Kemp Elektroniks - Power Source

The most comprehensive mains conditioner for your entire audio/video system

The development of the POWER SOURCE took us no less than 4 years, as the design goals were very ambitious from the start; a mains conditioner that delivers the best possible improvement for a complete audio/video system in one modest enclosure.

8 grounded output power sockets
Several filter sections
DC-offset filter
Three way overvoltage and surge protector
Power capability 3800 Watts @ 230 V
Shielded against EMI/RFI through aluminum diecast housing
Weight 13 kg
Dimensions 250 X 250 X 100 mm/
9.85 x 9.85 x 3.94 inches
Standard 1.5 m HI POWER CORD supplied

Audio and video components are, on one hand, always surrounded by numerous other electrical devices indoors. Light dimmers, Computers, peripheral equipment, cordless phones, chargers, other TV sets, air conditioners, microwaves, washing machines etc. This is a normal situation in most houses. It is less known that all these devices create mains pollution and distortion. Some of them even quite severely. On the other hand, your components suffer from pollutions that reaches them from outside, e.g. street lighting, heavy industry, and elevators. Mains pollution and distortion has a strong – and often underestimated - degrading effect on the sound and picture quality of an audio/video system.
The POWER SOURCE is designed to strongly minimize and/or completely remove mains pollution and distortion all in one go. After installation of the POWER SOURCE you will realize that the quality of the mains was a weak link in the chain. Arguably maybe even the weakest link.

Our inductor (top) vs. one used by all our competitors...

....

Most mains conditioners don’t perform well when used in combination with power amplifiers. The common negative effects are a less dynamic sound, degrading imaging and separation at higher volumes and with louder and more complex material. During the development of the POWER SOURCE we tested almost exclusively with powerful amplifiers to avoid these common problems from all other mains conditioners on the market today. Power amplifiers also draw strong power pulses from the mains supply. This creates mains pollution and distortion that affects all other components of the system.
The POWER SOURCE is designed to be used with ANY type of power amplifier!
Usually, manufacturers use too small an inductor, with too small cores and too thin wires, resulting in the bad reputation mains filters have for some people...

Digital sources present another problem. The most often heard remark is a less pleasant ‘digital’ sound from CD/DVD/SA players, streaming audio devices and DA converters. In most cases this is caused by the mains distortion that is generated by these digital components themselves, affecting all other components in the setup by means of the mains. Elimination of this specific problem had a high priority in the design of the POWER SOURCE and we succeeded. Digital sources will sound much more natural and ‘analog’.

The POWER SOURCE is designed to supply clean mains for a complete audio/video system and offers 8 power outlets. The POWER SOURCE contains 2 filter sections. A separate section for power amplifiers and a second section for 2 digital components and pre-amp plus 3 other components like a TV, DVD player etc.
The size of the POWER SOURCE is as small as possible without compromising quality and performance. Its modest size and black finish allows discrete placement behind the system in most situations. The length of the standard power cord is 1.5 m/5 ft. but can be ordered in any specified length.

The POWER SOURCE is available with outlets for the following countries: Germany, Belgium/France, Switserland, Italy, Great Britain, United States, Canada and Australia.

In addition to the standard POWER SOURCE, a PLUS edition is also available. The experience with the standard POWER SOURCE led to further refinements yielding an even better performance. The improvements from the POWER SOURCE PLUS compared to the standard version are:

QA MODULES on the outlets
Input connector featuring gold plated contacts
Output sockets featuring gold plated contacts
All contacts treated with DeoxIT and SilClear
Power cord 1.5 m/5 ft. POWER CORD PLUS

A lot of testing and countless hours of listening led to the amazing conclusion that the power cord from the POWER SOURCE has a much stronger influence on the overall performance than the power cord from the powered components. The POWER CORD PLUS clearly gives the best results in this application. The built-in QA MODULES create an even more natural sound with richer harmonics. The low frequency response is extended further. Gold plated contacts ensure the best contact right from new but they also ensure the best possible contact after many years of intensive use.

We advise to listen to both the standard POWER SOURCE and the POWER SOURCE PLUS to determine which version is the most suitable for your system. It is likely that you will find that the PLUS version offers the best price/performance ratio.

Reviews:

MusicHome, january 2000; "Clean boat", in the page "Test" by Jo Mullers

A response from a customer, Stephen from Japan:

I have tried so many power conditioners. Shunyata Hydra has been the very best until now. I had the chance to compare Kemp's Power Source Plus to my Hydra V Ray 2 ($ 5000). I was surprised immediately as the Kemp Power Source Plus put my Hydra V Ray 2 to shame in my system. Yes, these two products can't be compared. The Kemp Power Source is cheaper than the Hydra V Ray 2 and the Kemp Power Source Plus is far better than the Hydra V Ray 2 in my system. Better bass, very very quiet and you hear more from the recordings. Really musical. I bought one immediately and sold my Hydra V Ray 2.

A respons from a client, Mr. Cyriel Pluimakers (a journalist for music and audio:

The Power Source Plus changes your music system completely and for the better! It sounds like you just traded in your components for higher priced gear. Ik never was aware the mains is that important! The Power Source Plus is the new heart of my system!

A respons from a client, Walter Frederiks from Harlingen:

An excellent power conditioner; even the power supply of my Quad Electrostats benefits! Each and every component that is connected to the Power Source Plus, instantly becomes a bettter performer! A (dis)advantage is that only eight sockets are available; I guess I have to stop buying audio components!

A respons from a client, Lars Evers from Maarssenbroek:

Almost immediately after instalment, it appeared that this big black box does not limit dynamics al all, which is very unlike most filters of its kind. I’ve tried several other filters, all improving detail but killing dynamics and making the low end sound drowsy. The Power Source Plus doesn’t have this drawback and furthermore, timbre of musical instruments is rendered in a more naturel way. I can enjoy CD’s of classical music at last!

Response from a customer, Dipl. Ing. Wolfgang Sach from Munich, Germany:

In May of this year, I met Mr. Ron Kemp at the HIGH END fair in Munich and I told him of my problem: my high end set (consisting of Martin Logan loudspeakers, a good turntable, pre- and power amplifiers Bartolomeo Aloia / D100 and CD player Jadis Symphoniea) wouldn't perform well certain periods of a day. This was caused by the power routing to my home in an apartment building. Often, I could "hear" the vacuum cleaner of my neighbours. Mr. Kemp advised me to use his POWER SOURCE in combination with his high end POWER CORD PLUS. I followed his advise, and I'm more than happy with the results, yes, even enthusiast. The disturbing influences of the mains have completely gone, and my Martin Logan loudspeakers now sound even more brilliant and clear, with more powerful bass. Before, I thought I would need a subwoofer, but now, I realize it is completely unnecessary.

A respons from a client, Dhr. van Willigenburg from Helmond:

Back in 1999, I was among the first to get delivered a Power Source from Kemp Elektroniks. Instantly, this became a component I can not do without. I’ve tried some other devices of its kind, but I always returned to the Power Source. Until now, that is. I’ve just purchased the Plus version of the Power Source. Again, its effects are impressive; I feel the same excitement I felt 11 years ago. One hardly believes how much this product has been improved. One can’t miss out on this one; it’s like day and night!