on both modes, and ISOL-8 claims effectiveness down to very low frequencies.
The protective earth also has its own filtering, handled by an inductor wound by ISOL-8. This conductor connects the chassis of all components in the system and often provides a path for interference. Surge protection completes the arrangement, and a resettable circuit breaker cuts the power in the event of an overload, with no fuse to replace.
Choice of mains inlet and English manufacture
Three inlets are available: IEC C14 (10 A), IEC C20 (20 A) or Neutrik powerCON. With the C14, the total available current is limited to 10 A, or approximately 2,300 W at 230 V. The C20 and powerCON provide access to the unit’s full 15 A, a logical choice for power-hungry amplifiers. ISOL-8 IsoLink Vertex and Vector cables are available with these terminations.
Assembly is carried out by hand in Worcestershire. Inside are inductors wound by ISOL-8, polypropylene capacitors and silver-plated copper wiring with PTFE insulation. The machined aluminium front panel is 10 mm thick, with a silver or black finish. The enclosure measures 450 × 375 × 132 mm and weighs 10 kg. The SubStation F5 has the same dimensions with a seventh outlet, weighing 11.7 kg.
Technical specifications
Type and range
- Type: passive mains conditioner
- Range: SubStation F
Outlets and mains connection
- Number of outlets: 6
- Outlets for low / medium-current sources
- High-current outlets for amplifiers
- Choice of mains input: IEC C14 (10 A), IEC C20 (20 A), Neutrik powerCON NAC3MPXXA
Filtering and protection
- Multistage Transmodal filtering: common mode and differential mode
- Control of cross-contamination between connected devices
- High-current outlet filtering: Transmodal topology with very low series resistance
- Earth circuit filtering: ISOL-8 wound choke
- Surge protection
- Protection by resettable circuit breaker
- DC blocking: no (see SubStation F3 Axis)
Electrical specifications
- Total continuous current: 15 A maximum shared across all outlets
- With IEC C14 input: 10 A
- Continuous current for low / medium-current outlets: 6 A maximum in total
- Supply voltage:
- European version: 220–240 V AC
- 120 V version: 100–127 V AC
- Frequency: 50 / 60 Hz
Construction and finishes
- Components: chokes wound by ISOL-8, polypropylene capacitors, silver-plated copper wiring with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) insulation
- Front panel: 10 mm thick machined aluminium
- Finishes: silver or black
- Manufacture: hand-assembled in Worcestershire (England)
Dimensions and weight
- Dimensions (W × D × H): 450 × 375 × 132 mm
- Depth excluding connectors
- Dimensions with packaging: 555 × 500 × 300 mm
- Weight: 10 kg
- Weight with packaging: 13.2 kg
Frequently asked questions
What total power can be connected to the SubStation F3?
The unit delivers 15 A continuously, shared across all outlets, or approximately 3,450 W at 230 V with a C20 or powerCON inlet. With a C14 inlet, the limit drops to 10 A, approximately 2,300 W. The source outlets are limited to 6 A in total. With a Class A amplifier or powerful monoblocks, check their power consumption in the manufacturer’s manual before choosing the inlet.
Does the SubStation F3 eliminate transformer hum?
No. A hum coming from the amplifier’s casing, rather than the speakers, is most often caused by a DC component on the mains supply, which the F3 does not block. The SubStation F3 Axis uses the same conditioner with a built-in blocking circuit. If only one device is affected, ISOL-8 also offers the Axis 10 and Axis 20, standalone blockers with a single socket.
What's the difference compared to the SubStation F5?
Both models share the same enclosure, input options, and current limits (15 A total, 6 A for source outlets). The F5 offers a seventh outlet and weighs 11.7 kg compared to 10 kg for the F3.
Why a circuit breaker rather than a fuse?
In the event of an overload, the circuit breaker cuts off the power and can be reset with a simple action once the cause has been resolved. No need to keep a spare fuse or open a fuse holder.
How much space should be allowed in the cabinet?
At 450 mm wide and 132 mm high, the F3 fits on a shelf like any other component in the system. The stated depth of 375 mm excludes connectors: you need to allow extra space for the plugs and cables connected at the rear, which are best not bent at a right angle against a wall.
Does the European version work on both 50 Hz and 60 Hz mains power?
Yes. The European version accepts 220 to 240 V at 50 or 60 Hz. For a 100 to 127 V mains supply, ISOL-8 offers a separate 120 V version.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
