Musical Fidelity X-Power - Power Conditioner

The quality of mains electricity is declining, and this is affecting the performance of audio systems. The use of switch mode power supplies, energy saving bulbs, and Ethernet is contributing to this problem. Therefore, it is important to use proper filtration and DC blocking when using sensitive audiophile systems. Surge and overvoltage protection is also necessary to protect your system.

The X-Power is a single inlet, single outlet power conditioner in the classic Musical Fidelity X-profile. It contains three main blocks:

• Surge & overvoltage protector
• EMI/RFI filter
• DC blocker

It is an absolute rarity to find a power conditioner with all of those three elements in today’s market, especially at this price point. The revival of Musical Fidelity’s X-line with the introduction of the X-Power aims to change that.

The main chassis consists of a one-piece aluminium extrusion for best shielding against electro-magnetical interference. The front is glaced by a beautifully brushed aluminium face-plate and on the backpanel you can find a high-quality in- and outlet socket.

Surge & Overvoltage Protection

Surge protectors safeguard your electronic devices from damage caused by voltage surges, providing peace of mind and potentially saving you from costly repairs or replacements.

The X-Power’s multi-stage design employs two surge and overvoltage protection stages, one at the outset and one in the very last stage. Voltage surges may result from a number of factors, including lightning strikes, fluctuations in the power grid, or sudden changes in electrical loads. The X-Power diverts excess voltage away from connected devices, preventing it from reaching and damaging your valuable audio equipment.

EMI/RFI Filter

The incorporation of EMI (electromagnetic interference) and RFI (radio frequency interference) filters into audio systems serves to suppress unwanted electromagnetic and high frequency interference, therefore resulting in cleaner and more accurate audio signals. This can help to enhance audio quality, minimise noise, and prevent distortion.

The X-Power uses a bespoke EMI filter consisting of two common-mode chokes with common-mode and differential mode capacitors followed by another step of overvoltage protection.

With permanent work on our filter we have achieved astonishing results. Already at 100kHz we are very close to -60dB and from 600kHz on, we are below -70dB. At 1MHz we achieve more than -80dB. Such numbers are absolutely unique.

DC Blocker

In sensitive audio systems it is important to eliminate any unwanted DC offset (unwanted DC voltage or current superimposed on an AC signal) from the AC signal. DC offset can cause distortion, saturation, or other undesirable effects in audio systems, which can in turn lead to problems in audio signal transmission.

The X-Power employs a meticulously designed network of diodes and electrolytic capacitors to effectively block DC components while allowing AC components to pass through. Even a small amount of DC voltage can saturate the core of a power transformer, leading to audible mechanical vibrations and a reduction in transformer efficiency.

It should be noted that DC blockers are not a standard feature of all amplifiers or preamplifiers to ensure that the output signal is free from DC offset. This makes the X-Power an essential addition to any audio system!

Technical Specifications

In & Outputs

• Input: IEC C14 10A socket
• Output: Schuko socket
• - also available with US, UK or AUS socket

Power Specifications

• Input voltages: AC 230/240V 50/60Hz
• Power output: max. rated 10A
• RFI attenuation: > 60dB @ 100kHz, > 80dB @ up 1MHz
• DC blocker up to 2V

General Information

• Dimensions (WxHxD): 108 x 105 x 274 mm
• Weight: 2,29 kg net / 2,58 kg in shipping box

Further Information

Musical Fidelity X-Power - User Manual (PDF)