Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Provides a solid foundation for plugging in mains leads without interfering with the incoming mains, delivering clean power.
- Results in good, tight bass and fluidity, and more resolving sound with much more detail and tighter bass information.
- Provides a larger and more precise soundstage.
- Has a noticeable effect on timing—having the effect of endowing the music with a pleasing flow and without any harshness in the upper registers, making for a very easy and non-fatiguing listening experience.
- Excellent design and solid build quality using quality components that will last for years
Product Considerations
- Some purists would argue that adding a power switch defeats the object of a high-quality unit
Takeaway: The TCI Cables Temple Constrictor SE power block delivers clean power effectively, providing a solid foundation for the hifi system. The power block enhances the sound quality with improved detail, tighter bass, and a wider soundstage, so it can give great value to the sound.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
Temple Constrictor
reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Conductors: 16 x PTFE insulated SP-OFC conductors plus one 2.5mm PVC insulated copper earth wire
- Construction: Braided construction
- Outer Covering: Polyolefin / polyester braid
- Connection Type: True-Plug™ 6 way powerblock (UK and Schuko)
- Manufacturing: Designed, hand made and finished in the UK
Description
TCI Temple Constrictor 6 way Powerblock features 16 cores of PTFE insulated silver-plated copper and one 2.5mm PVC insulated copper earth wire. It has a thicker cross-sectional area and a larger amount of silver ensuring it has a lower noise floor.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
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BOOMSLANG:
- Positioning: An entry-level line designed for affordability and ease of installation.
- Description: Features a flat construction with four high purity LCOFC conductors in a PVC insulated jacket. In comparison to round-profile cables like Python II and others, it suits users seeking a cost-effective upgrade for home cinema or small hi-fi settings without extensive technical demands.
PYTHON II:
- Positioning: A mid-level reference cable that balances design integrity with reliable performance.
- Description: Uses aerospace grade SP-special copper alloy conductors with a dual insulation system (PE primary and PVC outer). When compared to the Boomslang's simpler design, it offers improved durability.
ANACONDA:
- Positioning: A mid-to-high performance cable aimed at delivering balanced audio with neutral tonality.
- Description: Uses aerospace grade silver plated OFC copper conductors with Superthane insulation. Relative to the Python II and Boomslang, it provides enhanced technical sophistication.
TIGER II:
- Positioning: A high-end precision cable engineered for detailed sound reproduction and dynamic control.
- Description: Built using high purity silver plated copper conductors along with a dual-layer insulation system (Superthane primary and flame retardant PVC outer). Compared to Anaconda and Python II, it offers more refined material quality and precision.
KING COBRA:
- Positioning: A flagship premium cable crafted for reference-level performance with superior dynamic range.
- Description: Incorporates the latest aerospace grade insulation combined with military grade conductors. In contrast to Tiger II and the rest of the lineup, it provides the highest technical sophistication and build quality.
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Avg. Product Price
$501-$1,000
Used For Sale
0
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
552
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
4
Founding Year
1993
Our take on the brand
TCI Cables designs and handmakes their cables in the UK, using aerospace technology and materials like silver-plated copper conductors with PTFE and Kapton tape insulation. The brand stands out by designing their own termination plugs and offering custom cable lengths and unusual terminations, along with specialized RFI filtering mains leads to reduce noise and improve sound quality.
Look inside the brand
Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
From our interview with
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Brand Page
Used
TCI Cables
All of the Brand's Used Products
What if you spend more?
IsoTek
V5 Elektra
1695
1695
/
5
Reviews
IsoTek is a hifi brand specializing in power conditioners that use adaptive gating technology to dynamically adjust filtration based on current demand, with their flagship V5 series praised for improving soundstage and clarity. Their power conditioners feature independent outlet design that isolates each outlet to prevent cross-contamination of noise between connected devices.
Expand Details
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- The IsoTek V5 Elektra does not restrain the dynamic range of music
- The V5 Elektra lowers RFI (common mode) noise by as much as 55 decibels and also lowers differential noise
- Offers surge protection up to 67,500A
- Each outlet is independently wired and isolated from others, and uses four independent, six-stage 'delta filter' power cleaning networks
- The V5 Elektra improves the stability of AC power and protects equipment from dangerous voltage spikes
- The IsoTek V5 Elektra enhances the sound, allowing more fine details and dynamics to come through
Product Considerations
- The feet feel 'chintzy' for a power conditioner
- Outlets are a little close together, making it difficult to plug in bulky power cords
- One reviewer received the product with no instruction manual included
- Considerable physical size and weight might require sturdy shelf
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Clarus Sextet: The Clarus Sextet is a competitor, but is a bit more neutral-sounding than the V5 Elektra
- Vs Transparent Powerwave: The Transparent Powerwave includes protection for coax, gigabit, and ethernet connections, while the V5 Elektra does not
- Vs PS Audio Stellar PowerPlant 3: The PS Audio Stellar PowerPlant 3 is a power regenerator and has limitations in terms of power delivery to connected equipment, but sends fully-corrected AC to the equipment
Takeaway: The IsoTek V5 Elektra is suitable for audiophiles seeking clean and stable power for their hifi systems, and improves audio quality by reducing noise and enhancing dynamics. Its advanced protection features also safeguard equipment.
Video review
Our take on the brand
IsoTek is a hifi brand specializing in power conditioners that use adaptive gating technology to dynamically adjust filtration based on current demand, with their flagship V5 series praised for improving soundstage and clarity. Their power conditioners feature independent outlet design that isolates each outlet to prevent cross-contamination of noise between connected devices.
Product Page
Product Page
IsoTek
V5 Aquarius
2495
2495
/
3
Reviews
IsoTek is a hifi brand specializing in power conditioners that use adaptive gating technology to dynamically adjust filtration based on current demand, with their flagship V5 series praised for improving soundstage and clarity. Their power conditioners feature independent outlet design that isolates each outlet to prevent cross-contamination of noise between connected devices.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Brings calmness and focus to the sound
- Features both High Current outputs for power amplifiers and Low Current outputs for sources, with different filtering for each
- Measurably drops the noise floor, which is reproducible
- New enclosure has a sleek design
- Delivers greater power with unrestricted current delivery within the limits of the power supply
Product Considerations
- Impossible to predict which model fits best among power conditioners
- It is necessary to have components of the very highest quality, designed specifically for purpose with the correct architecture
- Some might consider these 'exotic', they represent a critical and important part of the function and appropriate to use
- Building a better EVO3 Aquarius was enough of a daunting prospect that it took IsoTek more than a dozen years to make a viable replacement—that is claimed to improve on the EVO3
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs IsoTek EVO3 Aquarius: The V5 makes the EVO3 sound like it's on strong antipsychotics, providing a peppy, immediate, and upbeat rhythm, leaving the EVO3 behind
Takeaway: The Isotek Aquarius V5 looks great and helps bring out the best sound from equipment by lowering the noise floor. It could be a worthwhile addition to a hifi setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
IsoTek is a hifi brand specializing in power conditioners that use adaptive gating technology to dynamically adjust filtration based on current demand, with their flagship V5 series praised for improving soundstage and clarity. Their power conditioners feature independent outlet design that isolates each outlet to prevent cross-contamination of noise between connected devices.
Product Page
Product Page
Tsakiridis
Super Athena
2137
2137
/
1
Reviews
Tsakiridis Devices is a Greek manufacturer of handcrafted tube amplifiers that delivers high-end sound quality at affordable prices, with their products often matching the performance of much more expensive brands. Their amplifiers feature simple circuits with minimal feedback to showcase the natural valve sound, and offer unique flexibility like manually adjusting bias settings and switching between different output tubes and modes.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Flexible and configurable, with ten Schuko-Steckplätzen allowing optimal adaptation to almost any system setup
- Improves the clarity of the sound image, and enhances spatial representation
- Increases the richness of sound colors
- Does not create dynamic limitations
Product Considerations
- Under-dimensioned filters and isolation transformers can be more detrimental to dynamics
- The optional features were not used in the test
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- It helps the Tsakiridis Theseus provide a sound that is less flat, more colorful, and cleaner than the Linn Majik DSM as a full amplifier
Takeaway: The Tsakiridis Super Athena is a versatile device with configurable settings that allows the user to fine-tune it for their system, bringing improvements to clarity and sound quality. It offers a cleaner listening experience without limiting the dynamics.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Tsakiridis Devices is a Greek manufacturer of handcrafted tube amplifiers that delivers high-end sound quality at affordable prices, with their products often matching the performance of much more expensive brands. Their amplifiers feature simple circuits with minimal feedback to showcase the natural valve sound, and offer unique flexibility like manually adjusting bias settings and switching between different output tubes and modes.
Product Page
Product Page
Musical Fidelity
BPC3
1999
1999
/
1
Reviews
Musical Fidelity is known for its unique amplifier designs, particularly the A1 integrated amplifier that uses its top plate as a heatsink and features a distinctive current-mode phono stage. The brand stands out for its innovative dual-monoblock approach in integrated amplifiers, where separate power transformers and dedicated power supplies are housed in a single chassis, as seen in their M8xi and M6i models that deliver exceptional power output.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- The BPC-3 brings the instruments closer and energizes them strongly, creating a close perspective and high energy
- The BPC-3 increases the emotional temperature of tracks
- The BPC-3 produces long reverberations, resulting in a bigger sound with powerful scale, supported by strong, low, soft bass
Product Considerations
- The presentation is focused on a slightly narrower stage
- With file players, the BPC-3 turned to softness and relaxation, calming down the upper midrange and emphasizing the midbass
- Selectivity and resolution seem a bit lower than with the reference strip
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Acoustic Revive RTP-4eu Absolute produced a softer and darker sound, whereas the BPC-3 increased the emotional temperature of the track, and while the BPC-3 focuses on a narrower stage, reverberations are longer and more unambiguous
Takeaway: The BPC-3 is an interesting device that provides energizing sound and low bass, making the sound bigger and giving it power. It is worth trying because it brings something that passive power strips and conditioners do not have.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Musical Fidelity is known for its unique amplifier designs, particularly the A1 integrated amplifier that uses its top plate as a heatsink and features a distinctive current-mode phono stage. The brand stands out for its innovative dual-monoblock approach in integrated amplifiers, where separate power transformers and dedicated power supplies are housed in a single chassis, as seen in their M8xi and M6i models that deliver exceptional power output.
Product Page
Product Page
What competes at this price?
Puritan
Route Master
700
/
Released
Puritan Audio Labs' PSM156 power conditioner eliminates transformer hum by removing DC from the power line through 52 stages of filtration, and includes an unusually flexible power cord that's easier to handle than typical stiff cords. Their GroundMaster system uses a simple copper rod grounding method to reduce electrical noise, offering a more affordable alternative to similar high-end products.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Improves purity of tonality, reduces the noise floor, increases dynamics, and creates a more open soundstage
- Isolates the grounding grid
Product Considerations
- Requires either the GroundMaster or GroundMaster City to function
Takeaway: The RouteMaster, when combined with the GroundMaster or GroundMaster City, significantly enhances audio quality by improving tonality and spatial qualities. It is considered an amazing bargain in high-end audio due to its performance relative to its cost
Video review
Our take on the brand
Puritan Audio Labs' PSM156 power conditioner eliminates transformer hum by removing DC from the power line through 52 stages of filtration, and includes an unusually flexible power cord that's easier to handle than typical stiff cords. Their GroundMaster system uses a simple copper rod grounding method to reduce electrical noise, offering a more affordable alternative to similar high-end products.
Product Page
Product Page
Puritan
PS106DC
950
/
Released
Progressing up from the Power Bricks, Puritan Power Strips add additional componentry for the more stubborn aspects of differential mode interference and provide two additional output sockets, all in an extremely robust heavy steel magnetically shielding casing with a substantial aluminium top face.
Puritan Audio Labs' PSM156 power conditioner eliminates transformer hum by removing DC from the power line through 52 stages of filtration, and includes an unusually flexible power cord that's easier to handle than typical stiff cords. Their GroundMaster system uses a simple copper rod grounding method to reduce electrical noise, offering a more affordable alternative to similar high-end products.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Multiple cumulative sympathetically-tuned stages of purification with 19 independent elements are included
- 6 x 15A outlets each with independent re-filter stages eliminate cross contamination between connected equipment
- Direct maximum power routing to all outputs realizes full dynamic performance
- Cleansed earth removes noise from the earth, and star earthing eliminates ground loop hum, reduces the noise floor, and improves definition
- Massive 30'000A of three-dimensional surge protection
Product Considerations
- The overall limit for all outputs combined is 15 amperes
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Furutech RTP-6 & e-tp80 passive power strips: The reviewer suggests that even one lightning strike would make the difference clear, implying the PS106-DC is expected to be better than the passives due to its active AC/DC filtering
Takeaway: The PS106-DC power strip has good filtration and surge protection. It is designed to improve hifi equipment performance through clean power delivery.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Puritan Audio Labs' PSM156 power conditioner eliminates transformer hum by removing DC from the power line through 52 stages of filtration, and includes an unusually flexible power cord that's easier to handle than typical stiff cords. Their GroundMaster system uses a simple copper rod grounding method to reduce electrical noise, offering a more affordable alternative to similar high-end products.
Product Page
Product Page
PS Audio
Dectet
749
/
Released
The Dectet is an active three zone, ten outlet power center that produces clean, unrestricted AC power for an entire high-end audio or video system. It is designed to power and fully protect your entire system with improved dynamics, increased harmonic integrity, and an open, spacious soundstage that can be breathtaking.
PS Audio is a well-known American brand with a strong following among enthusiasts, due in part to the educational YouTube videos produced by its founder. The company offers products across a wide range of categories, each developed with input from top engineers, resulting in unique sonic signatures. PS Audio’s offerings frequently appear on top 10 lists from professional reviewers, with many products recognized for their high-quality performance and innovative design.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Very well built with heavy gauge aluminum extruded case and high quality parts
- Provides three independently filtered Iso-Zones
- Offers microprocessor controlled under-voltage and over-voltage protection with automatic reset
- Provides surge and spike protection
- Improved performance enough to be detectable at first listen
Product Considerations
- The MOVs will need to be replaced to restore full protection after they sacrifice completely while absorbing a surge
- The provided power cable can be viewed as a complimentary starting point
- Dectet will shut down if MOVs sacrifice completely while absorbing a surge
Takeaway: The Dectet Power Center is a well-made product using high quality parts, and is rugged, delivering a specific level of power conditioning and protection. It delivers improvements that are detectable.
Video review
Our take on the brand
PS Audio is a well-known American brand with a strong following among enthusiasts, due in part to the educational YouTube videos produced by its founder. The company offers products across a wide range of categories, each developed with input from top engineers, resulting in unique sonic signatures. PS Audio’s offerings frequently appear on top 10 lists from professional reviewers, with many products recognized for their high-quality performance and innovative design.
Product Page
Product Page
Puritan
PS106
950
/
Released
Progressing up from the Power Bricks, Puritan Power Strips add additional componentry for the more stubborn aspects of differential mode interference and provide two additional output sockets, all in an extremely robust heavy steel magnetically shielding casing with a substantial aluminium top face.
Puritan Audio Labs' PSM156 power conditioner eliminates transformer hum by removing DC from the power line through 52 stages of filtration, and includes an unusually flexible power cord that's easier to handle than typical stiff cords. Their GroundMaster system uses a simple copper rod grounding method to reduce electrical noise, offering a more affordable alternative to similar high-end products.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Multiple cumulative sympathetically-tuned stages of purification with 19 independent elements
- Six 15A outlets each with independent re-filter stages to eliminate cross contamination between connected equipment
- Direct maximum power routing to all outputs to realize full dynamic performance
- Cleansed earth to remove noise from the earth
- Star earthing eliminates ground loop hum, reduces the noise floor, and improves definition
Product Considerations
- 15 amperes is the overall limit for all outputs combined
Takeaway: The PS106-DC power strip has multiple features to eliminate noise and improve audio. It is designed to protect equipment from power surges, making it a worthwhile addition to an audio setup
Video review
Our take on the brand
Puritan Audio Labs' PSM156 power conditioner eliminates transformer hum by removing DC from the power line through 52 stages of filtration, and includes an unusually flexible power cord that's easier to handle than typical stiff cords. Their GroundMaster system uses a simple copper rod grounding method to reduce electrical noise, offering a more affordable alternative to similar high-end products.
Product Page
Product Page
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