Audio T Verdict
The IsoTek EVO3 Ascension is the company’s flagship power cable, designed for high-end systems where conductor quality, shielding and low-resistance power delivery are given the highest priority.
Its substantial construction uses three 4.0sqmm silver-plated Ohno Continuous Cast copper conductors. Each conductor assembly receives its own air-based dielectric, FEP insulation, Mylar wrap and oxygen-free copper shield before the three assemblies are combined within the finished cable.
This extensive construction is designed to reduce radio-frequency and electromagnetic interference while maintaining a low-resistance path between the mains supply, power conditioner and connected component.
In a suitably revealing system, this may help lower the perceived noise floor, improve low-level detail and allow the soundstage to appear more open and clearly organised.
Ascension is a large 20mm-diameter cable, so equipment clearance, connector type and cable routing should all be checked carefully before ordering.
IsoTek EVO3 Ascension Power Cable
The EVO3 Ascension takes IsoTek’s power-cable construction to its highest level, combining high-purity materials with a complex arrangement of dielectric layers, air tubes and individually shielded conductors.
It is suitable for compatible source components, preamplifiers, power amplifiers, active speakers, subwoofers, televisions and other audio or audio-visual equipment.
Different lengths and equipment connectors are available, allowing the cable to be matched to both the system layout and the appliance inlet.
Check the Connector Before Ordering
IEC C7, C15 and C19 equipment connectors are different and are not interchangeable in every application.
Check the equipment manual or appliance inlet before selecting the cable. Never force an unsuitable connector into the component.
Ascension at a Glance
Core Construction
- Three 4.0sqmm conductors
- Silver-plated OCC copper
- Deep cryogenic treatment to -196°C
- Virtual Air Dielectric construction
- Partial FEP conductor contact
- Individual conductor shielding
Finished Cable
- 20mm outer diameter
- High-flexibility PVC jacket
- 55A published cable rating
- Silver-plated OFC connectors
- 2m, 3m and 5m standard lengths
- Custom lengths available
Three 4.0sqmm Conductors
Live, neutral and earth are each carried by a substantial 4.0sqmm conductor assembly.
The generous cross-sectional area is intended to provide low electrical resistance and strong current-delivery capability, making Ascension suitable for demanding high-end components as well as lower-powered source equipment.
The conductors are arranged in parallel with a slight rotational twist, a geometry used to help reduce the cable’s susceptibility to radio-frequency and electromagnetic interference.
Ohno Continuous Cast Copper
Ascension uses Ohno Continuous Cast copper, commonly shortened to OCC.
The OCC manufacturing process is designed to create exceptionally long copper crystals with fewer boundaries than conventional copper production methods.
IsoTek then silver-plates the OCC copper to provide a high-conductivity outer surface throughout the cable’s three main conductors.
Deep Cryogenic Treatment
The conductor material is deep cryogenically treated at a temperature of approximately -196°C.
IsoTek uses this process as part of the cable’s conductor treatment, with the intention of improving the consistency and long-term stability of the metal structure.
The treatment forms one element of the complete Ascension design rather than acting as a substitute for conductor size, geometry, insulation or shielding.
Virtual Air Dielectric
A dielectric is the insulating material surrounding an electrical conductor.
Ascension uses what IsoTek calls a Virtual Air Dielectric, with the conductor making only partial contact with a Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene bridge before a further FEP sleeve seals the assembly.
Using air as much as practically possible allows IsoTek to quote a low dielectric constant of approximately 1.1, close to the ideal value of a vacuum.
Why FEP Is Used
Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene, often described as FEP or Teflon, is used to provide electrical insulation while minimising unnecessary physical contact with the conductor.
FEP also offers strong temperature resistance and mechanical durability, making it suitable for a high-quality mains cable.
Additional clear FEP air tubes surround the conductor assemblies, helping preserve their spacing and stabilise the internal cable geometry.
Individual Conductor Shielding
Each conductor assembly is wrapped individually rather than relying only on one shared external screen.
A Mylar layer provides an additional barrier and helps maintain the cable structure, while an oxygen-free copper braid surrounds each conductor assembly.
This arrangement is designed to reduce electromagnetic interaction between the conductors and reject external radio-frequency interference.
Earthed OFC Shielding
The oxygen-free copper shielding is connected to earth as part of the terminated cable construction.
IsoTek uses this screen to help reduce common-mode radio-frequency noise reaching the live and neutral conductors.
The earthing arrangement is part of the factory-terminated design and should never be modified by the user.
Do Not Modify a Mains Cable
Do not cut, reterminate, open or alter the EVO3 Ascension unless the work is undertaken by an appropriately qualified and authorised specialist.
Incorrect mains wiring can create a risk of electric shock, equipment damage or fire.
Mylar, FEP and Paper Layers
The internal conductor assemblies are supported by several materials, each performing a distinct role.
Mylar provides a wrapping layer around the individual conductor assemblies, while FEP air tubes help maintain spacing and a low dielectric constant.
A paper wrap provides a further barrier and helps retain the shape of the complete cable before the flexible outer jacket is applied.
Flexible PVC Outer Jacket
Despite the complex internal construction, IsoTek uses a flexible PVC outer jacket to provide mechanical protection and make the cable manageable during installation.
Ascension remains a substantial 20mm-diameter cable and should not be forced around tight corners or compressed behind furniture.
Allow a gentle bend radius and sufficient space behind the connected equipment so that the cable does not place excessive leverage on the appliance inlet.
Silver-Plated OFC Connectors
The cable is factory-terminated using IsoTek’s high-grade connectors with oxygen-free copper conductive parts and silver plating.
The substantial metal and carbon-fibre-style connector bodies provide mechanical support around the electrical contacts and cable entry points.
Secure, correctly matched connections are essential because the finished cable is only as effective and safe as the interfaces at either end.
Understanding the 55A Cable Rating
IsoTek publishes a 55A rating for the Ascension cable construction.
This does not mean that every completed cable can be connected to a 55A supply or that every appliance connector can carry that current.
The usable current is limited by the lowest-rated part of the complete connection, including the wall plug, fuse, equipment connector, appliance inlet, power conditioner and local electrical supply.
Follow the Equipment Rating
In the UK, a BS1363 plug is protected by an appropriately rated fuse. IEC connectors and appliance inlets also have their own current limits.
Always follow the connected equipment manufacturer’s electrical specification.
IEC C7, C15 and C19 Options
IEC C7
The compact two-pin connector often described as a figure-of-eight connection.
It is used by some source components, televisions and audio products with a matching two-pin inlet.
IEC C15
A three-pole earthed connector used with compatible IEC inlets on many audio components.
Its shape is similar to the familiar C13 connector but includes a high-temperature keying feature.
IEC C19
A larger high-current connector used with compatible C20 appliance inlets.
It is commonly found on substantial power conditioners, amplifiers and other higher-current equipment.
Wall-Plug Options
IsoTek offers market-specific mains plugs, including a UK BS1363 version.
Audio T supplies the correct approved version for the selected UK application.
Suitable for Source Components
Ascension may be used with compatible CD players, DACs, streamers, music servers, preamplifiers and other source equipment.
These products may draw relatively little current, but they can still be sensitive to radio-frequency interference and noise entering through their power connection.
The cable’s extensive shielding and dielectric construction are designed to provide a controlled connection without restricting it to high-current components alone.
Suitable for Amplifiers
The large 4.0sqmm conductors also make Ascension suitable for compatible integrated amplifiers and power amplifiers.
High-current equipment may place greater demands on its power connection during musical peaks, so conductor resistance, connector quality and secure contact are particularly important.
Select the connector that matches the amplifier inlet and maintain enough clearance for the cable’s weight and diameter.
Active Speakers and Subwoofers
Ascension can be used with compatible active loudspeakers and powered subwoofers.
A stereo pair of active speakers normally requires one power cable for each cabinet.
Confirm the connector type, current requirement and cable route for each speaker before ordering.
Using Ascension with an IsoTek Conditioner
The cable can connect a component directly to the wall supply or link compatible equipment to an IsoTek power conditioner.
When used with a conditioner, the connector type must match the output arrangement and the component inlet.
IsoTek also highlights the benefit of maintaining common materials and construction principles throughout the power path, particularly when its conditioners use related OCC copper, silver plating and FEP dielectric technology internally.
A Power Cable Is Not a Power Conditioner
EVO3 Ascension does not regenerate the mains waveform, remove direct-current offset or provide the multi-stage filtering and surge protection found within a dedicated IsoTek power conditioner.
Its role is to provide a high-quality connection with extensive shielding and carefully controlled conductor construction.
Where mains cleaning, distribution or equipment protection is required, use a suitable power-conditioning product in addition to the cable.
Related IsoTek Power Products
Selecting the Correct Cable Length
Standard lengths of 2m, 3m and 5m are available, with custom lengths offered where required.
Choose a cable long enough to reach the socket without tension, sharp bends or unsupported weight pulling on the equipment connector.
Avoid buying an unnecessarily long cable that must be tightly coiled behind the equipment rack.
Cable Routing
Where practical, keep mains cables separated from low-level analogue interconnects, tonearm cables and phono-stage connections.
If power and signal cables must cross, allowing them to cross at approximately a right angle can reduce the length over which they run alongside each other.
Do not trap the Ascension beneath furniture, stretch it across walkways or position it against sharp metal edges.
Installation Guide
- Switch off the connected equipment
- Disconnect the existing power cable
- Confirm the required equipment connector
- Check that the selected cable length is sufficient
- Inspect the Ascension for transit damage
- Insert the equipment connector fully and securely
- Connect the wall plug or conditioner end
- Allow a gentle bend behind the equipment
- Keep the cable clear of sharp edges and heat sources
- Avoid tightly coiling excess length
- Check that the cable does not pull on the appliance inlet
- Restore power and test the component normally
Mains Safety
Use the cable only with correctly earthed and electrically compatible equipment.
Stop using it immediately if the cable, plug or equipment connector becomes damaged, loose or unusually hot.
IsoTek Products and Audio T Guides
Key Features
- Flagship IsoTek power cable
- Three 4.0sqmm conductors
- Silver-plated OCC copper
- Deep cryogenic treatment to -196°C
- Parallel conductor arrangement
- Slight rotational twist
- Virtual Air Dielectric construction
- Partial FEP conductor contact
- Published dielectric constant of 1.1
- Extruded FEP conductor sleeves
- FEP air-tube fillers
- Individual Mylar conductor wrapping
- Individual OFC conductor shielding
- Earthed oxygen-free copper screen
- Paper structure wrap
- High-flexibility PVC outer jacket
- 20mm outer diameter
- 55A published cable rating
- Silver-plated OFC connectors
- UK BS1363 plug option
- IEC C7 equipment connector option
- IEC C15 equipment connector option
- IEC C19 equipment connector option
- 2m standard length
- 3m standard length
- 5m standard length
- Custom lengths available
- Suitable for compatible source components
- Suitable for compatible amplifiers
- Suitable for active speakers and subwoofers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IsoTek EVO3 Ascension?
It is IsoTek’s flagship power cable, using silver-plated OCC copper conductors, an air-based dielectric and extensive individual shielding.
What conductor size does it use?
It uses three conductors, each with a cross-sectional area of 4.0sqmm.
What is OCC copper?
OCC stands for Ohno Continuous Cast, a copper-production method intended to create long crystal structures with fewer boundaries.
Why are the conductors silver-plated?
Silver provides a highly conductive outer surface around the OCC copper conductor strands.
What is deep cryogenic treatment?
The conductors are treated at approximately -196°C as part of IsoTek’s manufacturing process.
What is a Virtual Air Dielectric?
It is IsoTek’s method of minimising physical insulation contact with the conductor by using air and partial FEP contact.
Is the cable shielded?
Yes. Each conductor assembly has individual Mylar wrapping and an oxygen-free copper braided shield.
What does the 55A rating mean?
It is IsoTek’s published rating for the cable construction. The usable current remains limited by the plug, fuse, connector, appliance inlet and connected equipment.
Which equipment connectors are available?
IsoTek lists IEC C7, IEC C15 and IEC C19 connector options.
Which length should I choose?
Select a length that reaches comfortably without tension, tight bends or a large coil of unused cable. Standard lengths are 2m, 3m and 5m.
Can it be used with a power amplifier?
Yes, provided the selected connector and electrical configuration match the amplifier.
Can it be used with source components?
Yes. IsoTek lists CD players, DACs, preamplifiers, tuners, music servers and other source equipment among its suitable applications.
Does Ascension provide surge protection?
No. Surge protection and mains filtering require a suitable power conditioner or protection product.
Can the cable be shortened or reterminated?
It should not be modified by the user. Order the correct factory length and connector configuration or speak to Audio T about a custom version.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Connector and equipment compatibility checks
- Power-cable demonstrations where available
- Standard and custom-length guidance
- Source and amplifier cable recommendations
- IsoTek conditioner matching advice
- System power-layout assistance
- Safe cable-routing guidance
- Home demonstrations where available
- Ongoing system and setup support
Contact your local Audio T store to confirm the correct EVO3 Ascension length and connector configuration for your component or IsoTek power conditioner.