Snub Station Zero

Snub Station Zero (SSZ) is an all-in-one mains power conditioner for audio/visual components that provides a state-of-the-art DC blocker, high-performance EMI filter, and an automatic soft start circuit that uses a solid state relay (SSR) to prevent large in-rush currents that can damage your equipment during the power-up phase.

Understanding In-Rush Current and Its Impact

The in-rush current spike inflicted on a toroidal transformer often used in high-end audio amplifiers can be up to 20x the nominal rated current, and this large current spike causes magnetostriction—or mechanical stretching in the copper windings every time it is powered up. This is the quickly dissipating buzz sound one often hears when switching on an amp containing a large linear transformer. Over time, this mechanical stress can cause the copper windings in the transformer to fail.

DC Blocker Benefits

The DC blocker uses four premium EPCOS 22,000uF capacitors with audio-grade discrete TO-220 rectifiers in series. These components are designed to handle and eliminate unwanted DC offset in the mains power, protecting your equipment from potential damage.

Custom EMI Filter for Noise Reduction

The custom EMI filter uses two large gauge copper wire CMC chokes and premium film capacitors to block unwanted EMI noise. This ensures cleaner power delivery, which enhances the performance of your audio/visual components by reducing interference.

Soft Start Circuit with Advanced Monitoring

The soft start circuit is unique in that it utilizes a precision Hall-effect current sensor to monitor, in real-time, the instantaneous current flow. When a significant change in current is detected, a solid state relay utilizing low on-resistance MOSFETs are employed to serve as non-contact solid state switches (which never wear out or arc, unlike mechanical relays) to bypass a pair of NTC (negative temperature coefficient) variable resistors that serve to slow down the in-rush current. Once the MOSFETs are engaged, the front panel 'SSR' LED glows to indicate that the SSZ is providing full current to the system.

Main Power and Additional Outlets

The main soft start circuit path can be used to filter a single device up to 10A of current. There are two additional NEMA outlet sockets that can provide power for smaller accessories that do not need the soft start feature but will benefit from the DC blocker and premium German-made Schaffner integrated EMI filter module.

Ideal Usage Scenarios

With three outlets total, the SSZ is ideal for powering a main power amp with the soft start outlet, a preamp and a DAC, etc. with the additional non-soft start outlets.

The SSZ is designed in the USA and assembled in China using only premium-quality components.