The best plug in filter ever!

[Magnuska]

Looks like this

 

[highstream]

I have now connected the new Infinity fuse from Vera-fi audio. I am very impressed so far.

Would you describe how it’s used. Is it a SDFB replacement? Vera-Fi’s website is on and on about blowing fuses all the time, something I’ve never seen, and little about the unit’s purpose and function.

 

[Magnuska]

Would you describe how it’s used. Is it a SDFB replacement? Vera-Fi’s website is on and on about blowing fuses all the time, something I’ve never seen, and little about the unit’s purpose and function.

I think its the same as SDFB in how to use it. If its an alternative or replacement I don`t know. This box is surely a more economical product for Vera-fi. No programming and not returns for that. All is managed by the user. Its bigger and a bit heavier so I have placed it on the floor with 2 normal Schuko cables from input to IF and a Skross adapter from the output to another Schuko powercord.
As I said I have not heard the SDFB but this one sounds really good with only a couple of hours on it.

 

[MacF]

FANTASTICO! BRAVO APOTEMA AUDIO!​

Early Listening Impressions...

Actually Paolo, after listening to some familiar tracks, I now believe the Black Hole & Materik are even more effective when plugged into my rather robust 10 socket balanced mains supply where I have everything powered. Sound plausible to you?

In addition to sounding more natural & present, I just think my system is even more revealing with the addition of your filters. More discernible than what I experienced with several others like Vera-fi Puron, Mainstream, Snubway & Ansuz Sparkx. Very nice indeed!

Additionally, I feel the Black Hole & Materik are more effective together as you suggested Paolo. It's too obvious for me to reach that conclusion despite knowing your recommendation in advance.

Where I placed both filters at first.

Looking at the filters individually, with the Black Hole only plugged into the dedicated line quad wall receptacle, there is an easily noticeable increase in micro details as a result of a quieter background. Depth of soundstage increases & musicians are firmly anchored on stage.

When paired together...

Of course when adding the Materik, which was initially plugged into a decent strip that is plugged into the wall outlet, things quiet down even more while adding a layer of shimmer to the highs, as well as more fleshed out mids & vocals. Center image benefits from greater focus.

The Materik alone builds on the Black Hole's improvements, however, when paired together, I'm hearing a more cohesive presentation that I don't fully appreciate with only a single filter in the mix. Take them both away, even with my selectively optimized system, the soundstage begins to shrink.

Serious Eye Candy!

The design & build quality can't be overlooked. Not only are they unique & pleasing to the eye, they definitely look up to the task!

Oh yeah I forgot the enhanced mids & vocals. More detail especially at lower volumes where you may be missing that little something. Vocals are more forward with more space between musicians all combine to create a deeper soundstage.

At your convenience Paolo, I would like to try a 2nd Materik plugged into dedicated wall outlet.

As always, thanks for your insight & first rate customer service!

Mac

Update...currently the Black Hole & Materik are plugged into the first receptacle of balanced mains supply where they seem to make the most improvement to noise floor, headroom, dynamics, resolution, attack & decay, low level listening. I like what I'm hearing so much that I ordered a 2nd Materik to plug into the wall outlet of dedicated 20a circuit.

Date of experience: July 12, 2025

 

[MacF]

I asked Paolo at Apotema what is his optimal combination of filters is & he said Black Hole + Materik 1. Both are on their way. For orders outside of Italy, you will have to contact Apotema Audio directly.

 

[MacF]

Just posted some recent impressions of 2 of the excellent Apotema Filters I recently added.

Has anyone had a chance to try Apotema Audio's filters, for example the Black Hole, which is very similar to the Puron?
It is very well built, here in Italy it has a very good reputation, then there are the superior models that require a connecting cable.

https://apotema-audio.it/en/product-lines/black-hole-plug-in-filter/[/UR

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[pacodrum]

Ho appena pubblicato alcune impressioni recenti su 2 degli eccellenti filtri Apotema che ho aggiunto di recente.
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Thank you MacF, I have been using an Apotema Audio Black Hole in my system for about two years and am very satisfied with it. In September, I will take advantage of the opportunity to try out the Materik 1, which apparently is much more effective, with no obligation to purchase.

 

[MacF]

Thank you MacF, I have been using an Apotema Audio Black Hole in my system for about two years and am very satisfied with it. In September, I will take advantage of the opportunity to try out the Materik 1, which apparently is much more effective, with no obligation to purchase.

That's great! You were early to party. I have heard Apotema enjoys a stellar reputation in Italy.

My 2nd Materik just arrived today! I couldn't be happier with Materik #1 plus Black Hole both plugged into my balanced mains supply/distributor from UK company Factor One. Materik #2 will plug into the wall outlet of the dedicated line.

I will spare everyone my findings in a previous post "Fantstico! Bravo Apotema Audio", but I fully anticipate further improvement with Materik #2 plugged into the wall. H

Very impressed with these mains filters from Apotema & customers service is exceptional as well.

MacF

 

[Cellcbern]

Good results. Be aware that the Puron is no longer available and has been superseded by other items. In my system, while I have one Puron, I found the Nordost equivalents, Qvibe and Qkore, had a greater effect, with their Qsine having the greatest effect of all. I didn’t get anything out of the Vera-Fi’s Snubway — seem to be the only one with that result — but I’m about to try the Mainstream, once it has some time in another outlet.

My apologies to WBF members who are already aware of this but I wanted to remind everyone that the Nordost plug-in devices, which are additive not filters, should be plugged in after any power conditioning elements (e.g., in the AC outlets of a power conditioner) because a good power conditioner may filter out their contribution if they are placed ahead of the power conditioning. It says this at the Nordost website but only under FAQ's for the products, not in the product description or instructions. I also don't recall seeing it mentioned in reviews or on forums (where I have seen conflicting information regarding placement). If you place them improperly as I did initially (I had the QK1's and QV2's in a power strip along with the Purons plugged in next to the outlet powering the power conditioner) you will not realize the desired improvement. The Puron and Mainstream on the other hand, which are parallel filters work best in the outlet next to the one powering the system, or in a power strip plugged into it. Vera-Fi's recommendation for the Snubway is to put it into the first outlet (closest to the IEC inlet) of a power conditioner. This placement has worked best for me.

Excerpt from Nordost FAQ's:

If I have an AC conditioner, should I place Nordost Plug-ins before or after the conditioner?

You should always place Nordost Plug-ins down-circuit (or after) any AC conditioner or AC filter. If placed before one of these devices, the effects of the plug-in will be removed from the AC line.

 

[highstream]

I asked Nordost, and here was their response:

"Overall yes, we do recommend placement of the units downstream from any active power conditioner for the best results. Conditioners have the potential to reduce the effects of the plug ins.

That doesn’t mean they don’t work upstream from conditioners as apparently in your case but the potential is there."

Potential. I'm plenty happy with what I have. I'm not sure if the power cord quality matters with these, but when I have a spare maybe I'll get an unfused outlet box from Home Depot (perhaps the same kind as I use for grounding) and see what happens. For now, other priorities rule.

 

[Cellcbern]

I asked Nordost, and here was their response:

"Overall yes, we do recommend placement of the units downstream from any active power conditioner for the best results. Conditioners have the potential to reduce the effects of the plug ins.

That doesn’t mean they don’t work upstream from conditioners as apparently in your case but the potential is there."

Potential. I'm plenty happy with what I have. I'm not sure if the power cord quality matters with these, but when I have a spare maybe I'll get an unfused outlet box from Home Depot (perhaps the same kind as I use for grounding) and see what happens. For now, other priorities rule.

Compared upstream and downstream placement-downstream was audibly superior.

 

[highstream]

Thanks. Audibly superior covers a lot of ground. Buying an expensive outlet box (e.g., QBASE) and power cord for it are not priorities right now. And I'm wondering at what point the quality of an (unfused) outlet box and power cord cancel the effects of the QRT plug-ins. I've found that an unfused Home Depot outlet box and 12 gauge power cord plugged into a different circuit has been sufficient to do wonders for Russ Andrews and Gutwire ground cables.

 

[MacF]

Will you be comparing the Black Hole independent of the Materik to a Puron , a Snubway or other like filter? If so, I'd be interested in your impressions. Txs

Thus far, I’d say both Vera-Fi Mainstream & Apotema Blackhole plug-in parallel filters are on a par with each other, however, I clearly hear a level of refinement not previously attained from the otherwise excellent Vera-Fi Mainstream. Add an Apotema Materik to the Apotema Blackhole & the refinement takes another leap forward in transparency & naturalness. Adding a 2nd Materik is like putting a pair of polarized sunglasses on. You can see & hear more deeply into the recording because of the ultra quiet background & increased level of silky smooth refinement. Materik #1 & Blackhole are plugged into a Factor-One 2510SE balanced power distributor & Materik #2 is plugged into the same dedicated circuit wall outlet that powers the Factor-One. And yes, the 2nd Materik in this location really does further improve on the pleasing effects of the other Apotema filters. Give the Materiks a quality power cord! That seems to make more of a difference to my ears than a fancy fuse does. Finally, the design & build quality are in a class of its own! The power distributor already has a sophisticated DC suppressing circuit, so I can’t compare it to the Vera-Fi SnubWay which I have not tried. FYI-I believe Apotema will soon release a new multi-socket power bar (10 receptacles I believe, but don’t hold me to that) that will include their filter proprietary technology.

 

[corepowertech]

Would love your further input vis-a-vis with our Line Noise Black Hole and / or our Snub Station Zero.

We are big supporters of Balanced Power units like the mentioned Factor One. As the previous owner of Core Power i feel a kinship here

I stand ready to help

Best wishes - Mark