Octave HP500MK3, Owner'S Manual

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6. EXTERNAL POWER SUPPLY 

Power Supply

Indicator LED

The LED illuminates when the unit is switched on.  

Description 

The HP 500 MK3 is equipped with a specially designed external power supply 
incorporating highly effective mains and high frequency filters. To provide maximum 
shielding from electromagnetic interference, the unit is housed in a separate case. 
The transformer has been specially designed for the HP 500 MK3. It cannot be used 
with any other device. 
 

Benefits 

The Power Supply contributes substantially to the improved sound quality of the  
HP 500 MK3. Its design is based on the realization that an effective improvement in 
sound quality can be achieved by completely isolating the preamplifier from the mains 
(simulated battery powered operation). Classic LC filters can reduce high frequency 
interference but cannot reduce low frequency interference or ground currents that are 
part and parcel of a "normal" power supply. Ground currents are interference currents 
in the signal cables connecting the various components in a stereo system. They have 
a definite negative effect on sound quality.  
 
We developed a special isolation transformer that also demonstrates very good high 
frequency filtering characteristics. We have been able to eliminate these ground 
currents by completely isolating the components from the mains.