Furman IT Reference 20i Power Conditioner

Eight Balanced Outlets and an 80-Amp Reserve

The Furman IT-Reference 20i is the flagship of Furman's Reference series. Eight outlets, in four isolated banks of two, are fed by a dual-screen isolation transformer with Discrete Symmetrical Power. Four more outlets carry a Power Factor Technology reserve for amplifiers.

Furman specifies a reserve of 9 amps RMS into a reactive load, with more than 80 amps of peak charge. The unit needs 20-amp capacity and is rated for 12 to 20 amps RMS across all outlets combined.

The chassis is 3U, 5.75 inches tall, 17 inches wide and 15.625 inches deep. It weighs 83 pounds. A detachable power cord and a rack-mount kit come in the box.

Why Source Components Get Their Own Banks

Each symmetrical outlet carries 60 volts AC on both power legs, in opposite polarity, relative to ground. Furman says this balanced supply cancels hum-inducing noise. The four banks, labeled A through D, are isolated from each other and from the amplifier outlets.

The two outlets in a bank are wired in parallel, so noise from one component could wash back into its neighbor. Furman suggests one bank per component in a system of four or fewer, and keeping digital gear apart from preamps and tuners.

Common-mode noise falls by more than 95 dB from 10 Hz to 50 kHz. Differential-mode filtering cuts more than 20 dB from 1 kHz to 2 kHz, more than 40 dB to 100 kHz and more than 80 dB to 1 GHz, on a linear curve.

Because both legs carry voltage, a ground-fault interrupter protects the unit. If it trips, it shuts off the main breaker and power switch. Furman suggests testing it once a year with the GFI TEST button.

Series Multi-Stage Protection is non-sacrificial and has zero ground contamination. It clamps at 188 volts peak with a 6000-volt, 3000-amp input. Telephone and cable or satellite lines have protectors too, with less than 0.1 dB of loss.

Who Is This Power Conditioner Best For?

• You build a reference system — eight balanced outlets feed every source and processor, so each can have its own bank
• You run several power amplifiers — the 9-amp reserve and 80-amp peak charge serve mono amplifiers and a large powered subwoofer
• You have a dedicated 20-amp line — the unit is built for 20-amp service, so the full capacity is available
• You mix digital and analog gear — four isolated banks keep a streamer and a preamp from sharing one
• You need voltage regulation — this unit filters, isolates and absorbs surges but does not regulate voltage, so call us or browse our power conditioners collection

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Plug the detachable cord into the rear inlet and a grounded wall outlet on a 20-amp circuit. Furman says it may work on a 15-amp circuit, but nuisance tripping could result. Put amplifiers, powered receivers and subwoofers in the four amplifier outlets.

Give each source its own symmetrical bank where you can. Use the rack ears, and mount it near the bottom of the rack. A very large home theater with continuous draw well above 20 amps may need two units.

Pairs Well With

Building your system? Here are some great companions for the Furman IT-Reference 20i:

• Power cables for the components you plug in
• Stereo amplifiers for the reserve outlets
• Subwoofers for the high-current bank
• Audio racks built for an 83-pound unit

Frequently Asked Questions

Which outlets should I use for what?

Furman says the symmetrical outlets suit everything except receivers with amplification, power amplifiers, powered subwoofers and powered speakers. Those go in the four amplifier outlets.

Do I need a 20-amp circuit?

Furman asks for 20-amp capacity and notes a dedicated 20-amp circuit is the minimum for installations that must meet NEC codes. A 15-amp breaker may nuisance-trip. If you are unsure, ask an electrician.

What does the isolation transformer do?

It feeds the symmetrical outlets through Furman's dual-screen transformer. Furman says it breaks noise-inducing ground loops and hum bars between connected equipment without compromising electrical safety.

Can I rack-mount something this heavy?

Yes. Furman includes rack ears and recommends placing the unit at or near the bottom of the rack. For a rack you will move, Furman recommends rear mounting and offers an optional rear rack kit.

What is in the box?

The IT-Reference 20i, a detachable power cord, a rack-mount kit and the owner's manual.

What is the warranty?

Furman backs the IT-Reference 20i with a five-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Register within 15 days of purchase. Otherwise the term drops to one year.

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