Zero-Zone 100 VA, 12V

When it comes to the manufacturing of High End dinosaurs in our modern times, China will surely be heading the list. Two factors are contributing to this phenomenon: On the one hand, upcoming Chinese entrepreneurs have been harbouring a personal craving for vintage American, European and Japanese High-End designs that they previously could only read about in magazines. With incomes having risen and the cost of manufacture still reasonably low, such cravings can now be fulfilled. On the other hand, western industry leaders have neglected to serve their local customers with reasonably priced High End designs that are based on long-established standards.

Buying directly from China is not without risk, of course. The great distance makes returning products more difficult, and some deeper cultural issues come into play. For instance, one might not actually receive the product purchased in the exact design advertised. The internal parts used will often change with each new consignments, following local Chinese sourcing decisions that might either be price or quality driven. While this may be acceptable to Chinese local customers, it is certainly not best practice in western countries. Buyers looking for certainty and consistency are therefore better advised to purchase elsewhere. Finally, the cost of transportation mostly does not include customs duties which can come as a surprise.

For buyers who understand about the product they wish to purchase and are willing to take a risk, the Chinese High End market offers some exciting opportunities. It is probably wise to keep in mind: the simpler the product, the less can go wrong, and the Zero Zone 100VA 12V power supply is such a case in point. A five kilos dinosaur in its own right, it was brought in to replace the DACs original switching power supply that had been sending surprising levels of audible distortion to the whole HiFi system. Not a small blunder for such a sensitive device.

With 4mm brushed aluminum front and massive heat sinks on both sides, a large 100VA toroidal transformer and heavy duty caps the regulated linear supply has the potential of powering heavy machinery over long periods of time, properties that come in handy when providing maximum bursts of clean energy to a small and power sensitive unit like a DAC. Placed on three Oehlbach pucks, the unit rests so firmly on the rack as if to challenge anyone to attempt to move it ever again.

Specifications

• Input voltage: 230V
• Output voltage: DC12V, 6A
• Front panel: Silver
• Dimensions: 210mm x 70mm x 257mm
• Toroidal Transformer: 100VA
• Weight: 4.5kg, approx.
• Power Polarity: inner"+" external"-"

View full-size image

View full-size image

View full-size image

Picture description

Seen from above, we can identify the AC power socket and mains filter (top right), the toroidal transformer (on the left), a rectifier (top center), two large audio grade electrolytic capacitors (right), two voltage regulators (top and bottom), as well as parts for the unit's soft start circuitry (center). The DC output socket is located bottom right.