I've heard many positive impressions from fellow audio enthusiasts regarding LessLoss power conditioning products and have always been curious about how they stack up. The unique construction of the previous Firewall using exotic materials like Panzerholz, a plywood-like bulletproof material with high damping properties, and carbon fiber, had left me very curious. The new Firewall is a much more affordable endeavor, starting as low as $198 for the DIY version, $385 for the USB version and $410 for the power outlet version.
As nearly all of my gear is completely DIY, I took a special interest in the DIY version of the Firewall. I've come accustomed to the typical simple resistor/capacitor/inductor networks in discrete filtering circuits (those you commonly find in an audio power conditioner, the filtering IECs that are sometimes installed in DIY tube amps, and other DIY implementations), but have never seen an alternative to these.
The Firewall DIY module is relatively small, roughly 2" by 4" and has and input and output for L (line/hot) and an input and output for N (neutral). There are unique ripples/patterns in the surface of the solder mask which cover the copper underneath.
Per the instructions, The Firewall units can handle up to 1000VDC and can be stacked and/or run in series to increase the level of the filtering. Kapton tape or discs is recommended to prevent the inputs and outputs from shorting.
There have been tests of up to four parallel stacks of eleven boards if you want to go super crazy ;) Do note that "LessLoss will not be held responsible for the fate of your equipment or health or other personal property should you choose to use our product in your own designs", so stick with the off-the-shelf units unless you know what you're doing.
More to come...
As nearly all of my gear is completely DIY, I took a special interest in the DIY version of the Firewall. I've come accustomed to the typical simple resistor/capacitor/inductor networks in discrete filtering circuits (those you commonly find in an audio power conditioner, the filtering IECs that are sometimes installed in DIY tube amps, and other DIY implementations), but have never seen an alternative to these.
The Firewall DIY module is relatively small, roughly 2" by 4" and has and input and output for L (line/hot) and an input and output for N (neutral). There are unique ripples/patterns in the surface of the solder mask which cover the copper underneath.
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| Click to enlarge the photo to see the solder mask |
Five Firewall units lined up
Per the instructions, The Firewall units can handle up to 1000VDC and can be stacked and/or run in series to increase the level of the filtering. Kapton tape or discs is recommended to prevent the inputs and outputs from shorting.
 |
| Four LessLoss Firewall Modules stacked in series |
There have been tests of up to four parallel stacks of eleven boards if you want to go super crazy ;) Do note that "LessLoss will not be held responsible for the fate of your equipment or health or other personal property should you choose to use our product in your own designs", so stick with the off-the-shelf units unless you know what you're doing.
More to come...
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