During the design stages of the Isol-8 SubStation² it was discovered that power amplifiers responded to effective conditioning perhaps more than any other piece of audio equipment. The only problem was that to avoid dynamic compression very large isolation transformers were required. The smaller and cheaper Toroidal transformers were ruled out on sonic grounds early in the experiments.

In spite of their great weight, the practical and elegant cuboid design of Isol-8's Qube² enables the smallest of footprints. This means that they may be sited near to the power amplifier they serve. This version is the 4KVA Qube².

The new Mk. 2 version has significantly enhanced performance over previous models.

Isol-8 Qube² 4k is available with an optional blue, highly accurate digital voltmeter continuously displaying a "true" RMS reading of the incoming mains voltage.

The main chassis holds the huge transformers as well as the rear panel circuit breaker and internal components like the filtration module in place is stainless steel. Onto this are bolted four milled aluminium billets, 12.5mm in thickness. There are two parallel outputs which like the SubStation² can be user specified at the time of ordering (or even later!) Choices include:

13A traditional un-switched sockets
Schuko European sockets
Neutrik locking mains socket
Cable gland for direct termination
American style Hubble socket (117 Volt output version)

The 4K Qube²s requires far more current than an IEC connector can handle, so a Neutrik locking mains plug is used as standard. If the best performance is required, a dedicated spur from the fuse box using at least 2.5mm² cable should be used. This should be protected with a 20A fuse or circuit breaker. Remember that a qualified electrical engineer hould install this. The continuous current input could exceed 20 Amps RMS and short term levels can reach 40 Amps or more. The internal circuit breaker is rated at 20 Amps.

Inside The Qube²

The heart of the Qube² is a massive hand-wound EI style isolation transformer with Faraday screens. This is preceded with various parallel X and Y class filter capacitors and augmented with transient suppression devices between Live & Neutral, Live & Earth and Neutral and Earth. There are no series components except the Isolation transformer itself. The Live and Neutral outputs are fully floating. All components are the finest available and meet or exceed all relevant specifications. The entire unit is constructed of non-magnetic material to reduce Eddy currents circulating within the unit. Avoid using the Qube² close to television monitors as the magnetic field may disturb the picture.

The Qube² is protected by the rear panel two-pole circuit breaker. This is also used as the isolation switch for the Qube². To special order the Qube²s can be supplied with 117V output to suit American or other products that require this lower voltage. The sockets used for this output are the excellent American Hubbell chassis sockets. For maximum stability of the Qube²s' not insignificant weight, three excellent RDC composite feet are fitted.

It is essential that you do not exceed the power ratings. We have written a guide to work out how the VA rating of the Qube²s relate to the equipment that you may connect to them.

For full technical specifications, please click here.

Other Isol-8 Products

IsoLink Mains Cables
Hex 5-Way & 12-Way
Mainline 2
Cleanline 2
MiniSub 2