Test review: Ansuz Audio Switch A2

Ansuz Acoustics, a Danish newcomer in the high-end audio market, is part of the "Audio Group Denmark," based in Aalborg. This group also includes Aavik and Børresen Acoustics, originating from the high-end loudspeaker brand "Raidho Acoustics." In 2017, Raidho was acquired by Dantax, leading to the formation of Audio Group Denmark by the former heads behind Børresen, Aavik, and Ansuz.

The decision to operate under three distinct brands is a strategic marketing and sonic choice, allowing dealers flexibility in portfolio selection. Despite the marketing budget strain, this multi-brand approach has contributed to significant growth, with a 45% increase in 2021 compared to the previous year.

The Ansuz A2 features a modern, anthracite-colored stealth design that integrates seamlessly into existing audio setups. The Ansuz Acoustics range is extensive, offering high-quality power distributors, resonance devices, termination plugs, and high-end racks. The name "Ansuz" itself is derived from a Scandinavian rune meaning "wisdom."

This review focuses on the Ansuz A2 PowerSwitch (audio switch). Previous reviews have covered Børresen speakers and Aavik electronics. A short YouTube video is available for a preview of the product: ▶️ YouTube Video

Ansuz products – the technical background

The technical mastermind behind Audio Group Denmark components is Michael Børresen. The design philosophy for Ansuz and Aavik components draws inspiration from military technology from 80 years ago. Specifically, it relates to how radar tracking ships in World War II used wave motion to create a modulation that enhanced detection effectiveness.

Michael Børresen explains this concept using an analogy: holding your hand still in front of your face obscures your vision, but moving it quickly reveals more. This "modulation" of the hand provides more information. Similarly, Ansuz and Aavik electronics utilize this principle. A short video detailing Michael Børresen's vision is available: ▶️ Michael Børresen's Visions

Børresen states, "The electrical fluctuation, i.e., tiny time axis modulations, thus bring more acoustic information into the listening room." The small spirals used in Ansuz products, termed "Tesla Voice Coils," are part of an oscillating circuit that continuously shifts the signal, modulating it on the time axis without altering its core integrity.

This exclusive circuit is found not only in Aavik amplifiers and digital-to-analog converters but also in Ansuz cables, power strips, Sortz accessories, and audio switches. Each "Tesla Voice Coil" is meticulously cut, twisted, wound, and soldered onto circuit boards by hand, contributing to the premium pricing of Aavik and Ansuz products.

The housing material is also noteworthy. Unlike common aluminum or steel, Ansuz and Aavik use a composite material. This choice is based on extensive listening tests that revealed conventional metals can generate vibrations causing audible distortions. The composite material is also less prone to fingerprints, though cleaning with window cleaner is recommended for removal.

The interview with Michael Borresen

Michael Børresen discusses the Ansuz PowerSwitch technology:

What were your main design ideas for the Ansuz PowerSwitch?

A primary goal for Ansuz is to treat digital signals with the same care as analog signals. Digital signals, represented by zeros and ones, are underpinned by an analog carrier signal highly susceptible to interference. Ansuz's Tesla-Coil technology compensates for the lack of grounding from router signals. Ansuz Sortz devices further mitigate interference by capturing RF signals.

How great do you consider the influence of the Ansuz PowerSwitches on the sonic qualities of the digital audio system?

The influence is significant. The PowerSwitch acts as a filter, cleaning the digital signal before it enters the system. This is more effective and cost-efficient than downstream measures. It is also recommended to connect TV LAN cables to the PowerSwitch for improved picture quality.

Why don't the Ansuz PowerSwitches have a hard power switch?

The power consumption of the PowerSwitches is minimal, and many digital applications operate 24/7.

Why do the PowerSwitches run under the Ansuz and not the Aavik brand?

All power supply-related products are marketed under the Ansuz brand, including the PowerSwitches.

The test object - the Ansuz A2 PowerSwitch

The Ansuz A2 Audio Switch, priced at CHF 3200, is positioned above the entry-level X-TC model (CHF 2000) and below the D2 (CHF 5360) and the top-tier D-TC Supreme (CHF 12,000). Externally, the switches are identical, but their internal components differ significantly.

The tested A2 model features 2 "Active Cable Tesla Coils," 90 "Active Square Tesla Coils," and 1 dither circuit. Higher models include additional "Anti Aerial Resonance Coils" and more "Active Tesla Coils" and dither circuits, explaining the price differences.

A diagram illustrates the internal workings, showcasing the various coils and dither circuits and listing the features of the four Ansuz PowerSwitch models:

All Ansuz PowerSwitches include a power socket, 8 Ethernet sockets, and 10 3.5 mm jack outputs for "Active Shielding" of Ansuz Top Digital and Ethernet cables.

Ansuz also offers Resonance Control "Darkz" feet, made of various metals, to dissipate resonances and enhance sound. The "Sortz" devices, an RJ45 version for Ethernet inputs, provide additional shielding against electronic noise.

Listening experiences

The reference listening setup includes the Aavik I-180 amplifier, Ansuz speaker cables, digital and power cables, Econaudio signal cables, and the Ansuz Power Distributor A2. Blumenhofer FUN loudspeakers and Steinmusic room acoustics elements are also part of the system.

The previous audio switch used was a "Silent Angel Bonn N8" (CHF 450), which provided a sonic improvement. An audio switch is crucial for the digital signal's entry into the audio chain. Ansuz demonstrated the importance of a quality audio switch with a high-quality power supply during sessions at their Aalborg headquarters. The sonic improvements with Ansuz products were consistently noticeable. An effective audio switch should filter the router's signal optimally and provide good grounding for the digital signal fed to the DAC via the streamer.

For the test, the "Silent Angel Bonn N8" was replaced with the Ansuz A2, powered by an Ansuz A2 power cable and connected to the streamer via an Ansuz "Digitalz Ethernet A2" cable, creating an "en famille" setup.

The comparison between a basic switch and the Ansuz A2 PowerSwitch reveals a significant, almost shocking, increase in performance. While digital audio was once considered merely ones and zeros, the difference is now comparable to the evolution from shellac to vinyl or Spotify to Qobuz/Tidal. The Ansuz A2 offers enhanced resolution, depth, soundstage, and a more contoured bass, leading to increased spaciousness and overall musical enjoyment.

The soundstage expanded significantly in all directions. Combined with the Steinmusic tuning devices, the music felt detached from the speakers, creating an almost eerie, three-dimensional experience. The Blumenhofer Fun speakers performed exceptionally well, exceeding their price point.

The image shows the A2 switch with Ansuz Ethernet and power cables.

Third-party testing with the Ansuz A2 PowerSwitch or a second opinion

A second listening session with an audio enthusiast confirmed the significant sonic improvements offered by the Ansuz A2. The "want-to-have" effect was immediate, with the Ansuz A2 outperforming the previously used audio switch.

The author emphasizes that a high-quality audio switch is now considered obligatory for all high-quality digital high-end chains. The sonic increase achieved with the Ansuz A2 is substantial, especially considering its price point. It is recommended to prioritize a high-quality audio switch before investing in cables or other equipment.

For optimal performance, it is advised to use high-quality power and Ethernet cables, particularly the Ethernet cable connecting the audio switch to the streamer. Ansuz Acoustics offers more advanced PowerSwitches, but the A2 is considered sufficient for achieving excellent sonic results.

Conclusion

The Ansuz A2 digital magic box is a remarkable device that offers affordability and maximum sound gain for its price. It is practically indispensable for a digital high-end chain and can be further enhanced with Ansuz power and Ethernet cables, Darkz feet, and Sortz termination plugs. The Ansuz A2 is available for audition at Alesca Audio Fidelity in Fehraltorf.

Online link: https://www.avguide.ch/testbericht/test-des-high-end-audio-switch-a2-von-ansuz-ansuz-powerswitch-a2

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