Audio Hungary Qualiton Filter

The Qualiton Filter is a vacuum tube power line filter for a complete audio system. It connects between the wall outlet and the components, and it is designed to remove power line noise before it reaches them. Qualiton designs and builds its components in Nyíregyháza, in eastern Hungary.

Tube-based EMI cancellation

At the center of the Filter is an active circuit that cancels electromagnetic interference (EMI) on the power line. The circuit runs on four 6H30Pi double triodes, which stand in a row at the front of the chassis. The same unit also provides broadband filtering, DC blocking and transient surge protection.

EMI suppression is bidirectional. The Filter works on noise arriving from the mains and on noise that connected components send back onto the line. Its power components are from Furutech.

Four output channels

Power comes in through a single IEC inlet with a built-in fuse holder. On the rear panel it is divided into four output channels. The front panel carries the main switch and a power indicator.

The connection diagram in the manual shows one Filter supplying a full system: stereo amplifiers, a preamplifier or phono stage, a turntable, a CD player, a tape deck and a media server.

Setup

The tubes fit under a removable protective cover, and Qualiton recommends using only the tubes supplied with the unit. Because of the tubes, the Filter warms up in use, and the manual asks for at least 200 mm of open space around it for ventilation. Each unit is configured at the factory for 115 V or 230 V mains and connects to a grounded outlet.

Specifications

• Type: vacuum tube power line filter
• Vacuum tubes: 4 x 6H30Pi double triode
• Input: 1 IEC AC inlet with built-in fuse holder
• Operating voltage: 115 V / 60 Hz or 230 V / 50 Hz (factory configured)
• Maximum operating current: 10 A
• Output channels: 4
• Maximum output current per channel: 8 A
• Power requirement: 80 W idle
• Weight: 10 kg (22 lb)
• Dimensions: 40 x 33 x 16 cm (15.7 x 13 x 6.3 in)
• Included: Filter, 4 x 6H30Pi tubes, standard mains cable, pair of gloves, user's manual