" The Elbrus is a complex and comprehensive power supply - yet it is not active. Keeping it passive allows us to concentrate on the things that we think matter most! "
Monday 23 June 2008
By Steve Elford
Vertex Elbrus Point 3
The Elbrus Point 3 balanced power supply is a formidable piece of equipment.
It contains a whole new level of Vertex technology, with significant developments in our acoustic absorption and RFI filtering techniques combined with a dual transformer balanced topology that together give a massive leap in performance over the less expensive Vertex products. Optimised for supplying source components, it provides up to 300VA of balanced power (and filtered direct mains for power amps - see below). The Elbrus Point 3 measures 440mm x 350mm x 150mm and weighs approx 20kgs.
The Elbrus is a complex and comprehensive power supply - yet it is not active. That is, it does not break-down, reshape or rectify down to DC and re-generate, the mains supply. We have not found it necessary to do this. What we have found - and believe in absolutely - is that passive techniques, correctly applied, provide the best means to create a powers supply that gives all the performance improvements we are after. Keeping it passive allows us to concentrate on the things that we think matter most, such as:
- Maximising the benefits of common mode noise rejection from the balanced topology.
- Maximising the reduction of RFI throughout the design.
- Minimising the effects of unwanted acoustic energy throughout the design.
But there is another significant element to this design. As well as creating a clean supply of balanced power, the Elbrus is also draining RFI and acoustic energy out of the equipment it is supplying!
Ok, now for a bid more technical detail. The Elbrus Point 3 is a 300kVA unit with a balanced antiphase 115V 50Hz AC output (except the 2 bypassed outlets - see below). This balanced output is equivalent to UK 230V mains and is suitable for equipment requiring a 230V 50Hz supply. Raw 230V 50Hz mains is taken in through an IEC inlet, where it is first filtered by a Silver Plus Jaya module (See Silver Plus Jaya). Then the power enters the first transformer where it is stepped down to 30V AC (+/- 15V). This 'interstage' supply can then be shunt filtered with a filter of a different design to that of the Jayas (optimised for this application). It is then fed into a second, identical transformer where it is stepped back up to the mains voltage required, only this time the center tap of the output is Earthed, so the outputs of the windings become +/- 115V AC. This output configuration now brings the benefits of common-mode noise rejection; in essence any residual noise on one side of the output is also reproduced identically but 'in antiphase' on the other side of the output - so the 2 cancel out. Furthermore, to make sure we take away any high-frequency noise that may come back from your equipment, the balanced output is also filtered by a further Silver Plus Jaya module.
But this is still not all the story. At every input and output point for both transformers (and that even includes winding centre-taps than only need to be commoned) and the wiring from the input IEC and finally out to the outlet sockets all pass through individual acoustic absorption modules. This massively lowers the overall levels of damaging acoustics that can pass into the unit from both the input and outputs, as well as the internally generated acoustics from the transformers and filter components.
In order to maximise the utility of the Elbrus Point 3, bearing in mind its balanced outputs are limited to a total power draw of 300VA (thus cannot be used for large power amps), we have optimised the outlet configuration to suit a wide range of systems. There are four 13A outlets and one Neutric 'Powercon' outlet on the rear of the unit. Two of the 13A outlets and the Powercon outlet carry the balanced supply. The Powercon outlet can be used to feed an appropriate extension lead should you need to supply a large number of source components. The remaining two 13A outlets carry direct mains - albeit that this direct mains is still benefitting from the input Silver Plus Jaya and acoustic absorption modules.
So how does it sound?
" Well, when installed into a system of appropriate quality, the performance improvements are staggering. And its a huge step above what's achievable with the lower-priced Vertex products (and they're very, very good!). All the usual Vertex attributes of detail, delicacy, transparency, low noise floor, drive, perceived bandwith and control go up into another league. However, the key attribute is a massive gain in the pulse, flow and colour of the music - the realism of recordings as they leap out and envelop you will take your breath away. It makes what you've heard before seem quite flat and bleached. "
Photographs courtesy of Audio Salon (Bill Armstrong).
The price of the Elbrus Point 3 is £2,800.00 (inc VAT).
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