Vincent PF-3 EMI Mains Filter with DC Blocker Black

The Vincent PF-3 is an EMI mains filter with a built-in DC blocker that not only filters high-frequency interference from the power supply but also removes DC components – the most common cause of mechanical transformer hum.

It's the further development of the proven PF-2 and brings one decisive extra trick: the DC blocker. A problem that grows with every new solar roof in the neighbourhood.

Why the PF-3?

We audiophiles are a funny bunch: we save up for months for a slick power amp – and then plug it into the same wall socket the iron used to be on. Solar panels on the roof, LED dimmers in the living room, a Wi-Fi router right next to the streamer – and right in the middle, your sensitive preamp, which has to cope with all of it. The PF-3 is the friendly but firm bouncer that keeps this junk outside and waves through only clean electrons.

The real game-changer compared with the PF-2 is the DC blocker. You'll find an EMI filter in every power strip with "audiophile" printed on the box. But if you've ever experienced the maddening hum of a toroidal transformer, you know: it's almost always caused by DC in the mains. The PF-3 puts a stop to that.

What you get

• EMI filter and DC blocker in one: against high-frequency interference and DC components – the full treatment.
• Six filtered Schuko outlets: all EMI- and DC-filtered, split into 2 × digital (max. 300 W) and 4 × analogue (max. 1900 W).
• Stops transformer hum: the DC blocker removes the most common cause of mechanical hum in toroidal transformers.
• Phase indicator: shows you whether the phase is the right way round in the outlet – small, but handy.
• Resettable overload protection: on a voltage spike, the PF-3 would rather briefly take cover than send your system in for repair.

Who is the PF-3 suited to?

For anyone with a high-quality system – and especially for households with solar panels on the roof or a transformer that hums audibly. If you hear the mechanical hum of your power amp at night, even though the music has long stopped, the DC blocker is exactly the tool for you.

Honestly: a mains filter doesn't affect the music signal itself, but the electrical conditions around it. It won't turn a mediocre system into a good one – but it clears away interference that holds a good system back. If your mains supply is clean and nothing hums, the more affordable PF-2 will do the job too.

Our verdict

The PF-3 is the more thorough choice among Vincent's mains filters: EMI filtering plus DC blocker, sensibly split outlets, a solid metal housing. Especially in the age of solar power, the DC blocker is more than a nice-to-have. i-fidelity.net took a closer look at the PF-3 in a review.

Whether the PF-3 or the leaner PF-2 suits your situation is something we're happy to work out together: call us on +41 44 680 22 00, write to us on WhatsApp at 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls), or drop by HD Zürisee in Wädenswil.

Technical data

• Type: EMI mains filter with DC blocker and automatic overload protection (powerLine)
• Max. switching power: 2200 W
• Input: 220–240 V AC (max. 1900 W)
• Digital outlets: 2 × Schuko sockets (max. 300 W)
• Analogue outlets: 4 × Schuko sockets (max. 1900 W)
• Filtering: all 6 outlets EMI- and DC-filtered
• DC blocker: removes DC components (e.g. from solar power)
• Overload protection: automatic, resettable
• Housing: metal
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 173 × 82 × 346 mm
• Weight: 4.6 kg
• Colour: Black
• Scope of delivery: PF-3, power cable, instruction manual

Frequently asked questions

What is a DC blocker and do I need one?
A DC blocker removes DC components (DC offset) from the AC mains supply. These are often caused by modern appliances or solar installations and magnetise toroidal transformers one-sidedly – which leads to mechanical hum. If your transformer hums, the DC blocker is exactly the solution.

What's the difference between the PF-2 and PF-3?
The PF-2 is a pure EMI mains filter against high-frequency interference. The PF-3 does that too, but also has a DC blocker against DC voltage and transformer hum. If nothing hums, the PF-2 is enough; for hum problems or solar power in the house, the PF-3 is the right choice.

How many devices can I connect?
Six. Two Schuko outlets are designed for digital sources (300 W combined max.), four for analogue components and amplifiers (1900 W combined max.). All six outlets are EMI- and DC-filtered. The maximum total power is 2200 W.

Can you really hear a mains filter?
A mains filter doesn't improve the music signal itself, but the electrical conditions around it. In practice this shows up as a quieter noise floor and more stable operation of sensitive sources. The effect is most noticeable when there was previously an audible hum or mains artefacts.

Why buy the PF-3 from HD Zürisee?
Because we know power issues from decades of hands-on experience and give you an honest assessment of whether a DC blocker will help in your case. We help you distribute analogue and digital devices, take care of installation through our own technician if needed – and are personally there for you in Wädenswil on Lake Zurich.

Goes well with

You'll find more from the brand in our Vincent overview. The devices that benefit from clean power are in our Amplifiers and CD Players categories. We're happy to add the right cable too.