The Model Q for Professional A/V Applications

The Model "Q"
For Professional
Audio and Video Applications

The Model Q is Equi=Tech's flagship product. It is the result of many years of experience and application research in the field of balanced AC power. It is highest quality and the best performing balanced power system we have ever offered. Every component specified in its design has been selected from years of research and testing in professional and consumer high definition A/V systems in both analog and digital formats. Each component used in the Model Q was chosen for its superior quality and performance and cost was no object. For example, the material used in the Model Q transformer core is made of a state-of-the-art magnetic steel alloy and none is spared in fabrication. The core material is the most efficient there is, nevertheless the Model Q transformer has twice the mass of similarly rated competitive products. It drives amplifiers and other high current pulse type loads without skipping a beat. Power factor remains virtually stable regardless of the type of demand load. Mil spec oxygen free copper is used throughout the Model Q assembly to further reduce random high frequency current distortion. This improves an already near perfect mirror image output and further widens its range of noise attenuation. The Model Q's switches and circuit breakers are the finest made and they are duty rated for over 1/2 million operations. Every component part used in the Model Q has been selected because it is the best of its kind. There is nothing that compares in quality or performance to the Model Q.

Though the Son of Q is clearly superior to our competitor's products (and cost about half the price,) the industry benchmark standard of performance originates with the Model Q. Son of Q benefits from the trickle down technology developed over the years refining the Model Q, therefore the Son of Q clearly deserves the name. Both clearly stand above the rest in precision design features and performance. But make no mistake about it, the Model Q in all its variations and sizes is the gem of the entire balanced power industry. No balanced power product compares to the Model Q and they are built to last a lifetime. Equi=Tech has been making balanced power products longer than anyone in the industry, setting new standards in the field of power quality since the early '90s. There is no limit to how far we will go to raise the bar in power standards and audio-video quality. The Model Q is our flagship product.

There is nothing better than a Q for mastering. The characteristics of the Model Q's isolation transformer are ideal for full fidelity playback. Bass resolution is tightened up remarkably and many users have told us that they can actually hear an extra octave of bass that was previously inaudible. In a recording environment, the obvious difference is an extremely low noise floor that permits hotter tracking across the board. To a professional, capturing low level detail is essential to create realism and add excitement to the mix. Because of a substantially lower noise floor, mikes can be tracked much hotter without annoying noise or hiss to mask detail in low level signals. Outboard racks run "quiet as a clam" (to quote Roger Nichols) and musician's racks almost never bring noise into the studio. These systems have been measured to reduce digital jitter by as much as 67% which is unheard of in any digital environment running without balanced power. (See Mark Frink's review of the Model 2R in Articles Section.) There is nothing better for mastering or for tracking than the Model Q. The difference between using a Model Q and any other AC power source is astonishing. ("I refuse to work in a studio without one." states Mr. Nichols.)

Model Q's can also drive a live sound system adding tightness to bass reproduction that can be very difficult to achieve in some rooms considering the various acoustical problems that many rooms present. For an amplifier to accurately reproduce low frequency program material, it must have power on demand the instant it's needed. The consequences of lagging power delivery is a compressed and flat sounding amp with a booming, bloated sounding bottom end. When an amplifier's power supply is rendered less inefficient by poor power, it struggles to reproduce low frequency material and it logically follows that the mid range and high frequency material loses definition and accuracy as well. Poor power affects the full sound spectrum. Model Q's provide stable and reliable power quality so your gear will sound as good at noon in an office building as it does at 3AM in the studio. Model Q's level the playing field whenever and wherever they are used.

The Model Q has a simple yet elegant appearance. It features an anodized aluminum front panel that is available in black or silver. A front panel LED voltmeter indicates voltage at the input or output depending on the position of the voltmeter mode switch (IN-OFF-OUT) There is one blue LED indicator light above the input power switch and one above each output standby switch indicating power status at both the input and the output. The input power LED also doubles as a TVSS status light that indicates active surge protection when lit. In the rare event that it stops working and the output LED still works, this indicates that the surge protector has taken too many nuisance voltage spikes and its days are done. In the rare event that this occurs, the Model Q's grounded Faraday shields provide excellent redundant surge protection until the TVSS module can be replaced and it is an inexpensive and easy thing to do.

On the rear panel, there are 12 AC outlets provided (more in the larger versions.) One GFCI outlet is independent from the front standby switch(es) and is constantly left turned on for use with components that require continuous power for a clock or to maintain volatile memory. Of the 10 remaining outlets, 6 (white) are for analog components such as amplifiers and pre amps and 4 (gray) are specially filtered outlets for digital components. A circuit breaker on the rear panel protects the system from overload and from potential short circuit fire hazards in electrical power cords and downstream connected equipment.

Model Q's are offered in 7 different sizes ranging from 1kVA to 10kVA load capacities. Most Model Q's that are rated at 2kVA or less require a 120 Volt supply circuit to operate. (The 2RQ-E and 2RQ-EA require 208/240 Volts.) 3kVA and 5kVA models require a 208 or 240 Volt supply as do the 7.5kVA and 10kVA models. The chart below indicates the circuit size and standard plug type used to connect the Model Q to the source power outlet.

Model Q Specifications

Model #	Model Name	Load Capacity	Input Line Frequency	LIne Cord Plug Chassis Inlet **	Output Voltage	Circuit Breakers	# Outlets Type	Chassis Dimensions	Weight
1RQ	Q1000	1 kVA	15A 120V 60Hz	NEMA 5-15 C14	120/60V	1-10A	12-15A	16"x16"x3.5"	58 lbs 26 kg
1RQ-E	Q1000E	1 kVA	10A 230V 50/60Hz	See Table C14	230/115V	1-5A	12-C13	16"x16"x3.5" 40 x 40 x 8.75cm	60 lbs 27 kg
1.5RQ	1.5Q	1.5 kVA	15A 120V 60Hz	NEMA 5-15 C14	120/60V	1-15A	12-15A	16"x16"x3.5"	70 lbs 32 kg
2RQ	2Q	2 kVA	20A 120V 60Hz	NEMA 5-20 C20	120/60V	1-20A	10-15A 2-20A	16"x16"x3.5"	72 lbs 33 kg
2RQ-E	2QE	2 kVA	10A 208/240V 50/60Hz	See Table C14	230/115V	1-10A	12-C13	16"x18"x5.25" 40 x 45 x 12.75cm	75 lbs 35 kg
2RQ-EA	2QEA	2 kVA	10A 208/240V 50/60Hz	See Table C14	120/60V	1-20A	10-15A 2-20A	16"x18"x5.25" 40 x 45 x 12.75cm	75 lbs 35 kg
3RQ	3Q	3 kVA	20A 208/240V 60Hz	NEMA 6-20 C20	120/60V	1-10A 1-20A	10-15A 2-20A	16"x18"x5.25"	95 lbs 41 kg
3RQ-E	3QE	3 kVA	16A 208/240V 50/60Hz	See Table C20	230/115V	1-5A 1-10A	10-C13 2-C19	16"x18"x5.25" 40 x 45 x 12.75cm	97 lbs 42 kg
3RQ-EA	3QEA	3 kVA	16A 208/240V 50/60Hz	See Table C20	120/60V	1-10A 1-20A	10-15A 2-20A	16"x18"x5.25" 40 x 45 x 12.75cm	97 lbs 42 kg
5RQ	5Q	5 kVA	30A 208/240V 60Hz	NEMA L6-30P	120/60V	1-10A 2-20A	14-15A 4-20A	17.25"x18"x7"	175 lbs 80 kg
5RQ-E	5QE	5 kVA	30A 208/240V 50/60Hz	NEMA L6-30P	230/115V	1-5A 2-10A	13-C13 4-C19	17.25"x18"x8.75" 43 x 45 x 22cm	195 lbs 89 kg
5RQ-EA	5QEA	5 kVA	30A 208/240V 50/60Hz	NEMA L6-30P	120/60V	1-10A 2-20A	14-15A 4-20A	17.25"x18"x8.75" 43 x 45 x 22cm	195 lbs 89 kg
7.5RQ	7.5Q	7.5 kVA	40A 208/240V 60Hz	California Style 2P3W 50A 250V	120/60V	4-20A	16-15A 8-20A	17.25"x18"x8.75"	220 lbs 100 kg
7.5RQ-E	7.5QE	7.5 kVA	40A 208/240V 50/60Hz	California Style 2P3W 50A 250V	230/115V	4-10A	14-C13 6-C19	17.25"x18"x8.75" 43 x 45 x 22cm	235 lbs 107 kg
7.5RQ-EA	7.5QEA	7.5 kVA	40A 208/240V 50/60Hz	California Style 2P3W 50A 250V	120/60V	4-20A	16-15A 8-20A	17.25"x18"x8.75" 43 x 45 x 22cm	235 lbs 107 kg
10RQ	10Q	10 kVA	50A 208/240V 60Hz	California Style 2P3W 50A 250V	120/60V	5-20A	20-15A 10-20A	17.25"x18"x8.75"	245 lbs 111 kg
10RQ-E	10QE	10 kVA	50A 208/240V 50/60Hz	California Style 2P3W 50A 250V	230/115V	5-10A	17-C13 8-C19	17.25"x18"x8.75" 43 x 45 x 22cm	260 lbs 118 kg
10RQ-EA	10QEA	10 kVA	50A 208/240V 50/60Hz	California Style 2P3W 50A 250V	120/60V	5-20A	20-15A 10-20A	17.25"x18"x8.75" 43 x 45 x 22cm	260 lbs 118 kg

** Note: If line cord plug and chassis inlet are the same type, only one configuration is indicated above

Input LIne Cord Plugs Used With Domestic Models and "E" (Export) Models 5kVA+

NEMA 5-15

For "E" (Export) Model Power Cord Plugs and Receptacle Outlets <5kVA See table

Typical IEC Receptacle Outlets
Furnished With "E" (Export) Models

C13
13A 250V / 15A 125V

C19
16A 250V / 20A 125V

Standard Features

Bifilar Wound Isolation Transformer -- This patented method of winding AC power transformers is the most accurate way known to achieve a near perfect balanced output. The bifilar wound secondary is an exclusive Equi=Tech feature that raises the performance level of each of our products above all the rest. To achieve peak performance in electronic components, a perfectly balanced AC supply is crucial. Bifilar winding the output of our transformers achieves this near perfect mirror image symmetry. Because every product offered by Equi=Tech is bifilar wound, every product provides a more effective and broader range of noise attenuation compared to any other balanced power product (typically >6dB gain better.) This holds true in high resolution electronic components of all different shapes and sizes. The result is improved signal, greater definition in video and greater detail in audio material. IT and other EDP systems also benefit from significantly fewer timing errors and higher throughput.

HIgh Power Factor -- Regardless of how clean AC power provided for sensitive electronics may be, the instant that component power switches are turned on, the quality of AC power degenerates. This is simply the nature of what are termed “non-linear reactive loads.” When non-linear power supplies are energized, some measure of power is wasted and reflected back out onto the line. This undesirable and noisy form of energy (harmonics) is then shared by every other component on the system. Furthermore, voltage and current phases are knocked out of sync too and this is what is referred to as low power factor. Electricity by its nature requires both current and voltage to be present at the same time or nothing happens. In AC power, current and voltage must be timed together in sync or to the degree they are not, nothing happens. As the power factor drops lower and lower, electricity thins out very much like cheaper gasoline and equipment performance suffers. Generally speaking, the greater the load (e.g. large amplifiers) the lower the resulting power factor. However, when this reflected energy flows back up the line into a balanced transformer, reactive currents will be flowing in opposite directions through identical mirror image output coils thereby creating equal but opposite electromagnetic forces that are present in the transformer in the same instant. This causes the nuisance reflected energy (harmonics) to cancel out and literally disappear without bleeding back out onto the originating power grid. Furthermore reactive load currents null (cancel out) electrically at the ground because harmonics on each side of the line are equal but opposite in polarity to each other – but not just opposite, precisely opposite thanks to bifilar winding. This causes cancellation of all of the undesirable non-linear load harmonics on the load side of the transformer too. What's left? Pure 60Hz AC once again with nothing remaining on the line to skew power factor; even the ground remains clean. AC power remains as coherent and clean as it was originally provided before component switches were turned on. Bifilar winding is the only way this undesirable non-linear event can be accurately addressed and its effects eliminated in real time as it happens. The impact that this improved power stability and cleaner ground have on the performance of sensitive electronics is astonishing.

Ultra Low Impedance -- The ultra-low impedance design of the Model Q transformer provides unrestricted current delivery to its output and virtually busts the "myth" that transformers cannot handle high amplitude current transients demanded by amplifiers and other types of high current pulse loads. Unlike typical transformers that are often considered to be "too current restricting" (and rightfully so,) Model Q transformers have been engineered with radical modifications made to their core and winding specifications which result in a transformer that has uncommonly low impedance and unrestricted current handling characteristics. They provide instantaneous current response with the capacity to handle much larger current transients than any comparable solid state AC generator or inverter system. The amplitude of the current transients a Model Q transformer can easily accommodate would likely explode any similar solid state based device and it does this effortlessly with almost no measureable current sag. In technical jargon, the magnetic flux density of its core operates at a fraction of its capacity thereby providing an extreme amount of current headroom with a magnetic current transfer hysteresis curve that is far more linear than anything similar to it, even when driven at or near its maximum continuous power rating. It is virtually impossible detect any significant current sag or to drive a Model Q transformer into saturation. Furthermore, the line-to-ground impedance on its output is only a fraction of the line-to-ground impedance found in similarly rated solid state systems. This means that Model Q transformers attenuate a much wider bandwidth of non-linear reactive load harmonics (noise) than any comparable "low impedance" solid state AC generator or inverter.

100% Passive Circuitry -- There are no active components used in any Equi=Tech product. There is nothing that will degrade from heat over time or from years of rugged use. Similar systems may use semiconductor devices to drive their outputs or soft start relays to compensate for a low quality isolation transformer with high inrush current -- not ours! There is nothing in an Equi=Tech system to wear out over time from heavy use or from heat. We invest the cost of building our systems where it belongs, in well designed high quality components. The next time you are watching a live broadcast of the Super Bowl or a Presidential Inauguration, remember that Equi=Tech is running the show because engineers know when equipment failure is not an option. Ruggedness, reliability and the most refined balanced power technology on Earth is why top professionals choose Equi=Tech.

High Efficiency -- Equi=Tech systems are the most efficient of their kind. This means that very little power is inefficiently wasted when powering electronic components. Even when driven hard, they generate very little heat and they are barely warm to the touch. They draw very little power in idle mode and can be left turned on indefinitely, ready to meet extreme power demands in an instant. In operational mode, they waste almost no power drawing approximately what they put out. With a typical 97%+ efficiency rating, they elegantly outperform similar power products and do it in a safe, economical and environmentally friendly way.

Magnetic and Faraday Shielding -- These indispensable features are included in every Equi=Tech product. The Faraday shields isolate noise from the outside world as well as protect the system's output and connected load components from potentially destructive voltage spikes. The magnetic shield assures that electronics used in close proximity will be unaffected by magnetic stray field radiation.

Redundant Surge Protection -- A dual stage transient voltage surge suppresser (TVSS) provides primary surge protection. Unlike most products, there is a useful status indicator light that indicates when the surge protector is active and when it has taken too many hits from nuisance spikes and the time has come for it to be replaced. Though they will typically last for many years, the surge protection module is simple to replace. As a secondary line of defense, grounded electrostatic shields between the transformer's coils shunt dangerous spikes, providing redundant surge protection and additional piece of mind. We proved this in research that was done in the late 90's in a rural part of Colorado just outside of Colorado Springs where lightning storms are known to cause damage to unprotected electronics all to often. The Equi=Tech transformer was closely monitored during a severe lightning storm that toasted almost every surge protection device in the neighborhood. These events were recorded using sophisticated test equipment that measured the spectrum and amplitude of transient voltages in the power grid and transformer output both. What appeared at the transformer's output the instant that lighting hit close to the AC grid was a very faint burst of high frequency noise... nothing more. Not many other surge protection technologies come close to this level of protection. Nevertheless, every product we offer is supplimented with redundant surge protection technology, and as you might have already guessed, we use nothing but the best.

Oxygen-free copper wire-- Mil Spec. oxygen-free copper wire is used throughout the entire AC distribution section of every Model “Q”. Hand-made OFC jumper wires and wiring harnesses are used exclusively in their assembly. OFC wire reduces high frequency micro current distortion that is commonly present in conventional copper or silver wired circuits. This further extends the effective bandwidth of noise attenuation.

Filtered Digital Equipment Outlets -- These outlets provide additional high frequency noise attenuation and isolation for switching power supplies typically found in digital electronics. The outlets are intended for use with CD Players, DVD Players, Dish Receivers, Hi-Definition TV’s, DLP and Plasma Displays, automation controllers, computers and other high resolution electronic digital system components.

Unswitched Outlet -- An entire system of components can be turned on and off from the front panel by using the front standby switch(es). As a convenience, one outlet on the back panel remains constantly turned on for equipment that uses a date/time clock such as TIVO’s, VCR’s, PVR’s, DVR’s and other components that require constant power to maintain volatile memory.

ANSI/UL Tested -- Equi=Tech products have been tested and certified to meet ANSI/UL Standard #1012 which is the most rigorous and demanding of all power industry standards for Class A (high voltage) power distribution equipment. No one other than Equi=Tech offers a balanced power system that meets the design criteria and safety testing procedures required in this standard. Since Equi=Tech started the balanced power revolution in the early 90's, we remain the only balanced power manufacturer committed to meeting high performance and safety standards required by discriminating professionals in many technical fields. Equi=Tech makes the only systems that meet stringent OSHA standards governing safety in the workplace. Beware of products that are UL listed as "Audio Equipment" designed to circumvent ANSI/UL Standard #1012. These products are inferior and cheaply made. Unlike some manufacturers, we cut no corners in the design and fabrication of our systems. We regard electrical safety as seriously as we regard performance and we are willing to go the extra mile to prove it. We are professionals who value our integrity and demonstrate it by the way we design and build our products.

Lifetime Warranty -- Only Equi=Tech offers a lifetime warranty on the most expensive component and heart of the system, the power isolation transformer. We are so confident that our systems will last a lifetime, we offer this transformer replacement warranty for as long as the original chassis remains in tact; and it's the only transferable warranty of its kind. If for any reason (other than abuse) the transformer fails, we will replace it at our expense and charge only for nominal shipping and handling costs.

Model Q Options
(Available With Models 3RQ, 3RQ-EA and Larger Models Only)

RSW -- Switchable input voltage. A heavy duty 3 position, center off, multi-pole power switch rated for high current applications is provided to toggle between input voltages. Commonly used in portable racks where either 208V or 240V power is furnished on location. Switch toggles between 208V and 240V to match the balanced power system's input voltage to available power. When the SW option is selected, a more rugged black powder coated face plate is provided for additional durability.

RT -- Touring option. Rear panels are equipped with 30-amp 125V twist-lock outlets (NEMA L5-30R) for touring power applications. No GFCI outlets are used insuring a more fail-safe operation.

RCL -- Cam lock inputs are used instead of a 50A 250V California Style twist lock inlet. Typically, 3 cam locks are provided -- 2 "hot" (black and red) and one ground (green) cam locks are installed. No neutrals (white) are used in balanced power circuits or equipment.

Additional Specifications
.

Nominal Input Voltage	120-208/240 VAC
Nominal Output Voltage	120 VAC
Transformer Impedance	1.65%
Isolation (CMRR)	100dB
TVSS	240 Joules
Voltage Regulation (NLA/FLA)	+/- 1.7%
Voltmeter Accuracy	+/- .5V
Max. Temp. Rise (at perimeter)	28 C.
Total Relative Strayfield	<10^-3@ .1M
Noise Level	<.02 Sones @ 1M

106302

Model 1RQ - 1.5RQ - 2RQ Rear Panel View
(Note: Domestic back panel configurations apply to all "EA" versions of the Model Q)

Model 3RQ Rear Panel View

Model 5RQ Rear Panel View