{"id":33374,"date":"2022-10-29T12:52:44","date_gmt":"2022-10-29T10:52:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hifi-advice.com\/blog\/?p=33374"},"modified":"2025-08-08T20:59:14","modified_gmt":"2025-08-08T18:59:14","slug":"gigawatt-pf-1e-pf-1-evo-and-pf-2-evo-power-strips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hifi-advice.com\/blog\/review\/cables-reviews\/power-cable-reviews\/gigawatt-pf-1e-pf-1-evo-and-pf-2-evo-power-strips\/","title":{"rendered":"GigaWatt PF-1e, PF-1 EVO, and PF-2 EVO Power Strips"},"content":{"rendered":"

Review samples supplied by Ohm Audio
\n<\/a><\/h4>\n

Retail prices in the Netherlands, including 21% VAT:
\nPF-1e – 330 euro
\nPF-1 EVO – 660 euro (including power cable)
\nPF-2 EVO – 1250 euro (including power cable)<\/h4>\n

GigaWatt was founded in 2007 by Adam Schubert \u2013 an electronics engineer and audio passionate. The combination of passion and many years of experience in constructing power devices gained in his previous company Power Audio Laboratories was used to design novel concepts, new projects, and unique technological solutions. Most materials and components used in the company products are made by the company or according to proprietary specifications. GigaWatt quickly gained a reputation as a brand that has exquisitely made products and competitive pricing.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

One of the Production Rooms<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Measuring Station<\/em><\/p>\n

The recent years have been very effective. In 2017, the company modernized the research and development center and equipped the measurement laboratory with the PA2201A, a top-class power analyzer from Keysight Technologies.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Keysight Technologies PA2201A power analyzer<\/em><\/p>\n

Three Power Strips Compared<\/h3>\n

For this review, I will compare all three of GigaWatt’s Power Strips. There is a lot to say about the techniques that go into each of them and all that can be read further below, but in short, the three Power Strips share a few important common goals. They are all made entirely from steel and surprisingly heavy, they all have a C14 IEC input allowing you to use any power cable you like, they all include Surge Protection based on plasma spark-gaps and MOV varistors, and they all contain filtering of the parallel sort which means that the current capacity is not limited. Indeed, all three Power Strips are rated for 16 Ampere and 3680 Watts at 220-240 VAC.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

As you step up from model to model, what is offered extra are thicker conductors, better, silver-plated output sockets, more elaborate and more refined filtering components, indicator lights, and an ever more solid build.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

PF-1e<\/h3>\n

The PF-1e is a simplified, economical version of the PF-1 MK2 Power Strip. Keeping a similar main filter architecture allowed for the same level of protection to the connected devices, while savings in used components lowered its price significantly. This latest version has been further improved which has reduced the differences between the entry-level model and the next model.<\/p>\n

At the very competitive price of 330 euros, the PF-1e comes without a power cable. For an extra 165 euros, one can also order a PowerSync power cable (normal price 240 euros) or for an extra 215 euros, a PowerSync PLUS power cable (normal price 360 euros). Naturally, one could also pair the Power Strip with even higher-tier GigaWatt cables, or use any other cable. However, the most synergetic sound (further enhancing the Power Strip’s character) will be with the PowerSync range of cables.<\/p>\n

The architecture of the main anti-interference filter and the overvoltage protection remained unchanged compared to the PF-1 EVO strip and even the entry-level model includes Surge Protection based on plasma spark-gaps and MOV varistors. Interference is blocked by an RLC filter block. It was built around high-quality metalized polyester capacitors with low inductance and an IP (Iron Powder) filtering core. All elements of the filter are mounted using silver solder on a massive PCB with large cross-section traces.<\/p>\n

GigaWatt resigned from using traditional protective elements like cartridge fuses or thermal fuses, which have a detrimental influence on the sound as they throttle the current flowing to the protected device. The overvoltage protection of the Power Strip is based on a cascade of protective elements like plasma spark gaps and a new generation of UltraMOV varistors. Working together with a properly made in-wall electrical grid, this setup guarantees complete protection against overvoltage and overcurrent.<\/p>\n

The PF-1e may be the company’s entry-level Power Strip but it weighs 2,5 kilograms and is built incredibly solidly.<\/p>\n

The massive chassis of the Power Strip is made completely out of metal. It constitutes also a perfectly sealed shield protecting from RFI and EMI interference. The internal cabling is made from solid core copper conductors with a 2.5 QMM diameter. There are six Schuko output sockets, presumably Nickel-plated, which at the price would be expected. The PF-1e is also available with NEMA 5-20R sockets, used in the United States and some Asian countries, as well as Australian-type sockets AS\/NZS 3112.<\/p>\n

The PF-1e has an IEC input socket, which accepts all kinds of power cables. The strip is available in two versions: without cable, or with a 1.5m power cable. To maximize the potential of the PF-1e we recommend the usage of the power cable PowerSync<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0PowerSync PLUS<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

PF-1 EVO<\/h3>\n

PF-1 EVO is the latest, modified version of the basic filtering Power Strip, designed for power distribution and protection of budget audio and video systems. The main change of the PF-1 EVO is internal cabling based on the company\u2019s GigaWatt Powerlink copper wire OFHC, 4 mm2 cross-section.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Above: PowerSync and PowerSync PLUS<\/em><\/p>\n

The PF-1 EVO’s price of 660 euros includes a PowerSync power cable but for an extra 130 euros, it can also be ordered with a PowerSync PLUS cable, or for an extra 270 euros, step up further with an LC-2 EVO cable.<\/p>\n

The strip is made using high-quality components. The distortion is filtered in an RLC filtering block. It is built using metalized polyester capacitors with low inductance and an IP (Iron Powder) filtering core. All components of the filters are soldered to a massive PCB with a large cross-section of the traces, with silver solder.<\/p>\n

In this strip, GigaWatt resigned from using traditional protective elements, like wire or thermal fuses, which throttle the free flow of current to the protected circuits and by this have a negative influence on the sound. Protection against overvoltage and power surges is guaranteed by a multi-stage protection circuit, composed of plasma sparks and a new generation of UltraMOV varistors. Those elements, working together with a well-designed, modern power grid, warrant complex protection against overcurrent and overvoltage.<\/p>\n

The PF-1 EVO uses an innovative current distribution system, being a proprietary development of the company. It is based on massive power distribution bars of 2nd generation, made of polished, high purity, cathode copper slabs (Cu-ETP). This system distributes the current directly to each pair of output sockets, using crimped and screw-tightened connections and GigaWatt PowerLink cabling made from OFHC copper, with a cross-section of 4 QMM wires. The use of the star wiring topology and the high conductance and massive cross-section of about 30 QMM of each of the bars warrants an equal and stable power distribution regardless of the load on any of the strip\u2019s outputs.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The PF-1 EVO Power Strip is equipped with six high-quality power sockets GigaWatt G-040 Schuko, designed and manufactured by the company. The brass connectors of those sockets were silver-plated at the factory, without the usage of intermediary metals, like copper or nickel, which could introduce unfavorable series resistance and voltage loss. The increased area of contact and the thick layer of silver guarantee sure contact with the plug pins. The sockets were additionally subdued to cryogenic modification and a demagnetizing process. In order to effectively protect children, the G-040 sockets were equipped with integrated anti-surge shutters (increased protection against touching, conform with VDE 0620). The PF-1 EVO is also available with outlets of type NEMA 5-20R, used in North America and some Asian countries, and with Australian outlets of type AS\/NZS 3112.<\/p>\n

The PF-1 EVO’s chassis may look very similar to that of the PF-1e but its significantly increased weight of 3.8 kilograms (instead of 2,5 kilograms) is a clear sign of its increased solid build.<\/p>\n

The massive and durable chassis of the strip is made from metal. This creates a perfectly closed shield, protecting the inside filter and power distribution system from RFI noise. The Power Strip is also equipped with a LED signaling proper function and power available on the sockets.<\/p>\n

The strip is equipped with a high-quality IEC socket, allowing the user to connect any power cable. As standard, the Power Strip is delivered with the PowerSync power cable in a 1.5m length. To fully utilize the maximum potential of the PF-1 EVO, GigaWatt recommends the usage of the PowerSync PLUS<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0LC-2 EVO<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>power cable. Having reviewed these cables myself and being a great fan, I fully concur with that recommendation!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

PF-2 EVO<\/h3>\n

PF-2 EVO is the improved version of the advanced filtering power strip designed to power and protect Hi-Fi audio and video systems.<\/p>\n

The PF-2 EVO’s price of 1250 euros includes a PowerSync power cable but for an extra 100 euros, it can also be ordered with a PowerSync PLUS cable. Alternatively, for an extra 245 euros, you can step up further with an LC-2 EVO cable. If you want to take it to the max, you can also order this Power Strip with a PowerSync ULTRA cable for an additional 750 euros (normally 1125 euros).<\/p>\n

The strip is made using high-quality components. The distortion is filtered in an RLC filtering block. It is built using metalized polyester capacitors with low inductance and an IP (Iron Powder) filtering core. The EVO version uses the highest quality capacitors manufactured by Miflex according to Gigawatt specifications. All components of the filters are mounted with silver solder on a massive, double-sided printed circuit board with very large cross-sections.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The strip doesn\u2019t have the typical protective elements, such as fuses or thermal fuses, which throttle the free flow of current to the protected circuits and have a negative effect on the sound. Protection against overvoltage and power surges is guaranteed by a multi-stage protection circuit, composed of plasma sparks and a new generation of UltraMOV varistors. Those elements, working together with a well-designed, modern power grid, warrant complex protection against overcurrent and overvoltage.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The PF-2 EVO uses an innovative current distribution system, being a proprietary development of the company. It is based on massive power distribution bars of 2nd generation, made of polished, high purity, cathode copper slabs (Cu-ETP). This system distributes the current directly to each pair of output sockets, using crimped and screw-tightened connections and GigaWatt Powerlink inner cabling with a cross-section of 4 QMM. The use of the star wiring topology and the high conductance and massive cross-section of about 30 QMM of each of the bars warrants an equal and stable power distribution regardless of the load on any of the strip\u2019s outputs.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The PF-2 EVO Power Strip is equipped with six high-quality power sockets GigaWatt G-040 Schuko, designed and manufactured by the company. The brass connectors of those sockets were silver-plated at the factory, without the usage of intermediary metals, like copper or nickel, which could introduce unfavorable series resistance and voltage loss. The increased area of contact and the thick layer of silver guarantee sure contact with the plug pins. The sockets were additionally subdued to cryogenic modification and a demagnetizing process. In order to effectively protect children, the G-040 sockets were equipped with integrated anti-surge shutters (increased protection against touching, conform with VDE 0620). The PF-2 EVO is also available with outlets of type NEMA 5-20R, used in North America and some Asian countries, and with Australian outlets of type AS\/NZS 3112.<\/p>\n

Being much taller and at 4,9 kilograms again significantly heavier, the PF-2 EVO’s chassis is built differently than the other two. All internal elements of the Power Strip are closed in a double metal chassis. This enclosure is a perfectly tight shield against RFI and EMI noise. The strip is also equipped with a LED indicating proper operation of the device and a circuit indicating wrong polarization of the power line or wrongly connected grounding.<\/p>\n

The strip is equipped with a high-quality IEC socket, allowing the user to connect any power cable. As standard, the Power Strip is delivered with a PowerSync power cable in a 1.5m length. To fully utilize the maximum potential of the PF-2 EVO GigaWatt recommends the usage of the LC-2 EVO<\/a>\u00a0 or\u00a0PowerSync ULTRA<\/a> power cable. Having reviewed these cables myself, and being a great fan, I fully concur with that recommendation!<\/p>\n

Next: System Context, Listening, and Conclusion<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Running In<\/h3>\n

When receiving the Power Strips, I was forewarned that it would be wise to properly use them prior to forming definitive conclusions. The reason for this is twofold. First, one may need some time to get used to the calmer (less aggressive) sound of the filtered strips, and second, the strips seem to actually need some time to fully come alive.<\/p>\n

That second statement finds some backing from the GigaWatt PC-4 EVO+ Power Conditioner<\/a> review that I did some time ago. While this top-tier conditioner offers additional technology and is on another level from the Power Strips, I did find that it sounded better and better, the longer I used it. So, to be on the safe side, I connected all 3 Power Strips to spare components and let them simmer for over 2 weeks prior to doing any listening.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

System Context<\/h3>\n

The core of the main system<\/a> consists of the CH Precision C1<\/a> DAC, L1<\/a> preamp, A1.5<\/a> power amp with the Grimm MU1<\/a>, Antipodes K50<\/a>, and Taiko Audio Extreme servers as main sources, and Magico S1 MkII speakers. All interlinks are Driade Flow Link Reference 808<\/a>, both balanced and unbalanced. The speaker cables are the Mad Scientist Black Magic<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The core components are placed on Artesania Exoteryc<\/a> racks with Carbon Fiber Linear Arms<\/a>. The MU1, as well as most review components, are placed on an Artesania KSH2 Krion shelf<\/a> that couples via Artesania Carbon Fiber Linear arms<\/a> to an Artesania Aire<\/a> Floor Platform. The Aire is basically a lower Exoteryc rack and it sounds identical.<\/p>\n

The power for this system is delivered by a dedicated run of solid-core installation wire, sourced in the Breaker Box from a Siemens Sitor Cylindric Fuse Cartridge, and ending in three GigaWatt G-044 single Schuko Wall Sockets<\/a> behind the audio system. My normal power distributors have a shielded metal case and provide solid connections but use simple linear brass strip conductors. They are nothing special but they get the job done in a predictable manner. I use three distributors, one for the main system, one for analog, and one for review components.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

For the purpose of this review, I will restrict the use to only a single power distributor and use only the digital front so that I can swap all cables from one Power Strip to the next. The audio components are powered by a mix of cables including a GigaWatt PowerSync ULTRA<\/a> and an LC-2 EVO<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Listening<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

PF-1e<\/h3>\n

Starting with the PF-1e and a GigaWatt PowerSync cable, the sound is immediately very different. Calmer, smoother, and sweeter. Most noticeably, the treble is more fluid, more refined, and longer-decaying. The soundstage is undeniably wider and there is more flow. In comparison, my standard solution now sounds a little dry and controlled, but also higher-paced and more lively. The PF-1e may be an affordable Power Strip but it offers an amazing level of refinement. It offers remarkable subtlety and air, even if it does lose a bit of bite and attack in the process. Of course, whether this is good or bad will be system-dependent. And also, this balance can partially<\/em> be redirected by the choice of main power cable. For instance, swapping the PowerSync cable for the PowerSync PLUS adds solidity and a little bit more drive while retaining the Strip’s natural and organic presentation. Conversely, using the LC-2 EVO seemingly injects the Power Strip with high-octane fuel, making it sound leaner and tighter as well as faster and more expressive. This cable adds a lot of excitement but the combination remains on the smooth and relaxed side. Clearly, this Power Strip’s greatest asset is the level of refinement and complete lack of hardness that it offers at such a relatively low price.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

PF-1 EVO<\/h3>\n

At 660 euros, the PF-1 EVO demands double expenditure compared to the PF-1e. But it’s honestly still a far cry from being expensive, certainly when taking this Power Strip’s solid and heavy build into consideration. If you then top off this first impression with the fact that all contacts are silver-plated and better electronic parts are used throughout, it becomes something of a bargain.<\/p>\n

After switching from the PF-1e to the PF-1 EVO, the difference is immediately obvious. The PF-1e’s calmness is retained while there’s better articulation, more impactful dynamics, clearer expression, and more expansive soundstaging. And it does all this without introducing any negatives, and importantly, while remaining true to the trend that the PF-1e started, which is a presentation that is never forced, let alone hard or edgy. Once again, the treble really stands out for being so beautifully refined, fluid, and airy, yet still percussive and precise.<\/p>\n

As with the PF-1e Power Strip, the PF-1 EVO reveals exactly the kind of cable that is used to power it. If you use the standard PowerSync cable that comes with it, the Power Strip will deliver all of its signature smooth, fluid, and organic sound, but it will not deliver the best it can in terms of tightness, articulation, incisiveness, pacing, and transient attack. For that, one only needs to look at the LC-2 EVO, or even better, the PowerSync ULTRA<\/a>. Yes, I realize that this cable is more costly than the Power Strip, but the combination provides an otherwise very hard-to-achieve balance between solidity, precision, and expression on the one hand, and smoothness, fluidity, and flow, on the other.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

PF-2 EVO<\/h3>\n

Stepping further up to the massive PF-2 EVO, the sound makes further gains, but arguably not quite as dramatically as with the step from the PF-1e to the PF-1 EVO. The PF-2 EVO is clearly of the same family. But unlike the PF-1 EVO when coming from the PF-1e, the PF-2 EVO does not further enhance the transient behavior, impact, or expression. Rather, it works in quite another manner.<\/p>\n

The PF-2 EVO’s main additional sonic benefit can best be described as further increased calmness. The other two Power Strips already did not exhibit any edginess or roughness whatsoever, but uniquely, the PF-2 EVO adds an increase in silence.<\/em><\/p>\n

The PF-2 EVO is a Power Strip for those who seek introspection rather than spectacle. What this Power Strip does is lay out the sonic landscape more widely and more deeply than with the other two Power Strips while seemingly lowering the base level of blackness. As amplifier designer Jeff Rowland would say back in the day, dynamics don’t only count on a macro level, but also on a micro level. This seems to be an under-appreciated or at least often overlooked sonic aspect. What the PF-2 EVO offers is increased dynamic range in the opposite direction. I realize that may sound illogical, but what happens is that low-level sounds become clearer not by being louder or more etched but by extending deeper into the silence. The cumulative effect of this is that recordings present with more continuous, deeper, and blacker soundstages in which low-level sounds are portrayed with more space around them while they float more freely and decay for longer than with the other two Power Strips. Indeed, the PF-2 EVO provides a sound that greatly encourages long and relaxed listening sessions during which the listener is submerged in a beguilingly liquid and utterly free-flowing sound bubble.<\/p>\n

As a handy bonus, the PF-2 EVO also offers a handy phase indicator LED to guide the user in connecting the main power cable with the correct orientation.<\/p>\n

As with the other Power Strips, the PF-2 EVO will let you hear very clearly which cable is used to power it. Although the Power Strip comes with a PowerSync cable included and this sure produces good results off the bat, I would strongly urge any potential buyer to just skip this cable as well as the PowerSync PLUS, and go straight for the PowerSync ULTRA.<\/p>\n

This combination will deliver an utterly harmonious balance neutral solidity, low-level resolution, smoothness, fluidity, and flow.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Above: PowerSync ULTRA<\/em><\/p>\n

Sidenote – There’s an interesting side effect that I just had to share. Whilst running in the three Power Strips but still using my regular power strips, I felt that the sound was notably different than before. It was smoother, warmer, and richer, but I also felt that some incisiveness and control were missing. I had a feeling that the Power Strips might be responsible but they were not actually powering any of the components that were in use for my listening session. Moreover, they were connected to a separate wall outlet meaning that there was an estimated 30 meters of cable between the three Power Strips and the outlets for my system. Thus, I figured that I must have been imagining things. But sure enough, when disconnecting the Power Strips, the sound became more direct, drier, and more forward. Granted, this is not the way to use the Power Strips and the effect was certainly not comparable to actually using the Power Strips, but clearly, the filter components inside these Power Strips are still doing their job, even when they are just connected in parallel!<\/h4>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

The entry-level PF-1e offers amazing build quality and sounds much more fluid and refined than I would expect in this price bracket. At 330 euros I do not expect the world but it sure sounds worlds better than a no-name normal Power Strip from your local utility store.<\/p>\n

The PF-1 EVO may cost double the PF-1e’s price sticker but it also offers better electronic components, silver-plated output connectors, and most importantly, massively improved performance. Sonically, and in terms of value for money, the PF-1 EVO inhabits the sweet spot of the range.<\/p>\n

The PF-2 EVO offers an even more massive build. Sonically, it delivers more continuous, deeper, and blacker soundstages in which low-level sounds are portrayed with more space around them while they float utterly freely and decay seemingly forever. Most of all, the PF-2 EVO provides a sound that greatly encourages long and relaxed listening sessions.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Associated Equipment<\/a><\/p>\n

External Links<\/h3>\n

Distributor for the Netherlands: Ohm Audio<\/a>
\nManufacturer: Gigawatt.eu<\/a><\/p>\n

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