The next generation
Power Conditioner for
your Audio System
Sygnus X-1
The Sygnus X-1 is a mains power supply and distribution unit that provides a clean power supply for audio equipment. Both the noise from the mains and the noise caused by the individual audio components are reduced, resulting in a significant improvement in the sound quality of your audio system.
How does it work?
The Sygnus X-1 reduces common mode and differential mode noise, making your audio system sound significantly better. Four key components in this audio power conditioner are responsible for improving sound quality:
Galvanic isolation
The system provides galvanically isolated power outputs, which means that the 230VAC outputs are isolated from the mains. This eliminates most of the common mode noise, which is the key for creating a stable ground as a reference in your audio system.
Balanced power outputs
The outputs contains two phases of 115VAC each, with respect to ground. This ensures that the differential mode noise is balanced with respect to ground. As a result, the differential mode noise will drain less current to the ground, which results is a cleaner groundfor your audio system.
Dedicated audio ground
For further improvement, the Sygnus X-1 offers the option to disconnect from the protective earth provided by the wall outlet. This way a dedicated audio groundcan be created to optimize the stability of the ground and power of the audio system.
Input and output filters
Filters are applied to both the input and output to fine-tune the system to your liking. These filters can be set when the system is turned on, providing the unique ability to instantly hear the effect of a change in filter settings.
Safety features
Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker
Due to the galvanic isolation, the Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker in the fuse box does not respond to the Earthfault current at the output. The built-in audiophile Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker prevents possible danger from leakage currents. The operation can be checked with a test button.
System Earth protection
When using a separate System Earth, a safety system compares the potential of the System Earth with the Protective Earth. If the voltage difference becomes too high, the system switches off to prevent damage or unsafe situations.
Overload protection
Overloading can lead to overheating of the system. While short-term overloading usually does not cause problems, the overload protection ensures that the device remains protected from damage.
Short-circuit protection
The system is equipped with a fuse that acts as short-circuit protection.
“An audio system is as good as its power supply”
This is because the power supply is in the loop of the electrical parts that generate and amplify the audio. But you can also state that an audio system is as good as the quality of the mains power, because the electricity grid is part of the power supply.
Since pollution on the mains is increasing due to the proliferation of (bad) electrical appliances, such as LED lighting and smartphone chargers, it makes sense to see what can be done locally to improve the power quality for your audio system.
Installing a good line conditioner and the use of a dedicated System Ground will almost always breathe new life into an audio system.
How to connect the Sygnus X-1
There are three common ways to connect the Sygnus X-2 to your audio system. The images below show these setups.
Specifications
Electrical characteristics
Connections
Features
Protective measures
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sygnus X-1?
The Sygnus X-1 is a 1000VA power processor and distribution unit designed to provide a clean power supply for audio equipment. It reduces noise from both the mains and the individual audio components, which can improve the sound quality of your audio system.
How does the Sygnus X-1 improve sound quality?
It reduces common mode and differential mode noise. It achieves this through several features, including galvanic isolation, which electrically isolates the outputs from the mains , and input/output filters that suppress mains pollution.
How many devices can I connect to the Sygnus X-1?
The Sygnus X-1 has 8 power outlets for your audio components.
What is a "Dedicated System Earth"? A Dedicated System Earth is an earth connection for your audio system that is separate from the Protective Earth provided by the wall outlet. This can optimize the stability of the earth and power, further improving sound quality.
What safety features does the Sygnus X-1 have?
The system has several built-in protections, including a thermal switch for overload protection , a cartridge fuse for short-circuit protection , an audiophile Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB) , and a System Earth Voltage Circuit Breaker.
How do I test the Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB)?
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Switch off the Sygnus X-1 using the power switch on the back.
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Remove all audio device plugs.
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Switch the unit back on. The Earth Leakage indicator should light up green.
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Insert the supplied Test Plug into one of the power outputs. The ELCB should activate, causing the device to switch off and the Earth Leakage indicator to turn red. It is recommended to perform this test monthly.
How do I set the input and output filters?
The input and output filters can be adjusted while the system and connected audio equipment are on, allowing you to hear the effect of the changes immediately. The input filter has two switches (C1 and C2 input) with four possible settings. The output filter has three switches (C1, C2, and C3 output) with eight possible settings. You should set the volume low when changing filter settings to avoid a "pop" sound that could damage your speakers.
How do I install the Sygnus X-1?
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Place the unit on a firm, stable surface, away from sensitive audio sources to minimize electromagnetic interference. It weighs over 40 kg, so it is recommended to have two people move it.
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Ensure all switches are in the off position, then connect the power cord.
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Connect your audio devices to the outlets, making sure the cables are not twisted together and are run separately.
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Set the filters to a medium setting (C1 input on, C3 output on, others off) and power on the system to check if it's working.
What if the Sygnus X-1 doesn't turn on or has no power at the outlets?
This could be due to a blown fuse at the power inlet, a defective power cord, or an overload that caused the system to shut down. Check the fuse, try a different cord or outlet, and if an overload occurred, remove the cause and wait for the unit to cool down.
What if the System Earth Indicator is red and the system turns off?
This indicates that the voltage between the System Earth and the Protective Earth has exceeded the safety threshold of 20 VRMS. This can happen if the "Sys. Earth" switch is on but no earth source is connected to the Central Earth, or if the connection is poor. You can reset the system by turning the power switch off and on again.
What if the Earth Leakage Indicator is red and the system turns off?
This means the system has detected an earth leakage current above the safety threshold of 10 mARMS. This is likely caused by an earth fault in one of the connected audio devices. To troubleshoot, unplug all devices, reset the system, and then plug them back in one by one to identify the faulty device.