12/01/2000, PAC Inc.
First... the name. IDOS is an acronym for Isolated Digital Outlet Strip. The name states what the device is, an AC outlet strip that isolates the digital devices from the analog devices.
Second... the PAC IDOS is not a "power line conditioner" in the conventional sense. All other devices on the market attempt to isolate the entire system from external interference, effectively coupling the digital noise created in the system to sensitive analog circuits directly through the AC power cords.
Third... Every Audio or Video System with Digital Components Needs a PAC IDOS! Even if an audiophile has a "favorite power line conditioner" it is compatible with the PAC IDOS. Just be sure to follow the IDOS instructions.
Fourth... the patented circuitry in the PAC IDOS does more than just separate the digital from the analog. The PAC IDOS actually "sends" the digital noise to ground. In laboratory tests the RF field present inside a state of the art 20 bit converter was reduced over 50%. This reduction in RF energy means less radiated fields to couple to associated components through interconnects or physical proximity.
Fifth... the analog section of the IDOS circuitry is tuned to block the digital noise "dumped" to ground, from the components plugged into the analog outlets of the IDOS.
Sixth... all components interconnected in the system must be plugged into an IDOS. Failure to do this will allow a path into the system for the digital noise the IDOS is sending away.
Seventh... the PAC IDOS must be plugged into a properly grounded AC outlet. An AC outlet tester is included with every IDOS to allow the consumer to verify the AC wiring in his home.
Eighth... the digital devices plugged into the Digital outlet(s) of the IDOS are not required to have a three prong plug. The fact that the IDOS requires a grounded outlet has nothing to do with the AC requirements of the digital devices. The grounde outlet requirement is only to supply the IDOS circuitry with a place to "send" the digital noise.
Ninth... the PAC IDOS will not current limit the way many "power line conditioners" will. The 15 ampere rating of the IDOS is determined by the UL rating of the line cord and the outlets themselves. The internal circuitry is rated at greater than 30 amperes continuos current.
Tenth... the use of special "High Fi" line cords on the digital device(s) is not recommended. These "special" AC cords are usually low pass filters restricting the passage of high frequency noise. While these cords may have sonic benefits when used on analog components, they will work against the IDOS, not allowing RF noise to leave the digital device and go to ground.
The PAC IDOS....................$165.00
The PAC IDOS II................$220.00
The PAC IDOS RAM.........$ NLA
12/01/2000, PAC Inc.