Furman IT-REF 20i Discrete Symmetrical Power Filter 20 Amp Review
Introduction
A pristine power supply is often the unsung hero in a high-end home theater setup. The Furman IT-REF 20i Discrete Symmetrical Power Filter enters the scene as a formidable solution to the age-old problem of power-related noise and interference. With its arsenal of sophisticated technologies, it promises to deliver an uncompromised audiovisual experience. Let's delve into the intricacies of this unit and evaluate whether it lives up to its lofty promises.
Design
The Furman IT-REF 20i boasts a robust and industrial design that exudes a sense of durability. The 83-pound heft is a testament to the substantial build quality and the serious technology housed within. However, the weight does raise practical concerns regarding installation, especially if frequent relocation is anticipated or if it's to be placed within a rack that's not designed to support such mass.
The front panel is straightforward, with four separate AC outlet banks clearly labeled, allowing for organized connectivity. Each bank is engineered to operate independently, further enhancing the noise isolation capabilities. The rear panel hosts the telco and coaxial surge suppression modules, which are designed to protect your delicate telecommunications and coaxial equipment from damaging surges.
Features
Discrete Symmetrical Power Filtering
This proprietary technology is the cornerstone of the IT-REF 20i, designed to provide balanced power to connected devices. It's engineered to reduce noise artifacts that can mar the audio and visual experience, ensuring a cleaner and more precise performance from your equipment.
Power Factor Technology
Amplifiers, particularly high-powered models, benefit significantly from this feature. By supplying a consistent and robust power reserve, this technology allows amplifiers to respond to dynamic audio signals with ease, resulting in improved sound quality and allowing these components to run cooler and more efficiently.
Linear Filtering Technology
The IT-REF 20i's Linear Filtering Technology (LiFT) claims to dramatically reduce AC noise across a wide bandwidth. This is crucial for audio clarity and can contribute to a lower noise floor, allowing the finer details in music and film soundtracks to emerge with newfound transparency.
Transient Voltage Surge Protection
Surge protection is a critical feature for any power conditioner, and the IT-REF 20i includes comprehensive protection against transient voltage surges. This is more than just a safeguard; it's an investment in the longevity and reliability of your entire home theater system.
Telco and Coaxial Surge Suppression Modules
These modules extend the protective umbrella to your internet and cable connections, shielding them from surges that can travel down these lines and potentially harm connected equipment or degrade performance.
Additional Functionalities
The sequential power-up process helps manage the current draw and can protect speakers and other components from the "pop" that can occur when everything turns on simultaneously. The compatibility with high-quality AC cords is a nice touch, offering users the option to further refine their setups.
Performance
Audio and Video Enhancement
In testing, the Furman IT-REF 20i delivered on its promise of enhanced audio and video reproduction. The depth, detail, and width of the image were noticeably improved, with a more three-dimensional soundstage and clearer visuals. The improvements were not subtle and could be appreciated by both audiophiles and casual viewers alike.
Noise Reduction
The unit's ability to reduce noise-inducing ground loops, hum bars, and power supply backwash was impressive. These are often intractable issues that can plague even the most high-end systems, and the IT-REF 20i tackled them with aplomb.
Power Conditioning
The professional-level power conditioning provided by the IT-REF 20i is comparable to what you would find in a recording studio or broadcast environment. This level of performance is significant, as it ensures that the power feeding your equipment is as clean and stable as possible, allowing your components to perform at their best.
Pros and Cons
The Furman IT-REF 20i shines with its ability to enhance audio and video quality, reduce noise, and provide professional-level power conditioning. However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The potential to trip a 20 amp circuit during power-up could be inconvenient, and the high weight may pose challenges for some setups. Additionally, there may be compatibility issues that could lead to ground loop problems, although these are often system-specific and can be mitigated with proper installation and grounding techniques.
User Experience
While the weight and the tripping of the circuit breaker are concerns, they are not deal-breakers. The weight is a one-time concern if the unit is to be installed in a semi-permanent location, and the tripping issue can be managed by keeping the unit powered on, which many users do to maintain system readiness.
Use Cases
The Furman IT-REF 20i is best suited for high-end home theater installations where the utmost audio and video quality is paramount. It's ideal for systems with high-powered amplifiers and sensitive digital equipment that can benefit from the cleaner power and surge protection offered.
Value Proposition
At a price point of $3,499, the Furman IT-REF 20i is certainly an investment. However, for those who have already invested heavily in their home theater components, this power filter can be the final piece that unlocks the full potential of their system.
Final Thoughts
The Furman IT-REF 20i stands as a formidable solution for discerning home theater enthusiasts seeking to protect and enhance their investments. Its comprehensive feature set and proven performance make it a compelling choice for those who demand nothing but the best from their systems. While not without its quirks, the benefits it provides far outweigh the drawbacks. For those in the market for a top-tier power conditioner, the IT-REF 20i deserves serious consideration.