Isol-8 Axis 20
ISOL-8 Axis 20: 16 A DC blocker
Large amplifiers have large transformers, and these hum the most when the mains carries a DC component. This black steel enclosure sits between the wall socket and the amplifier and blocks this component without limiting the current the equipment demands: it handles 16 A continuously. Its rhodium-plated copper IEC C20 inlet and circuit breaker put it a step above the Axis 10, in the same compact format.
The toroidal transformer and DC voltage
On paper, the mains supplies a perfect sine wave. In reality, some household appliances with unbalanced power consumption add a slight DC voltage. A toroidal transformer, found in most power amplifiers, responds to it immediately: part of its core saturates, the windings vibrate and the chassis hums. The larger the transformer, the more audible the noise, which makes a high-current model useful for power amplifiers and integrated amplifiers with generously sized power supplies.
The Axis 20 uses the Axis circuit developed by ISOL-8 for its power conditioners, here in a standalone enclosure. Alternating current passes through, the DC component is blocked, and the transformer stops vibrating.
16 A for power-hungry amplifiers
With a continuous rating of 16 A, or approximately 3,700 W at 230 V, the Axis 20 supports a Class A amplifier, a high-power integrated amplifier or a monoblock power amplifier. This headroom matters, because an amplifier draws far more power at peak levels than its average consumption. The European version has just one Schuko outlet: one power amplifier per Axis 20, so two for a pair of monoblocks.
To achieve this current rating, ISOL-8 has replaced the Axis 10’s C14 inlet with an IEC C20 rated for 16 A, with rhodium-plated pure copper contacts. Protection is provided by a circuit breaker that also serves as a switch: the amplifier’s power can be turned off without touching the wall socket, and an overload can be reset without replacing a fuse.
The Axis 20 only blocks the DC component. Filtering high-frequency interference is the job of ISOL-8’s MiniSub and SubStation power conditioners, some versions of which incorporate the same Axis circuit.
A discreet enclosure behind the amplifier
The black steel chassis measures 240 × 100 × 68 mm and weighs 1.5 kg, the same format as the Axis 10. It can be placed on the floor or on a shelf next to the amplifier. The input power cord is not supplied: a cable terminated with an IEC C19 connector is required, which is less common than the C13. ISOL-8’s IsoLink Vertex and Vector power cords are available with this termination.
Technical specifications
Function and power supply
- Type: standalone DC blocker
- Rated current: 16 A
- Supply voltage:
- European version: 220–240 V AC
- 117 V version: 100–127 V AC
- Protection: circuit breaker that also acts as a switch
Mains connections
- Mains input: rhodium-plated pure copper IEC C20 inlet
- Compatible with a cord with a C19 connector
- Cord not included
- Output: 1 Schuko socket for the European version
Construction, dimensions and weight
- Chassis: steel, black finish
- Dimensions excluding connectors: 240 × 100 × 68 mm
- Weight: 1.5 kg
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference compared to the Axis 10?
The Axis 20 supports 16 A instead of 10 A, uses a rhodium-plated copper IEC C20 inlet instead of a C14, and replaces the fuse with a circuit breaker that also serves as a power switch. It weighs 200 g more, with the same dimensions.
Is my current power cord compatible?
Only if it ends in an IEC C19 connector, which is rectangular and wider than the C13 found on standard power cords. A C13 cord will not fit into a C20 inlet.
How can I tell if the noise is caused by the DC component?
With the volume at zero, move closer to the amplifier. A buzzing sound coming from the casing itself indicates a DC component. A hum in the speakers is more likely due to a ground loop, which the Axis 20 does not address.
Can a power conditioner be connected to the Axis 20?
ISOL-8 presents the Axis 20 as a single-outlet device for a single piece of equipment. To protect an entire system, the SubStation and MiniSub power conditioners are available in Axis versions, with built-in DC blocking.
What happens if the circuit breaker trips?
It cuts off power to the connected device. Once the cause has been identified, whether an excessive current draw or an amplifier fault, simply reset it.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
