Frank Power Bank

by DrWho Thu Oct 04, 2012 5:21 pm

Frank Power Bank
A home grown audiophile accessory is keeping few lucky audiophiles, who are lucky enough to get hold of one, happily bliss-ed. The Frank Power Bank has the highest audio ROI I have come across. I have no commercial interest with the manufacturer, it is so good that I have to share this with you. I have one unit installed and am waiting for my second unit. The waiting list for a unit is now in December. I know of many audiophile buddies keenly waiting for their second unit as well.

Manufacturer SITE.
There is a review on Frank Power Bank by a local blogger. Google for it

by **bal** Thu Oct 04, 2012 6:13 pm

I'm keenly interested, Dr. May i know where you bought your unit from? The site says usd2+ grand. Transport charges may be a bitch from the USA, so i'm wondering if there is somewhere nearer to buy.... probably not as you say there is a waiting list...

Do let us know... many many thanks
Bal sunny

by **Hi-Fi 4 Sale** Thu Oct 04, 2012 6:55 pm

Glad you brought this up, DrWho.

I saw a power supply he made for Jo Ki at the KLIAV 2012. Based on that & good feedback from friends, talking to Frank for a power supply to be made for my Mac Mini.

Nice build & certainly better sonics.

Alternate link: http://fv-euroaudio.blogspot.com/

by DrWho Thu Oct 04, 2012 7:51 pm

bal,
Frank is a Malaysian and the Power Bank is made locally.
Here is the REVIEW
There is a part 1 about 1 or 2 weeks ago.

Admin,
Yes, I am still waiting for Frank to make my CAS power supply. He is soooooo busy.

by zeebee Thu Oct 04, 2012 7:58 pm

Any pics!

by DrWho Thu Oct 04, 2012 10:45 pm

The pics are available in the Part 1 of the REVIEW

by DrWho Mon Dec 03, 2012 2:33 pm

Update Frank Power Bank

Two of my Frank Power Banks have finally run in while the third is running in.

Frank Power Bank FrankPowerbank_zps203e03e0

Frank Power Bank FrankPowerbank_zps203e03e0

It takes about 6 weeks to run in the Frank Power Bank (FPB). My units are custom made with my 8 AWG wire which might have taken longer to run in compared to the stock unit. All 3 units have similar running in characteristics. On the first and second days, you would think that you have hit a bonanza. On the third day you would have doubt with your new acquisition. It sounded worse than without the FPB. The swing of ups and downs will continue for 4 weeks, from then the FPB will sound good most of the time. From the 6th week it started to sound consistently very good without any negative attributes.

In my system the FPBs after running in improved the sound quality in the following areas:
1. The bass goes lower with better control and speed. There are more information from the bass.
2. The images are more dense with nuance details around the vocal or instruments.
3. Sound stage opened up in all 6 directions.
4. Images are 3D and rock solid and floating within the sound field.
5. Silky highs appeared after running in.
6. The flow of the music is very real with good speed.

The benefits are cumulative with each new unit added to the system. Will I go for the fourth unit? Most probably not, not due the the incremental benefits but more so due to the space constraint.

The FPB has one of the best performance/cost ratio benefit I have encountered and I have tried many audio accessories and tweaks. I have yet know of someone who is not happy with his FPB.

The queue for the FPB is pretty long but worth the wait Very Happy

I have perhaps hit bonanza!

by adrian4454 Wed Jan 23, 2013 4:14 pm

It is USD2600? Not RM2600?

by DrWho Wed Jan 23, 2013 5:46 pm

It is USD2600. Give Frankie a call, he may give you a discount if you speak nicely with him Smile

by DrWho Wed Feb 06, 2013 11:18 am

Hi-Fi 4 Sale wrote:Glad you brought this up, DrWho.

I saw a power supply he made for Jo Ki at the KLIAV 2012. Based on that & good feedback from friends, talking to Frank for a power supply to be made for my Mac Mini.

Nice build & certainly better sonics.

Alternate link: http://fv-euroaudio.blogspot.com/

After waiting for several months, my Frank custom built Power Supply for my Auraliti PK100 Music Server arrived yesterday. It was certainly worth the wait. I now enjoy my CAS as much as my CD transport.
The Power Supply, outputting 12V at 3amp, was solidly built encased in a beautiful aluminum chassis. I couldn't help but open up the cover to have a peek inside. This Frank Power Supply is powered by three quite large transformers. No wonder this device is much heavier than a normal linear power supply.
It is so good that I will be ordering another of this Power Supply for my Rubidium clock.

by CH Sun Feb 10, 2013 9:24 pm

Hi DrWho,
Are you playing any DSD stuff? I heard this thing is as vinyl.
Congrats on your new audio elevation.

by DrWho Mon Feb 11, 2013 9:47 am

CH wrote:Hi DrWho,
Are you playing any DSD stuff? I heard this thing is as vinyl.
Congrats on your new audio elevation.

Thank you CH. I am not playing DSD as dCS has not released their DSD update for their Debussy DAC despite their earlier promise. I have heard DSD using PlayBack player DAC at my placed and it sounded very good. As for digital sounding as good as vinyl, it all depends on the digital system implememtation, a well implemented 16/44.1 kHz can sound as good as a good vinyl system. Very Happy

by Zaku51 Tue Feb 26, 2013 3:21 pm

Greeting to all,

Can anyone enlighten me on the followings:-

1. How does the Frank Power Bank work?

2. What are the effects and your view?

Regards,
Zaku51

by **elhefe** Tue Feb 26, 2013 5:54 pm

Zaku51,

There is one thread here on this matter and DrWho can enlight u more.

https://www.hifi4sale.net/t29528-frank-power-bank

Also here www.hifi-unlimited.blogspot.com

by DrWho Fri Mar 01, 2013 11:34 am

Zahu51 posted this at a different thread. I will respond to his query here so as to avoid having too many threads, currently 3, on the same subject
"Greeting to all,

Can anyone enlighten me on the followings:-

1. How does the Frank Power Bank work?

2. What are the effects and your view?

Regards,
Zaku51"

The Frank Power Bank is made up of two Auto Transformers, from what I understand from the designer, Frankie, in order to provide a balanced magnetic field flux. When the transformer is connected to a supply it draws current from the power supply. The current flow creates a magnetic field flux that also increases over time. Energy is stored within the magnetic field. The Frank Power Supply needs at least 6 hours to be initially fully charged. The magnetic field flux acts as the reservoir to store the electrical energy and would instantaneously be converted into electricity flow when needed during higher current demands by the hifi system.
In a way it is similar to the function of a water reservoir. The water reservoir stores water during off peak period and during short period of high peak demand is able to deliver water supply without much interruption. This avoids having to build big diameter pipelines, as in our case bigger capacity electrical cables.
Meeting the peak current requirements will make our hifi system sounds better

by Zaku51 Mon Mar 04, 2013 11:38 am

Dear Dr Who,

Thanks for your detail information on how the FPB works.

Just maybe i am a slow learner, may i humbly ask, does the FPB deliver currents back to the circuit of the entire house? can it be done?

Zaku51,

P/S. Moderator, thanks for linking me here, i get a better understanding of the FPB now. Smile

by DrWho Mon Mar 04, 2013 12:07 pm

Zaku51 wrote:Dear Dr Who,
Just maybe i am a slow learner, may i humbly ask, does the FPB deliver currents back to the circuit of the entire house? can it be done?

Zaku51,

To what extent the hifi devices will benefit from the Frank Power Bank depends on how far (wiring length wise) they are located away from the Power Bank. Those devices located nearest to the Power Bank will benefit most substantially.
If you have a 3 phase wiring, of course the phase that the Power Bank is connected to will only benefit. I am sure Frankie will be able to advise you the best location and way to connect the Power Bank for your system. The Power Bank can be connected to the supply in parallel at the Distribution Board at the ELCB or MCB or at the socket nearest to your hifi devices. The Power Bank benefits though still there will diminish when the hifi devices are located a long distant away.

by Zaku51 Tue Mar 05, 2013 10:07 am

Dr Who,

Does it mean that if i have separate and free sockets in my hifi room i can plug one or two there and never turn them off it would be of better benefit to my system coz its basically sharing the same circuit as the my other sockets in the hifi room?

In that case, the FPB also benefits the entire house? does it serve as a power stabiliser since it stores energy and when power swings it replenishes the voltage drop?

Sorry i have not much of and understanding of electricity.

by DrWho Tue Mar 05, 2013 11:03 am

Zaku51 wrote:Dr Who,
Does it mean that if i have separate and free sockets in my hifi room i can plug one or two there and never turn them off it would be of better benefit to my system coz its basically sharing the same circuit as the my other sockets in the hifi room?
Yes, that could be one way of doing it, if you are very sure that the sockets share the same circuit to the Distribution Board. The other alternative is to connect the Power Bank to the MCB, at the Distribution Board, that supplies power to your hifi system.
In that case, the FPB also benefits the entire house? Only to the same phase. The benefit to other devices depends on the distant. The Power Bank works best when it is connected near to the devices.
does it serve as a power stabiliser since it stores energy and when power swings it replenishes the voltage drop?NO this is not a voltage stabiliser and not act as one. It will only augment the power supply for a very short (instantaneous) period during peak demand from your hifi system. It will not stabalise the voltage like a voltage stabiliser.

Sorry i have not much of and understanding of electricity.

by Zaku51 Wed Mar 06, 2013 9:25 am

Thanks Dr Who...

by DrWho Wed Mar 06, 2013 10:55 am

Zaku51 wrote:Thanks Dr Who...

You are welcome. When you acquire your Frank Power Bank, please share with us your experience with it.
As the Frank Power Bank is so popular, you most probably have to wait a while for its delivery. It is definitely worth the while for the wait.

by Zaku51 Wed Mar 06, 2013 4:38 pm

Sure. no problem...

by DrWho Tue Apr 02, 2013 12:16 pm

Last night an audiophile friend from Indonesia who is also an Audio distributor visited me to introduce some of the audio products he is distributing in Indonesia. Some very effective tuning devices and accessories. He heard my system with and without my two Frank Power Banks connected to the system. (My third Frank Power Bank cannot be turned off without turning off the electricity supply to my audio system)
It appears Frank Power Bank will most probably hit the Indonesia shore soon. I hear the waiting period for the Frank Power Bank is now 3 months!

by DrWho Sat Jun 15, 2013 10:37 am

This is what I wrote after I installed my third Frank Power Bank.
"The benefits are cumulative with each new unit added to the system. Will I go for the fourth unit? Most probably not, not due the the incremental benefits but more so due to the space constraint"
The call of the Frank Power Bank was just too great for this weakling to resist Twisted Evil

especially after my audiophile buddy Mr Gan called to relate how his third Frank Power Bank has transformed his already superb sound to the next level, using a different implementation.
My fourth Frank Power Bank arrived yesterday but did not join the 3 other power banks but instead went to my hifi room due to space constraint. The other 3 Frank Power Banks are located at a small utility room where the TNB incoming board and the hifi system distribution board are located. These two rooms share a common wall.
To my great surprise the sonic benefits from the fourth power bank exceed the benefits from each of the other three. The only difference in implementation is the distant between the Frank Power Banks to the audio equipments. The fourth power bank has the shortest cable run to the equipment, specifically the transport and is not connected directly to the distribution board instead to a spare twin wall socket connected to the transport.
Is there a diminishing return of the benefits from additional number Frank Power Banks installed? Only the fifth Frank Power Bank will tell, perhaps.

by CH Sat Jun 15, 2013 11:08 am

[email=Dr@ho]DrWho[/email],

Congrats to your sonic incremental.

Mr Gan demoed to me the sonic difference the PB have effect on his ever responsive crossover unit. The sound was flat, lacking vitality after pulling PB out from his link. He could not live without PB already.

by DrWho Sat Jun 15, 2013 11:17 am

Mr G is now considering his fourth unit Smile

by cyrus2 Sat Jun 15, 2013 11:38 am

To Mr.Frankie Voon..."YOU ARE THE BEST BRO"

Very Happy

by DrWho Sat Jun 15, 2013 11:47 am

cyrus2 wrote:To Mr.Frankie Voon..."YOU ARE THE BEST BRO"

Yes Yes, for making so many audiophiles much happier! Also at such an affordable cost. Three cheers for Frankie!

by DrWho Sun Jun 16, 2013 10:29 am

I received the following PM from a fellow member and would like to share this very important information. Much appreciated.

"Hi Dr Who,

When I auditioned a RGPC some years ago, the electricity meter inspection team happened to come around my neighbourhood and when they tested my electricity meter with their special instrument they claimed that the reading on it indicated that I was stealing electricity. They went through the cablings to my house but couldn't find any tampering. To test if the meter was recording power usage properly, they had my wife who was at home then to turn off all applicances in the house and after they had connected their instrument to the meter terminals to record the transient current draw they asked her to turn on an airconditioner. I suspected the RPGC "supplied" the sudden current draw when the air con was turned on resulting in the slower reading on their instrument. I asked them to re-test the meter the next day after I pulled the RGPC from the wall socket and every thing was normal. I believe some aspects of the RGPC is the same as the FPB. I think the "current storage" effect is more obvious with the FPB, so next time if the TNB people come around, you better disconnect them off before they start their tests to avoid any allegations of electricity thefts.

Cheers."
RGPC= Richard Gray's Power Company

by DrWho Sun Jun 16, 2013 6:32 pm

The designer of the Frank Power Bank, Frankie contacted me to inform that the Frank Power Bank is contructed differently from the RGPC, as such will not have similar effect as RGPC. Good to know. Smile

by soonthas Sun Jun 16, 2013 8:22 pm

The RGPC Parallel Power Delivery products induces lots of significant noise to the circuit though it often renders a deceptive quietness to the users.

by **Hi-Fi 4 Sale** Sun Jun 16, 2013 10:42 pm

soonthas wrote:The RGPC Parallel Power Delivery products induces lots of significant noise to the circuit though it often renders a deceptive quietness to the users.

Hi soonthas,
That sounds like a statement of fact, not an estimation or opinion. On what basis (factual or scientific) do you say that RGPC 'induces lots of significant noise'?

It is OK to say that you perceive the RGPC to not sound up to your expectations, but it is an entirely different matter to say that it 'induces lots of significant noise' without having a basis for saying so.

by soonthas Sun Jun 16, 2013 11:55 pm

Hi Hi-Fi 4 Sale,

If you have an already very quiet sounding system, you will realize the fact from the sound differences heard after adding the said product.

I don't know whether it is based on factual or scientific basis, but measuring it by some audio grade noise detectors like Blue Horizon Noise Analyzer or Audio Prism Noise Sniffer will prove the noise induced, which is not a little but quite a lot, just like noises from untreated and polluted ac outlets.

However, it does improve sound in other aspects like density, bass depth/weight, etc.

I apologize if any unintended offences caused to you and other users, but just merely to share my experiences on RGPC Parallel Power delivery products.

by **Hi-Fi 4 Sale** Mon Jun 17, 2013 4:31 am

That sounds reasonable enough and gives readers sufficient perspective to your thoughts.

Cheers,

by kamfei0512 Mon Jun 24, 2013 4:34 pm

Hi to all FPB owners here,

I googled FPB and found quite a number good responses from its owners and I can't help but to stick my nose here Razz

Now I understand that the FPB can be installed to/at the power distribution board or plugged into the mains/sockets on the wall.

But will a 13A or 15A socket do any difference to the FPB?
Or is it strictly US mains compliant?

by DrWho Tue Jun 25, 2013 9:53 am

kamfei0512 wrote:Hi to all FPB owners here,

I googled FPB and found quite a number good responses from its owners and I can't help but to stick my nose here

Now I understand that the FPB can be installed to/at the power distribution board or plugged into the mains/sockets on the wall.

But will a 13A or 15A socket do any difference to the FPB?
Ideally, 15A if you have it. If not 13A will do.
Or is it strictly US mains compliant?
It need not have to be US mains compliant.

There are 2 MCBs inside the FPB. The 13A fuse in the UK plug is redundant therefore a US plug and wall socket is my preferred choice.

by 77006688 Tue Jul 02, 2013 1:36 pm

Hi Dr Who,

I am an amateur in Hifi and now working slowly to improve my system. If we install the FPB in our power supply line, do we still need those expansive power cord and distributor and etc in the power supply chain? I am asking this question because if we save on those Power cords, distributors and etc, then it is better to invest in FPB and get the whole power supply corrected and use the normal power cord and distributor.

Thanks and regards.

by DrWho Tue Jul 02, 2013 4:06 pm

77006688 wrote:Hi Dr Who,

I am an amateur in Hifi and now working slowly to improve my system. If we install the FPB in our power supply line, do we still need those expansive power cord and distributor and etc in the power supply chain? I am asking this question because if we save on those Power cords, distributors and etc, then it is better to invest in FPB and get the whole power supply corrected and use the normal power cord and distributor.

Thanks and regards.

This is certainly not an easy question to address Wink

The answer is dependent on many factors, ie quality of your electricity supply, are you drawing your power supply from one socket outlet, quality of your current power cords etc.
In general I am in agreement with your view of getting the power source correct first. Connect your distributor as close to the FPB as possible, if possible at the same twin socket that is supplying power to the FPB. Changing your UK plugs to the US type (by passing the 13 amp fuses) would most probably further improve the sonic quality.
IMHO, the FPB would give you the same if not more effect as changing the power cords.

by 77006688 Tue Jul 02, 2013 4:30 pm

Ok. Thanks Dr.Who. That means the higher grade Power cord and better quality distributor are still necessary. I look through the FPB site and I think this FPB is more likely to stabilize the power supply. i.e for example constantly supply 230v. I used to measure my house power supply for day and night and it is ranging from 230-240v. Maybe I should do power cord shopping and finally to FPB is budget permitted. Anyway, thanks for sharing.

by DrWho Mon Dec 23, 2013 3:00 pm

Joki, a popular Hifi Guru has published his review of the Frank Power Bank.

Click Here

For those who do have a facebook account, here is the review. Enjoy.

$Frank Power Bank C:\Users\Yoong\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image001$ Frank Acoustic Power Bank Storage

The words Power Bank becomes synonymous with the coming of smart mobile phones, the same PB (in name) find itself into the audio scene of late. Here, I am talking about PB-15000Ws Power Bank Storage from Frank Acoustics http://frankacoustics.blogspot.com/2013/03/frank-power-bank.html

Since my system already quipped with TORUS 8A-AVR power conditioner, which the entire system draws its current from, and I own only a small system so I thought I do not need power reserve like this behemoth PB-15000Ws. I was wrong!

Despite many of my peers are singing praise about this PB, I remained unshaken and did not jump in the bandwagon like many others. It was through casual conversation in a social meeting with Frankie, the designer that I agree to give it a try. It has given me very surprising improvements on all counts, and with zero negative remark.

My system has low noisefloor. Prior this, I never felt that there is any need in reducing noise in my system; the installation of PB, in my hopeful intent, was to stabilized the power swing due to the commercial centre next door between operation hours. And what a pleasant surprised when I noticed other good effects that are considered to be bonuses. To be honest, I am not sure whether it is the noisefloor being reduced, as I can only deduced that it is because I hear more refinement with better micro-dynamic details retrieval with this addition, and indeed my system is now less susceptible to the bad effects of power swing.
In a satellite speaker system like mine, where lower octaves are helped by woofers (Rogers AB-1) and REL subwoofer where both are trying to work well into main speakers of BBC LS3/5A pedigree, I can have (allowed) a good excuse for slight lesser fidelity in the bass as compared to the main speakers’ performance. To my surprise, the addition of PB gives the most audible good effects in the bass frequency band; the bass control and definition have improved to a stage that many music were termed as “unplayable” in the past, like 80’s pop/rock music, are now sounds good. Seemingly the PB has boosted the power handling of my FM Acoustic 108 mono power amp from 70W RMS to a more powerful amp.
Almost simultaneously, together with what I noticed to the low frequency band, tonal balance above it has taken on an elevated threshold with the high frequency extremes being most immediate; that the high frequency band is now pristinely clear and free from minute artifacts of phase shift, which was never noticed before; as a result, the staging imagery presented with an improved clarity, focusing, better isolation and providing a clear delineated dimensionality unheard before in mm system.
There were so much going on and certainly the bandwidth balance gets noticed at the same time among the rest I mentioned earlier; the rhythms and tempo of music, its arrangement and other physical attributes in sound are heard more “structured” and has better composition. The sound becomes more “tidy” in comparison.
Naturally, once the above are inplaced, the embedded emotional content, the expression of musician and his/her musicianship or artistry are able to come through more readily, making the listening that much more effortless, and at the same time, allows you to hear more and deeper into the music.

I am more than pleased with this addition, and this Bank, unlike all other banks, is definitely good! Thumbs up!

by soonthas Mon Dec 23, 2013 9:13 pm

Only those who have ever experienced the benefits of ac conditioners to their system sound will appreciate.
Most of the audio grade ac conditioners are definitely not snake oil as many claim, it depends on how the users explore the ac conditioners full potential to benefit system sound.

by DrWho Wed Dec 25, 2013 12:44 pm

soonthas wrote:Only those who have ever experienced the benefits of ac conditioners to their system sound will appreciate.
Most of the audio grade ac conditioners are definitely not snake oil as many claim, it depends on how the users explore the ac conditioners full potential to benefit system sound.

I am a staunch believer of power conditioning. I spent as much on power conditioning as in audio equipment. I believe the ROI on power conditioning is higher than the ROI on audio equipment. santa

by soonthas Wed Dec 25, 2013 12:57 pm

Hi Dr Who,

Me too.

Normally , nobody will believe in the ac conditioners improvements to a system unless one tries them in their system.

Merry X'mas.

by AwesomeSound Mon Jan 27, 2014 11:15 pm

I just installed FPB and my happiness is beyond words. I'm sure it will become even better when it is fully run in. If any of you need to invest in a good sound system, don't do anything but just install this device. Your present system will be transformed!! It is really that good.
Wai

by DrWho Tue Jan 28, 2014 10:06 am

Yes, the Frank Power Bank is one of the best investment for Audiophile. After 6 weeks of running in your FPB you should have a AwesomeSound.

by joydivision Sun Feb 02, 2014 6:57 pm

After going through 2 major setup changes over the last 3 months (Pioneer S1-EX with Bel Canto amplification and currently using Wilson Audio Sophia 3 with DIY amplification), I'm ready to write a short review on the 2 Frank Acoustic Power Bank (FPB) in my listening room. The two FPB are always powered, thanks to its very low power consumption. My opinions are based on my current setup which is far from optimum yet.

1. Floor noise was reduced considerably, more details retrieval possible at lower listening volume.

2. The most noticeable benefits were much improved bass slam and dynamics. If you play rock, you'd know what I mean. Spinned Skid Row's Slave To The Grind. Early 90's rock recording could sound thin and a tad sharp. However the FPBs made the listening session more forgiving with the endless bass slam and dynamics (essential during the minor note bends in guitar solos).

3. On the track 'A Fool No More' by Peter Green, the separation/ information of the bass guitar and kick drum was more noticeable. The FPB helped in creating the realism of the music reproduction. It was almost spooky listening to this track.

4. Ryan Adam's 'Hotel Chelsea Nights' from Love Is Hell album is a good test to the system's control. The tempo build up reached its peak when the back up singers, guitar distortion, drums and bass all come into play and paused abruptly to allow Adam's husky voice to re-emerge. That passage demands lots of control which the FPB did not disappoint.

All in all, I could never leave FPB out of my system. To me it's a better investment than upgrading to expensive power cords (no pun intended) or some electronics.

by 77006688 Sun Feb 09, 2014 1:08 pm

Hi Joydivision, may I know any reasons you installed 2 unit of FPB? Are you starting with 1 FPB and add another unit later or you start immediately with 2 units? I saw Dr who installed 3 units. Just curious why few gurus here are using more than 1 FPB.

Thanks.

by joydivision Sun Feb 09, 2014 4:54 pm

Hi 77006688, I have listened to systems with one and two FPB and decided my requirement called for two. It depends, you can start with one first and you can hear the incremental effects with more. Hope this helps.

by 77006688 Sun Feb 09, 2014 5:30 pm

Hi Joydivision, Thanks for the info and sharing. Do you connected the FPB near to the power plug near your system or at the MCB? From discussion above, the connecting at MCB is around 70% effective, does this mean connection at the plug near system supply will give higher efficiency?

by joydivision Sun Feb 09, 2014 7:30 pm

77006688,

It depends where the DB is. Mine is inside my listening room which the FPBs are connected to the MCBs. Yes, connection near the system supply will definitely deliver higher efficiency.