The X Block MKII from Russ Andrews boasts a new grounding terminal and the ability to link blocks, bringing the benefits of the Russ Andrews Grounding System to more components.

The company states that adding the grounding terminal opens up an even more significant performance potential, adding that the "Russ Andrews grounding ecosystem is a highly effective and efficient method for easily routing RF noise away from your system's casework to ground".

The terminal can be used in a couple of ways: either as the designated connection to earth from a Russ Andrews RF Router or SuperRouter output, using the mains earth as the final path to ground, or connected to an input on the RF Router/SuperRouter where an external earth rod is utilised, thereby integrating the X-Block into the Grounding System.

Further increasing its usage potential, the MkII also sports an output IEC socket, enabling additional X Blocks to be daisy-chained onto the host block. Alternatively, the new IEC output can be used to connect one of the company's mains filters—such as the Power Purifier or AbZorber—to create an impressive mains outlet and conditioning hub for the Hi-Fi or Home Cinema system.

The MKII retains the original's built-in Silencer mains filter and the tried-and-tested Russ Andrews SuperClamp surge protection technology. We're told that the Silencer circuit is designed to provide a quiet zone around the hi-fi equipment's mains supply by suppressing the interference from devices such as refrigerators and cheap switched-mode power supplies. It does this by employing a parallel circuit design to avoid introducing any components into the direct path of the power supply.

Manufactured from impact- and fire-resistant ABS plastic and internally wired with high-quality Kimber Kable TCX mains cabling, the new blocks feature high-performance UltraSockets with Deep Cryogenic Treatment (DCT) and are DeoxIT treated and nickel-plated. Furthermore, high surface-area contacts are fitted throughout the X Block range to ensure the best possible connection.

Russ Andrews, chairman and technical director, told StereoNET:

We have been researching, developing, and implementing improved grounding systems for literally decades, and this has given us unrivalled insight into the huge improvement good-quality grounding systems can bring to the musical enjoyment of a hi-fi system. The new MkII X Block opens up this world to many more people.

The Russ Andrews MkII X Block is available in two (£260), four (£390) and six-way (£520) variants. All are supplied with the Russ Andrews 60-Day Home Trial with Money Back Guarantee.

Visit Russ Andrews for more information