Hey Gordon,

Congrats on your new setup in Toronto! I’m certain that was a tough choice, as both KEF and Dynaudio are renowned brands. I’m sure you will enjoy your new speakers.

I have a quick question. I see from pictures on the site of both your new and previous active speaker setups that you utilize iFi Audio’s AC iPurifier. I read the February 2021 article on upgrades and accessories where you covered the AC iPurifier, so I know your thoughts on this accessory. I recall reading that you aren’t able to run the speaker’s power cables through a surge suppressor. Does the AC iPurifier provide that protection for the speakers? The iFi website mentions it, but not prominently. I’m just curious about how robust it could be with the device being “in the circuit” but not between the outlet and the amplifier power cable.

Cheers,
Jack
United States


Hi Jack,

Nice to hear from you. To answer your question about the AC iPurifier, I saw the claims you noted on iFi’s webpage: “With in-built surge protection, AC iPurifier will shut down if it detects a short or a power surge. Your equipment will remain safe and sound.” The site also notes that, “the Over-voltage Surge Protection (OSP) is an auto detection and cut-off circuit. Should it detect an excessive power surge or short in the mains electricity, it will automatically cut off. If this issue persists, it will not reboot and will protect your equipment from harm.”

I don’t really understand how this would work. While the AC iPurifier might be able to detect a surge, it has no way of shutting off power to components connected to AC plugs on the same circuit. The second statement is exactly the same as a claim made on iFi’s web page for the Power Station. I have little doubt that the Power Station will protect connected equipment. I’m as curious about this as you are, so I’m going to forward your question to iFi. I’ll get back to you with what I learn.

All the best,
Gordon


iFi Audio responds:

Hello Gordon,

After receiving your inquiry, I passed your question about the AC iPurifier on to our lead tech and have received a response. The AC iPurifier works in parallel with other connected devices and will absorb a surge over 470V and under 2A. This will protect against a voltage spike, and the electrical characteristics of the fuse will handle 20A for between 20 and 150ms. The unit uses a metal oxide varistor and an extreme voltage/power surge for a short period of time, and should divert the surge away from the parallel-connected equipment.

Hope this helps with your question.

Regards,
Jon
Customer Service
iFi Audio