Personalised balanced mains from Russ Andrews – the BMU1500 mkII

Russ Andrews Accessories is introducing the latest version of its BMU1500 Balanced Mains Unit to provide a colossal 1.5kVA of clean power, individually tailored to each installation, to provide superior music and movie reproduction.

Working on the same principle as balanced audio signals - where the audio signal is split into two halves; negative and positive - the BMU1500 mkII splits the 230v mains signal into two separate 115v supplies. One is carried on the live and the other on the neutral and as each is a different polarity (negative or positive) the noise on one is cancelled out by the noise on the other. The result is a 230v power supply that is free from noise and hence provides the connected equipment with a cleaner supply.

Where the new BMU1500 mkII differs most from its predecessor, is in the personalised nature of its set up. The electricity supply in the UK by law has to be 230V +10% -6%, giving a minimum of 216.2V and a maximum of 253V, which means the balanced mains unit will not always be working at its optimum efficiency if set to 230v and the user's domestic voltage differs from this. Prior to installation of a customer’s BMU1500, Russ Andrews will supply a simple to use, plug in, mains voltage checker. The customer will be asked to measure their house mains voltage over a period of seven days, particularly at the times of day they are most likely to use their hi-fi system, and then supply Russ Andrews with the readings. Before shipping the BMU to the customer, the unit will be factory set to the average of the seven days readings. This ensures the BMU will work as efficiently as is possible to provide the maximum audible benefit.

The unit is equipped with a newly-designed balanced mains transformer, which is quieter in operation than conventional transformers, to provide the total 1.5kVA of power. Five Russ Andrews UltraSocket mains outlets on the rear enable connection of the hi-fi or home cinema equipment directly to the unit – thereby acting as a mains extension as well as the balanced mains supply. Mains input is via a 16A IEC socket and is protected by use of a high quality two-pole (live and neutral) circuit breakerand the unit is encased in a bespoke ABS case with black anodized front panel.

Russ Andrews, technical director and chairman of the company, says, “Balanced audio signals have long been acknowledged to provide a superior sound quality thanks to the noise cancelling characteristics of the design. It is for good reason that such systems are used extensively in professional recording studios.” He continues, “By adding a balanced mains unit to a home set up, the performance benefits long understood by the professionals can be enjoyed at home. And, with our individual tailoring to the supply voltage in the customer’s house, they can be assured of the very best performance to allow their music to really shine.”

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