Audio T Verdict
The IsoTek EVO3 Premier is a well-engineered replacement for the basic moulded power leads supplied with many hi-fi and home cinema components.
It uses three 2.0mm² conductors made from silver-plated 99.9999% oxygen-free copper, combined with low-dielectric FEP insulation, cotton filler and 24ct gold-plated connectors.
The conductors are arranged in parallel with a gentle rotational twist, helping the cable resist radio-frequency and electromagnetic interference while remaining flexible enough for everyday installation.
In a suitably revealing system, a better-quality power connection may help reduce the influence of electrical noise and allow improvements in clarity, focus and low-level detail to become easier to hear.
Premier is available on this page with either a conventional IEC C13 equipment connector or a two-pin C7 figure-of-eight connector, making it suitable for a broad selection of compatible audio and AV products.
IsoTek EVO3 Premier Power Cable
The EVO3 Premier sits above the Initium in IsoTek’s power-cable range, adding silver-plated conductors, FEP insulation and 24ct gold-plated terminations while retaining a manageable 10mm outer diameter.
It is designed for compatible CD players, streamers, DACs, preamplifiers, amplifiers, televisions, Blu-ray players, music servers, soundbars and other equipment using the appropriate removable mains connection.
The standard Audio T options are supplied in a 1.5m length with a UK mains plug and either an IEC C13 or C7 figure-of-eight equipment connector.
Select the Correct Equipment Connector
IEC C13 and C7 figure-of-eight connectors are physically and electrically different.
Check the appliance inlet on the equipment before ordering. Never force a connector into an inlet that does not match.
A Step Beyond a Standard Power Lead
The power cables supplied with audio equipment are normally designed to meet the necessary safety and electrical standards at a practical manufacturing cost.
EVO3 Premier uses more carefully selected conductor, insulation and connector materials, creating a more substantial connection between the mains supply, power conditioner and compatible component.
The cable does not alter the incoming mains voltage or actively remove noise. Its role is to provide a low-resistance, carefully constructed and securely terminated power connection.
Three 2.0mm² Conductors
The live, neutral and protective-earth paths each use a conductor with a cross-sectional area of 2.0mm².
This generous conductor area helps maintain low electrical resistance while providing a published cable rating of 16A.
The conductors are multi-stranded rather than solid core, allowing the finished cable to remain flexible and reducing the likelihood of conductor damage caused by repeated movement.
Silver-Plated 99.9999% Oxygen-Free Copper
IsoTek specifies high-purity 99.9999% oxygen-free copper for the main conductors.
A layer of silver is applied to the copper strands, providing a highly conductive outer surface while retaining the flexibility of the underlying multi-strand copper construction.
The combination represents a clear material upgrade over the unsilvered oxygen-free copper used within the entry-level EVO3 Initium.
Parallel Geometry with a Rotational Twist
The three conductors run alongside one another in a parallel arrangement with a gentle rotational twist along the cable.
This geometry is used as the cable’s first line of defence against radio-frequency interference and electromagnetic interference.
Premier does not use the dedicated oxygen-free copper braided screen found in the more advanced EVO3 Sequel, but its conductor arrangement is designed to reduce susceptibility to surrounding electrical noise.
FEP Dielectric
Each conductor is insulated using Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene, normally abbreviated to FEP and often associated with the Teflon family of materials.
FEP is chemically stable, resistant to stress cracking and suitable for use across a broad temperature range.
It also has a relatively low dielectric constant of approximately 2.1, reducing the amount of electrical energy stored within the insulating material surrounding the conductor.
Why the Dielectric Matters
The dielectric performs the essential task of electrically insulating the conductors from one another.
Different insulating materials have different electrical properties, so their selection forms part of the complete cable design rather than simply providing a protective covering.
IsoTek uses FEP within Premier because it combines reliable electrical insulation with a lower dielectric constant than the PVC insulation commonly used in basic power leads.
Cotton Filler
Cotton filler is positioned around the insulated conductors to support the internal cable structure.
It helps maintain the spacing of the conductors and provides a softer mechanical buffer between the insulated cores and the outer construction.
IsoTek also uses the cotton to help reduce mechanically induced noise within the cable.
Paper Construction Wrap
A paper wrap holds the conductor and cotton assembly together before the outer PVC jacket is applied.
The paper helps preserve the intended internal arrangement and creates a further barrier between the conductors and the surrounding PVC.
This contributes to the cable’s mechanical stability without making the finished lead excessively stiff.
Flexible PVC Outer Jacket
The internal assembly is protected by a high-flexibility PVC outer jacket.
With an overall diameter of approximately 10mm, EVO3 Premier is relatively straightforward to route behind most equipment racks and furniture.
The cable should still be allowed to form gentle curves and should not be crushed, sharply folded or trapped beneath heavy equipment.
24ct Gold-Plated Connectors
EVO3 Premier is factory-terminated with IsoTek’s moulded audiophile-grade connectors featuring 24ct gold-plated conductive contacts.
Gold is resistant to oxidation and tarnishing, helping the contact surface remain consistent over extended use.
The moulded connector bodies also provide strain relief around the cable entry, protecting the internal terminations from routine handling.
IEC C13 Version
The IEC C13 connector is the familiar three-pole connection used by many hi-fi separates, power conditioners, computers and AV products.
It is designed to connect to a compatible IEC C14 appliance inlet.
Check the orientation and shape carefully, particularly where the equipment is positioned close to the rear of a cabinet or wall.
C7 Figure-of-Eight Version
The IEC C7 connector is a compact two-pole connection commonly described as a figure-of-eight plug.
It is used by selected streamers, televisions, soundbars, compact audio products and other double-insulated equipment.
The C7 version does not provide a protective-earth connection because it is intended only for compatible products designed around a two-pole inlet.
Do Not Defeat the Equipment Earth
Use the C7 version only with equipment designed by its manufacturer for a two-pole figure-of-eight connection.
Never use an adaptor to remove the protective-earth connection from equipment requiring an earthed IEC inlet.
Understanding the 16A Cable Rating
IsoTek publishes a 16A rating for the EVO3 Premier cable construction.
This does not mean that every connected product or finished connection can draw 16A.
The safe operating limit is determined by the lowest-rated part of the complete connection, including the UK plug fuse, equipment connector, appliance inlet, power conditioner and connected component.
Suitable for Source Components
EVO3 Premier can be used with compatible CD players, DACs, network streamers, music servers, tuners, preamplifiers and phono stages.
These components generally consume relatively little power but may still be affected by electrical noise entering through their power supplies.
The appropriate connector must match the equipment inlet, and the cable should be routed away from sensitive analogue interconnects where practical.
Suitable for Compatible Amplifiers
The 2.0mm² conductor area also makes Premier suitable for many integrated amplifiers and power amplifiers fitted with a compatible inlet.
Some high-current amplifiers use a larger IEC C20 inlet requiring a C19 connector, so the standard C13 option on this page will not suit every amplifier.
Check the rear panel and manufacturer’s specification before ordering.
Televisions, Soundbars and AV Equipment
Compatible televisions, Blu-ray players and soundbars may also use EVO3 Premier.
These products frequently use either a C7 figure-of-eight connection or a C13 connection, making it especially important to select the correct option.
Equipment using a captive mains lead cannot accept a replacement power cable without unauthorised modification and should be left unchanged.
Using Premier with an IsoTek Conditioner
EVO3 Premier may be used between a compatible component and an IsoTek power conditioner or mains distribution product.
It is also supplied as standard with a number of IsoTek conditioners, reflecting its position as a practical all-round cable within the range.
The connector type at each end must match the conditioner outlet arrangement and the appliance inlet.
A Power Cable Is Not a Power Conditioner
EVO3 Premier does not actively filter the mains, regenerate the waveform, block direct-current offset or provide dedicated surge protection.
These functions require a suitable IsoTek conditioner, regenerator or DC-blocking product.
The cable instead provides the connection between those products and the equipment they supply.
Related IsoTek Power Products
Choosing the Correct Length
The selectable Audio T versions are supplied in a 1.5m length.
Measure the intended route rather than only the straight-line distance between the equipment and socket.
The cable should reach comfortably without stretching, placing tension on the connectors or requiring a tight coil of surplus cable behind the rack.
Other Manufacturer Configurations
IsoTek manufactures additional Premier configurations for different connectors, regions and applications.
These include longer versions for selected equipment connectors and System Link cables for joining compatible IsoTek products.
Availability varies, so contact Audio T where a connector or length not shown in the product options is required.
IsoTek System Link
Selected IsoTek conditioners include a System Link outlet that allows compatible units to share one wall connection while maintaining a common earth reference.
Dedicated Premier System Link cables use the required Neutrik powerCON connection and should not be confused with the standard wall-to-equipment cable sold on this page.
Only use System Link with IsoTek products specifically designed to support it.
Cable Routing
Where practical, keep mains cables separated from phono leads, tonearm cables and low-level analogue interconnects.
If a power cable and signal cable must cross, crossing them at approximately a right angle reduces the distance over which they run alongside one another.
Keep the cable away from sharp edges, hot heatsinks and positions where it could be stepped on or trapped.
Installation Guide
- Switch off the connected equipment
- Disconnect the existing power cable
- Confirm whether the equipment requires C13 or C7
- Inspect the new cable and connectors
- Insert the equipment connector fully and securely
- Connect the UK plug to the wall socket or conditioner
- Allow a gentle curve behind the equipment
- Keep the cable clear of ventilation openings
- Avoid sharp bends, crushing and tight coils
- Check that the cable is not pulling on the inlet
- Restore power and test the equipment normally
Mains Safety
Do not cut, shorten, open or reterminate the cable.
Stop using it immediately if the cable, plug or equipment connector becomes damaged, loose or unusually warm.
EVO3 Premier or EVO3 Initium?
Choose EVO3 Premier When
- Silver-plated conductors are preferred
- FEP insulation is required
- 24ct gold-plated contacts are preferred
- A C7 or C13 option is needed
- A clear upgrade from a standard lead is wanted
Choose EVO3 Initium When
- A more affordable replacement cable is required
- Unplated oxygen-free copper is suitable
- A nickel-plated C13 connection is required
- Several system cables are being replaced
- The entry-level IsoTek construction is sufficient
The IsoTek EVO3 Initium provides the entry point into IsoTek’s power-cable range.
EVO3 Premier or EVO3 Sequel?
Choose EVO3 Premier When
- A flexible 10mm cable is required
- A 1.5m length suits the installation
- A C7 figure-of-eight option is needed
- Strong value is a priority
- Dedicated metallic shielding is not essential
Choose EVO3 Sequel When
- Active shielding is preferred
- Optimised conductor strand geometry is required
- A 2m standard length is more suitable
- A more revealing system justifies the upgrade
- The additional construction suits the budget
The IsoTek EVO3 Sequel adds an oxygen-free copper braided shield and more advanced conductor geometry.
Related IsoTek Products and Audio T Guides
Key Features
- High-quality replacement power cable
- Three 2.0mm² conductors
- 99.9999% oxygen-free copper
- Silver-plated conductor strands
- Multi-strand construction
- Parallel conductor geometry
- Gentle rotational twist
- Designed to resist RFI and EMI
- Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene insulation
- Published dielectric constant of 2.1
- Cotton internal filler
- Paper construction wrap
- Flexible PVC outer jacket
- 10mm outer diameter
- 16A published cable rating
- 24ct gold-plated connector contacts
- Audiophile-grade moulded connectors
- UK mains plug
- IEC C13 option
- C7 figure-of-eight option
- 1.5m selectable length
- Suitable for compatible source components
- Suitable for compatible amplifiers
- Suitable for compatible televisions and AV equipment
- Suitable for use with IsoTek conditioners
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IsoTek EVO3 Premier?
It is a replacement power cable using silver-plated high-purity copper conductors, FEP insulation and 24ct gold-plated connectors.
What conductor size does it use?
It uses three conductors, each with a cross-sectional area of 2.0mm².
What are the conductors made from?
IsoTek specifies silver-plated 99.9999% oxygen-free copper.
Is EVO3 Premier shielded?
No dedicated metallic shield is specified. Its parallel geometry and rotational twist provide its first defence against RFI and EMI.
What insulation does it use?
It uses Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene, commonly abbreviated to FEP.
What is the dielectric constant?
IsoTek publishes a dielectric constant of approximately 2.1 for the FEP insulation.
Which connector options are available from Audio T?
The selectable 1.5m options are IEC C13 and C7 figure-of-eight.
What length is supplied?
The versions listed on this Audio T page are 1.5m long.
What does the 16A rating mean?
It is the published rating of the cable construction. Actual use is limited by the plug, fuse, connector, appliance inlet and connected equipment.
Can EVO3 Premier be used with an amplifier?
Yes, provided the amplifier uses the selected connector and remains within the electrical limits of the complete connection.
Can it be used with a streamer or CD player?
Yes, where the component has a compatible removable mains inlet.
Does the cable provide mains filtering?
No. Active filtering, surge protection, regeneration and DC blocking require separate IsoTek products.
Can the cable be shortened or reterminated?
No. It should not be modified by the user.
What is the next model above Premier?
The EVO3 Sequel adds optimised conductor geometry and an oxygen-free copper braided shield.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Equipment-connector compatibility checks
- C7 and C13 selection guidance
- Power-cable demonstrations where available
- Source and amplifier cable recommendations
- Comparison with Initium and Sequel
- IsoTek conditioner matching advice
- Safe cable-routing guidance
- Home demonstrations where available
- Ongoing system and setup support
Contact your local Audio T store to confirm whether the C13 or C7 version is correct for your component.