Isotek
Contents
From Isotek, we have four devices on test. Of the Isotek Aquarius, we have both the Aquarius EVO3 and the Aquarius V5. The price difference between these two is 1000 Euro. So, a lot. And although we have said before that it is a – too? – big difference, we now hear that the difference in quality is quite significant. The Isotek Aquarius V5 plays more calm, rounder, more insightful and … yes: more musical?
The Aquarius EVO3 is clearly more “up front” than the Aquarius V5. With that, the EVO3 is certainly not bad, but it just gives more of a tunnel feel than the V5: that one spreads out the stereo image more and thus gives more and increases calmness as well. Notable difference…!
Isotek Syncro with Gemini
In addition to the Aqurarius, we also have the Syncro and Gemini from Isotek. This combination works particularly well with our retro-system. The Syncro is not a filter: it is a DC blocker. The Gemini is a subtle parallel filter in a neat little distribution block with 2 outlets.
What this combination does very nicely is give air in the sound, looseness in the stereo image and still add the necessary calmness and control. Especially the stereo image opens up a lot further out. And that increases the experience significantly. A serious upgrade for less than 1000 Euro. And frankly a lot more effective than the Aquarius EVO3…. The V5 goes even further than this. But it also costs significantly more.
Last year I used a Oehlbach phaser for testing the polarity on my 10 components. Works on a battery and gives the correct results. When both positions of the plug gave the same results I used a multimeter, this also gave identical results, in other words there is no lower value and the position of the plug doesn’t matter. I marked the position of all phases with a dot of a red paint marker (so on the components, both plugs of the power cords, the power strips used and the wall socket. In this way it is easy to change components or cables. And yes it made a small difference in the sound of the music. Good luck.
Thank you for the advice!
You can also open up the device and check the ‘live’ wire. Put a sticker on the back for future identification. :-).
Did you try the high power outputs of the Aquarius v5 to say drive the power amps?
Nope… power amp remained in the Supra the whole time.
No. The Yamaha vintage amps don’t like power conditioners at all.
Great test, thank you.
I betray my ignorance… what do you mean in the Intro by “cables neatly in phase”?
That you check the polarity.
What was that device you used to check the polarity?
Kemp Ultimate Polarity Checker
Typical, they have been discontinued. Can you recommend another product? Or would a phase pen work?? I tried an Oelbach phase tester, it gave mixed results.
A pen doesn’t really do the same. I will need to search for one…