The difference between the new and the old Dragon Source version is perhaps similar to the difference between Dragon Source and Dragon High Current. The old Dragon Source version has the same cable structure as the Dragon High Current version. Only the individual conductors have a slightly smaller diameter. The new Dragon Source version has only one thin silver conductor.
Do you have other noise suppression and/or grounding schemes in your system along with the Ansuz plugs? I’m trying to get a grasp as to what these add-ons bring to the party if you have dedicated grounding boxes, like CAD, or noise blocking emitters like Schnerzinger GP and EMI.
I have a Schnerzinger Grid Protector and Xangsane grounding boxes on the component housings. The Ansuz Sortz take care of the signal ground. An Ansuz Sortz further improves imaging and details. I use some in the digital part of my Marantz Link 10n. Also Sortz LAN for the modem and switch.
All component chassis grounds are grounded to my Everest CGS ground plane lugs.
All signal grounds are grounded to individual ground boxes.
These are in addition to the Ansuz Sortz.
I have tried Epluggs USB, Lan, RCA, HDMI and Furutech Clear Line USB and LAN plugs. Before adding the Grid Protector, Grounding Boxes and Furutech Vault Power Strip with Project V1 Power Cord, I could hear differences using these plugs for noise suppression. After all the changes, I could not hear any difference whether I used the Furutech Clear Line or Epluggs plugs. My expectations for the Ansuz Sortz were high due to the price, and I was skeptical that they would make a difference since the others had no audible improvement. When I received the first Sortz, I couldn’t believe the difference it made. I was so impressed that I bought five more Sortz.
Since my amplifier transformers hum from time to time, I got an IsoTek DC filter today. After seeing that you can also screw it to a wall, I’ll try it tomorrow. I bought a Furutech FI-32 C19 plug and will try to mount it directly to the cable in the wall to connect the V5 Syncro Uni 16 directly. That way I don’t need an extra power cable. I still have a Furutech DPS-4.1 left, but I think it will look tidier if I mount the DC filter on the wall without an extra power cable.
I have just installed the DC filter in place of my Furutech sockets. As I have a separate power cable that is in a cable duct in my listening room, it was easy to do. The filter comes with brackets for wall mounting. I just used a few nice and slightly larger stainless steel screws with matching dowels. I installed a Furutech FI-32 rhodium IEC plug on the power cable on the wall. I thought that it was not absolutely necessary to use a much more expensive FI-52 NCF C19 plug. Al also said that he doesn’t hear an extension cable from the hardware store in front of a high-quality cable and has already extended cables from the wall. I think Al’s Experience that a medium-priced IEC plug in front of the DC filter should be sufficient. On the DC filter output I have a Furutech Project V1 power cable that supplies power to my Furutech Vault power strip. and from there I supply my power amplifiers with additional Project V1 and the other components with Dragon Source power cables. A Schnerzinger Grid Protector is also plugged into the Vault power strip. How does it sound now? As the manufacturer promised, I would say. Very clean and precise, with more air around individual notes. The sound gradations and timbres are easier to make out. The dynamics do not suffer as a result. The transformers of the large mono power amplifiers only hum quietly. I hope it stays that way, as I could hear a loud hum now and then.
Manufacturer’s Description: Isotek EV5 Synchro Uni 16 Mains Filter. Syncro Uni features unique DC cancellation electronics that realign the mains sine wave on the zero volt line to dramatically reduce/cancel transformer hum and vibration. This sophisticated product can be used independently for a single component or in combination with another IsoTek Power Cleaner as an upgrade to deliver a balanced sine wave on all output sockets. The latest version of IsoTek’s innovative and original DC Cancelling system, launched almost 15 years ago, improves the design with 260% more current capacity and a corresponding reduction in impedance. Internal peak current is now 32 amps! Removes DC from the mains voltage - effectively dampens the background noise. No loss of dynamics or bass response, reduction of distortion with improved openness and transient response. Harmonious and more realistic sound reproduction. Removes and reduces transformer vibration and hum, improving component performance by reducing micro-resonance interference. Reduces and minimizes heat build-up in component transformers, resulting in longer life with fewer maintenance and upkeep issues (of connected equipment). Filters up to 4 volts DC (VDC), making it ideal for any future electrical equipment that may generate DC voltage. Significantly improves dynamics and frequency range, providing more correct timing, especially in the bass range with a greater sense of space.
The IsoTek V5 SYNCRO UNI 16 is an upgrade that I can highly recommend. This shows again that a good power supply is the foundation for a good-sounding system. A striking feature is a deep black background with an improved stage image that is now very precise. There is more air around individual instruments. The depth effect has increased significantly. Individual sounds are clearer and it is easier to locate the most subtle details. The DC filter ensures that there is no longer any DC component and ensures a clean sine wave. The Schnerzinger Grid Protector takes care of the remaining high-frequency interference. In terms of cost-benefit ratio, the IsoTek V5 SYNCRO UNI 16 wins. Both together seem to complement each other well. I am surprised at how big the DC filter looks mounted on the wall. When I first held the box in my hand, I thought it might be too small.
I think I’ve solved my power supply problems. Now I can relax and listen to music without having to think about upgrades. At least for the time being.
