Is this $40 card a SCAM? - "Audiophile" Power Filter
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check out lmg.gg for book details! Are you a distinguished audiophile who uses their PC for high-end audio reproduction? Or perhaps you just want the best possible sound to come out of your speakers… so can you smooth out the power delivery of your PCI-e bus with a $40 power filter card? Buy : GRADO SR80e On Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us On Newegg (PAID LINK): geni.us On B&H (PAID LINK): geni.us Buy: AMD Radeon On Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us On Newegg (PAID LINK): geni.us On B&H (PAID LINK): geni.us Buy: Power Supplies On Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us On Newegg (PAID LINK): geni.us On B&H (PAID LINK): geni.us Buy: AC Power Filter On Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us On Newegg (PAID LINK): geni.us On B&H (PAID LINK): geni.us Buy: FiiO E10K On Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us On B&H (PAID LINK): geni.us Purchases made through some store links may provide some compensation to Linus Media Group. Discuss on the forum: linustechtips.com
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The video opens by introducing the Elfidelity AXF-107 Magician PCIe power filtering card, a device that claims to clean up power delivery on the PCIe bus and reduce audio noise. The host sets up a worst-case test bench with a low-cost 1000 watt power supply and a coil-whiny GPU to scrutinize whether this $40 card can meaningfully improve sound quality. Early explanations cover how PCs convert AC power to DC, why switching power supplies can introduce noise, and the concept of power conditioning as a broader solution in audio setups. The host then demonstrates the card in action, showing how it can be installed in either a PCIe x1 or x16 slot and how the colors can be adjusted with a dip switch, while noting the marketing claims about reducing coil whine and improving overclocking and the noise floor. Throughout, the tone is skeptical but fair, aiming to determine if this is a legitimate improvement or a placebo, and offering context about when onboard audio and standard power conditioning might suffice for most users. The episode concludes that in their tests with the noisiest components available, the power filter did not reveal a perceptible difference in audio quality, hiss, or coil whine, and suggests alternative approaches such as improving the motherboard, using a dedicated external DAC/amp, or filtering power for the entire system. The presenters reiterate that a PCIe power filter is not the primary troubleshooting step for audio quality, and encourage viewers to consider more holistic solutions while also promoting related gear and collaborations. Finally, they point to additional resources and a collaboration video with another creator, emphasizing responsible testing and critical evaluation when evaluating niche audio hardware.
Topics · science_and_technology · consumer_electronics · audio_equipment · product_review
Questions answered
- What is the Elfidelity AXF-107 Magician and what does it claim to do?
- The Elfidelity AXF-107 Magician is a PCIe power purifying filter card that claims to prevent video card coil wine and improve overclocking and reduce the noise floor for PC audio builds.
- Did the reviewer observe a measurable improvement in audio quality with the filter installed?
- No, in the conducted tests using very noisy components, the reviewer did not perceive any perceptible difference in sound quality, hiss, or coil whine after installing the card.
- What alternatives does the reviewer suggest for improving PC audio quality?
- The reviewer suggests alternatives such as improving the motherboard, using a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and external amplifier, or filtering power for the entire system rather than relying on a PCIe power filter card.