Dirty power can be upsetting.

F
Z
ogy
M IT
rpole™Tech
no l
ilte
M I T Z Since 1991 S e r i e s
Dirty power can be upsetting.
Clean it up with Z Series AC power conditioning from MIT.
Inside:
Why you need
MIT AC power conditioning
The benefits of
MIT AC power conditioning
How Z Series works,
and why it's more effective
Z Series family
of AC power products
™
™
™
Always Per
fect Power! ™
Music Interface Technologies
TM
1
F
Z
ogy
M IT
rpole™Tech
no l
ilte
Since 1991
MIT Z Series Power Products
Why you need AC power conditioning.
With power comes noise. The
very power it takes to drive
your audio (or home theater)
system can have a damaging effect on audio and video
fidelity by allowing noise pollution into your system.
It is the quality of the
power that counts.
Most audio and home theater
equipment (in the US) is
designed to function at 120
volts at a frequency of 50
–60 Hertz. Usually, power
lines feeding AV components
not only carry usable frequencies (50-60Hz), but also carry frequencies
above and below this operative range. It’s those uninvited frequencies
that inject distortions directly into the audio and video path. This results
in distortions you can see and hear.
Generally, most appliances plugged into your walls are not sensitive
to these problems. When it comes to lights or the refrigerator, the
quality of the power does not really make an operational difference.
Because of that, normal household power is not stabilized, filtered or
conditioned—certainly not for precision audio or video equipment. The
higher the fidelity, the more noticeable AC distortions become.
Computers, video components and digital audio equipment all feed
noise into the AC power line which results in distortion!
Q: How does dirty power affect audio quality?
A: With audio components, power line problems will result in:
• Compressed imaging and sound staging
• Increased background noise • Unnatural tonality
• Grainy, gritty distortion • Digital data loss and errors
• Reduced power output
Q: How does dirty power affect my video system?
A: With video components, power line noise causes problems you can see as:
• Video noise (grain, grit or snow)
• Hum-bars passing through the picture and letterbox fields
• Loss of contrast, definition and depth of field
• Unnatural color shifts and increased dot crawl in shadows
Q: Where do I place a power filter?
A: Locate a power filter anywhere that suits you, such as:
• In your equipment rack (Z Powerbar)
• On the floor behind your equipment (Z Strip; Z Stabilizer III)
• Flush mounted inside a wall junction box near your plasma or LCD (Z Stabilizer II)
Q: Where does the noise come from?
A: Power-line noise can come from a number of sources.
Noise coming directly through the power-line or, “direct-coupled” noise,
is caused by equipment such as electric motors, arc welders, powersupply switching-circuits (found in flat screen TVs), as well as most
household appliances. Any device connected to your AC line can be
a potential source of distortion. Many times, a noise source might be
coming from a neighbors table saw down the street!
Noise that is induced from indirect contact with the line is called “fieldcoupled” noise. This mode occurs when the line itself behaves as an
antenna to external fields. These fields are generated by broadcast stations, radar, and many other sources of field radiation, including other
unshielded cables positioned nearby.
2
M U S I C
I N T E R F A C E
Even in tiny amounts, power line problems
are interfering with the quality of the audio and
video reproduction you have already paid for.
Every piece of electronic equipment in your home
adds to power line noise. These sources would include
refrigerators, lights, computers,
even air conditioning!
T E C H N O L O G I E S
™
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Z
ogy
M IT
rpole™Tech
no l
ilte
Since 1991
MIT Z Series Power Products
What's wrong with typical series filters?
Most power-line treatment products depend upon series filters to correct AC line noise problems in the audio/video system. However, these
series filters, unlike MIT’s parallel filter system, have inherent flaws that
make them ineffective at many vital frequencies for A/V use, causing
them to add certain noise and distortions!
Q: What problems are associated with typical series filters?
A: Unlike MIT parallel filters, series filters:
• are ineffective at removing noise
• have inductors that create distortion “products” at audible
frequencies
• reflect noise back into the circuit rather than directing it
to “ground” for removal
• cause resonances that actually create noise at audible
frequencies
A series filter operates by blocking, or rejecting certain types of noise.
Imagine a series filter working by ‘shutting a door’ in the face of noisy
pollutants. What happens to the noise after
Harmonics Reduction of the Z Powerbar
the door is closed?
0.0
Since noise is energy,
0.0
it cannot be destroyed;
it must be consumed
to be removed. So,
dB
when a series filter
dB
blocks or rejects
unwanted noise, it
simply reflects the
-80.0
noise right back to the
-80.0
Fig. One
Before Z Powerbar:
Power spectral density
Fig. One
source. The noise has
of the harmonics produced by a well known
not been removed, only
isolation transformer.
0.0
reflected. This type of
0.0
filter cannot rid itself
of noise, as the noise
is continually reflected
dB
between the series
dB
filter and the source,
again and again. This
is yet another source
-80.0
of audible noise,
-80.0
Fig. Two
inserted by the very
Fig. Two
After Z Powerbar: Isolation Transformer of
device called upon to
Figure above with Z Powerbar, which provides
greatly lowered harmonic levels.
eliminate it!
The Solution: Parallel AC filtering.
The Z Series of power products from MIT uses patented
parallel “AC Filterpoles”™; a tuned LCR technology.
MIT Filterpole technology eliminates reflections by effiFILTERPOLE TECHNOLOGY ciently absorbing all forms of AC noise from the
mains, and then converting it into harmless thermal heat.
The result? Once the Z circuitry is working to clean,
fp
condition and protect your AV system, you will
instantly
enjoy “blacker” blacks, better color saturaAC FILTERPOLES
tion, and increased shadow detail; movie sound
tracks will deliver dialog, Foley sounds and background musicfpwith theater-like quality. Because your
audio system now has a lowered noise floor, you will
AC FILTERPOLES
have
pinpoint audio image placement within a lifelike
soundstage, all with clear and authoritative bass.
7
Power24
FactorfpCorrection: Stops Energy Waste
AC FILTERPOLES
MIT's
Z Stabilizer circuitry also provides "PFC" (Power
Factor Correction), by controlling the phase angle of
the inbound AC sine wave for maximum efficiency.
With PFC you will:
• use less energy for the same work
• prolong the life span of most electronic
components
• never limit your current flow
Clean power from MIT provides:
• Greater Clarity
• Increased Contrast
• Enhanced Dynamics
• Greater Depth of Field
• Better Imaging at All Volume Levels
Example:
fp
AC FILTERPOLES
The Z Stabilizer
II has three filterpoles for video
displays.
7 fp
AC FILTERPOLES
The Z Strip has 7
filterpoles for audio
and video components.
24 fp
AC FILTERPOLES
The Z Powerbar
has 24 filterpoles
over the broadest
bandwidth for optimal performance!
Distortion Reduction Curve
0.0
dB
-40.0
Fig. Three
Z Series distortion reduction.
M U S I C
I N T E R F A C E
T E C H N O L O G I E S
™
3
F
Z
ogy
M IT
rpole™Tech
no l
ilte
Since 1991
MIT Z Series Power Products
MIT's Z Series—A full line of products for clean AC power in any application.
Standard Series
Technology Series
Z-Cord® (AC Power Cord)
$199.00 MSRP
$349.00 MSRP
The Shotgun Z III is a quality foil-shielded power cord using .999999 pure copper conductors. 110V—250V; 20 amp.
UL/CSA/FT4 listed.
Perfect for use with Shotgun Z Trap!
Z-Cord® II (AC Power Cord)
$349.00 MSRP
le
erp
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ec hn o lo gy
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M IT Fi lt
erp
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M IT Fi lt
erp
M IT Fi lt
SKU: ZCORD2
AC FILTERPOLES
SKU: MAGZIII
Perfect for use with Magnum Z Trap!
Custom Installation Series
Z Duplex 15 and 20
FILTERPOLE™ TECHNOLOGY
15 Amp $99.00; 20 Amp $149.00 MSRP
Designed to be easily installed
in new or existing wall outlet
fp
receptacles, the Z Duplex
Series are the perfect solu- AC FILTERPOLES
tion for that newly installed or
upgraded home theater. The Z Duplex 15
and 20 use three patented, parallel tuned
SKUs: ZDUP15; ZDUP20
fp common fp
filters engineered to remove
mode and differential mode noise from anyAC50-60
Hz
AC power
line.
FILTERPOLES
AC FILTERPOLES
24
Z Duplex 20 Super
7
$199.00 MSRP
The Z Duplex 20 Super uses
Six patented, parallel tuned
fp
filters operating over the
AC FILTERPOLES
widest frequency range,
engineered to remove noise from any
50-60 Hz AC power line. Unlike the common series filter, the Z Duplex 20 Super
SKU: ZDUP20-SUPER
will not limit dynamics, or reflect noise
back at the source (amp, etc.). The Super also provides surge and spike
protection for noise-free A/V performance and improved service life.
6
4
$699.00 MSRP
3 AC FILTERPOLES
This premium quality power
cable features 3X12 AWG OCC (Ohno continuec hn o lo gy
ous cast) copper conductorsle T for lowest
resistance over distance. Uses three
separate conductors with TPE (Teflon®)
24 AC FILTERPOLES
dielectric (Red, Green, Black). CL/3 and
FT/4 rated for conformity to international fire regulations.
o
The Z-Cord II provides double filtering,
which removes more noise and distortion,
and offers a second set of filters,
filtering
24 AC FILTERPOLES
over a broader bandwidth. The Z Cord
II is particularly effective for eliminating
power line noise emitted from digital
components. Comes standard with NEMA
15A U.S. plug
ec hn o lo gy
le T
o
Magnum Z III ology
Techn
erp
3 AC FILTERPOLES
SKU: SGZIII
M IT Fi lt
M IT Fi lt
SKU: ZCORD
erp
o
The Z-Cord is a double shielded power
cord for detachable cord sets (IEC type).
It incorporates specially selected filters at
each end to prevent RFI contamination,
and component generated digital noise.
Z-Cord uses dual-tuned ferritesle Tecand
hnology is
effective to 500 KHz. Comes standard
with NEMA 15A U.S. plug.
Shotgun Z III M U S I C
I N T E R F A C E
fp
FILTERPOLE TECHNOLOGY
High End Series
FILTERPOLE™ TECHNOLOGY
Shotgun Z Trap Universal AC Filter $699.00 MSRP
fp
fpShotgun Zfp
The
Trap offers
a modified version of the
fp
famous Z-Stabilizer with 3
Filterpoles, optimized for AC FILTERPOLES
the most common frequencies
fp
fpnear the idealfp50/60 Hz. Quality foilshielded
cord uses .999999 pure copper
AC
FILTERPOLES
AC
FILTERPOLES
SKU: SGZTRAP
fp
conductors and isfp
100% shielded. Use
with any standard IEC power cord, in any
country!
AC FILTERPOLES
AC FILTERPOLES
AC FILTERPOLES
24
7
Magnum Z Trap Universal AC Filter
24
7
$1,199.00 MSRP
The Magnum Z Trap
features 11ga. ultrafp
pure OCC (continuous
AC FILTERPOLES
cast) pure copper
conductors as the basis
for this remarkable design. Double
shielded for field coupled noise rejection.
SKU: MAGZTRAP
MIT (patented) Z Series circuits, including parallel AC noise sinks, are employed to trap and dissipate AC noise.
Use with any standard IEC power cord, in any country!
6
T E C H N O L O G I E S
™
AC
F
Z
3 AC FILTE
ogy
M IT
rpole™Tech
no l
ilte
M IT Fi lt
erp
o
ec hn o lo
le T
ec hn o l
le T
M IT Fi lt
erp
o
Since 1991
MIT Z Series Power Products
24 AC FILT
M IT Fi lt
erp
o
ec hn o lo gy
le T
3 AC FILTERPOLES
Reference Series
$1,199.00 MSRP
For audio: improved dimensionality, better detail and improved dynamic contrast. c hnology
• Surge andle Tespike
protection for noise-free A/V performance and improved service life.
• Designed to fit in standard electrical receptacles. Perfect for installation AC FILTERPOLES
behind a wall-mounted display!
o
M IT Fi lt
erp
o
c hnology
erp
Oracle Z III
e
le T
FILTERPOLE
M IT Fi lt
The Oracle Z III features proprietary
24 AC FILTERPOLES
hand wound cable with perhaps
the best
measurable performance of any nonnetworked AC cable on the market today.
Rack Mount Series
This unique winding topology combined
with the highest quality silver-clad conZ Powerbar
1,699.00 MSRP
ductors and the finest dielectrics results
SKU: ZCORD3
in an AC power cable with a dielectric
The Z Powerbar:
constant that is more than 25% lower than Teflon! The result
is a cable
FILTERPOLE
TECHNOLOGY
FILTERPOLE TECHNOLOGY
fp
• Multiple patented, parallel
that exhibits an extremely low noise floor and reduces dielectric distortuned filters operating
AC FILTERPOLES
tions to well below the audible level. The benefits of this attention to
over the widest bandwidth,
detail are greatly improved dynamic contrasts, improved low level detail,
engineered to remove noise from your AC
fp
and proper image localization and stability.
power
fp line. fp
SKU: POWERBAR
AC FILTERPOLES
AC FILTERPOLES
• 3 Hospital Grade, audiophile type Z Strip
$999.00 MSRP
duplex outlets (grey) with patented Stabilizer circuitry (US version).
The Z Strip provides all of
• 1 Digital isolated Hospital Grade duplex (orange): isolates digital com-
og
the patented protection and le Technol y
fp
fp ponents from the analog components and further eliminate digital noise improvements to your audio
insertion from
a CD or DVD player.
fpconnected components,
fp such as fp
and video systems
as the Z
AC FILTERPOLES
AC FILTERPOLES
AC FILTERPOLES
AC FILTERPOLES 0.0
•
1
Hospital
Grade
duplex
outlet
(red):
to
indicate
power is always on.
3 AC FILTERPOLES
Stabilizer III HG above, with
• PFC (Power Factor Correction): reduces transmission losses and the addition of 4 more hospital Tegrade
c hnology
improves voltage regulation.
le
audiophile type outlets and 2 Digital isolatec hn o lo gy
SKU: ZSTRIP
le T spike protection: for noise-free A/V performance and • Surge and
dB
ed outlets. The digital outlets isolate digital
improved
service
life.
components from the analog components and further eliminate
digital
24 AC FILTERPOLES
• 15 amp
breaker with reset switch.
noise insertion from connected components such as a CD or a DVD player.
AC FILTERPOLES
• Satellite/cable/telephone protection circuits.
-80.0
Save money & maximize performance with a Z Strip & all Shotgun Z IIIs or Magnum Z IIIs!
• Excellent for silent AV power distribution near fluorescent
Fig. One lights and low 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed or your Money Back!
voltage lighting.
AC FI
fp 24
™
AC FI
erp
M IT Fi lt
7
7
24
M IT Fi lt
erp
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M IT Fi lt
erp
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24
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fp
0.0
Flat Screen Series
Z Stabilizer II
0.0
499.00 MSRP
FILTERPOLE™ TECHNOLOGY
• Multiple, patented, paralfp
lel tuned filters operating
over the widest frequency AC FILTERPOLES
range, engineered to remove noise from your 50-60 Hz AC power
SKU: CI-ZSII-IW line. Unlike series filters, the Z Stabilizer II
will not limit dynamics.
fp Includes PFC. fp
• Elimination of common mode and differential mode noise.
AC FILTERPOLES
AC FILTERPOLES
For video: reduced noise results in improved black levels & color saturation, and improves overall realism and depth.
24
dB
dB
The Z Stabilizer II provides:
7
I N T E R F A C E
fp
-80.0
0.0
AC FILTERPOLES
Fig. One
Before Z Powerbar:
Power spectral
density of the harmonics produced by a
well known isolation transformer.
7fp
24fp
AC FILTERPOLES
AC FILTERPOLES
dB
-80.0
M U S I C
fp
FILTERPOLE TECHNOLOGY
Fig. Two
T E C H N O L O G I E S
™
Always Per
fe
-80.0
fp
fp
Fig. Two
After Z Powerbar: Isolation Transformer
of Figure above with™Z Powerbar, which
provides greatly lowered harmonic levels.
fp
™
™
5
F
Z
ogy
M IT
rpole™Tech
no l
ilte
Since 1991
MIT Z Series Power Products
Other related literature:
Power-line Noise: How Series Filters Work—
Power-line Noise:
How Series Filters Work—
(AND WHY THEY DON’T ALWAYS)
Most power-line treatment products depend upon series filters
to correct AC line noise problems in the audio/video system.
However, these series filters, unlike MIT’s parallel filter system, have
inherent flaws that make them ineffective at many vital frequencies in A/V use, and cause them to add more noise and distortions
than they remove. In this paper, we will explain how:
• series-filter noise rejection is ineffective in real-world systems
• series inductors create distortion products at audible
frequencies
• noise that is supposed to go to “ground” is fed back into
the circuit
• safety issues require the use of inadequate capacitance
to reduce noise
• series-filter resonances actually create noise at audible
frequencies
U
tility power-line related noise,
as most of us know, affects
the audible performance of
our audio & video systems. The
primary means of reducing noise
in the audio equipment’s circuits
is passive AC line filtering placed
in series with the AC utility line.
Over the years, increased use of
electronic filtering and regulation of DC power supplies have
also helped isolate the powerline noise from amplifying circuits.
Improved grounding techniques
w i t h i n t h e c ha s s i s (e.g., "s ta r
grounding" - please see Glossary,
page 6) and from chassis to chassis have improved audio system
noise performance.
Copyright © 1995; 1996
Music Interface Technologies™
All rights reserved.
For further information, call 916/ 625-0129.
Fax 916/ 625-0149.
F
These "line" filters are composed of
inductor (L) and capacitor (C) net-
A
C
T
S
works placed in series between the
AC line and the audio equipment.
However, depending on how the
noise is coupled to the power line,
a great deal remains to be done to
remove its effects from our systems.
Hey! Where Does This Utility Line
Noise Come From, Anyway?
Power-line noise can come from a
number of sources. These sources
determine the type of noise and
ultimately how it is removed. Noise
that is coupled directly through
the power-line conductors or wires
by other equipment on the line is
known as conduction-mode noise
coupling. This mode is caused by
equipment such as electric motors,
arc welders, power supply switching circuits (found in computers,
H
E
E
“
REDUCING POWER FACTOR COST
What is Power Factor?
Working (real) power
To download a PDF version of this publication, please visit the U.S. Dept.
of Energy web site at www.energy.gov/index.htm and search for document number: GO-10096-286
Direction of travel
Nonworking
(reactive)
power
The energy savings network
To understand power factor, visualize a horse pulling a railroad car down a railroad track. Because
the railroad ties are uneven, the horse must pull the car from the side of the track. The horse is
pulling the railroad car at an angle to the direction of the car’s travel. The power required to move the
car down the track is the working (real) power. The effort of the horse is the total (apparent) power.
Because of the angle of the horse’s pull, not all of the horse’s effort is used to move the car down the
track. The car will not move sideways; therefore, the sideways pull of the horse is wasted effort or
nonworking (reactive) power.
The angle of the horse’s pull is related to power factor, which is defined as the ratio of real (working)
power to apparent (total) power. If the horse is led closer to the center of the track, the angle of side
pull decreases and the real power approaches the value of the apparent power. Therefore, the ratio
of real power to apparent power (the power factor) approaches 1. As the power factor approaches 1,
the reactive (nonworking) power approaches 0.
NT O F
ER
E
6
E
ICA
E
TM
U NI T
D
ST
AT ES OF A
M U S I C
M
DEP
AR
Plug
into
it!
RGY
NE
Real Power
Apparent Power
To download a PDF version of this publication, please visit the MIT web
site at www.mitcables.com; technical/white papers.
Low power factor is expensive and inefficient. Many utility companies charge you an additional fee if your power factor is less than
0.95. Low power factor also reduces your electrical system’s distribution capacity by increasing current flow and causing voltage drops. To
understand power factor, visualize a horse pulling a railroad car down a
railroad track...
Low power factor is expensive and inefficient. Many utility companies charge you an additional fee if
your power factor is less than 0.95. Low power factor also reduces your electrical system’s distribution capacity by increasing current flow and causing voltage drops. This fact sheet describes power
factor and explains how you can improve your power factor to reduce electric bills and enhance your
electrical system’s capacity.
Power Factor =
These "line" filters are composed of inductor (L) and capacitor (C) networks placed in series between the AC line and the audio equipment.
However, depending on how the noise is coupled to the power line, a
great deal remains to be done to remove its effects from our systems...
Understanding Power Factor
T
a Program of the U.S. Department of Energy
Total
(apparent)
power
“
Utility power-line related noise, as most of us know, affects the
audible performance of our audio & video systems. The primary means
of reducing noise in the audio equipment’s circuits is passive AC line
filtering placed in series with the AC utility line. Over the years, increased
use of electronic filtering and regulation of DC power supplies have also
helped isolate the power-line noise from amplifying circuits. Improved
grounding techniques within the chassis (e.g., "star grounding" - please
see Glossary, page 6) and from chassis to chassis have improved audio
system noise performance.
I N T E R F A C E
T E C H N O L O G I E S
™
F
Z
ogy
M IT
rpole™Tech
no l
ilte
Since 1991
MIT Z Series Power Products
Equipment Inventory and Worksheet:
Example: Component
AC Product Rowland Amps
Z-Cord
Length
Quantity
2m
2
Room 1
Room 2
Room 3
AC Checklist:
Item
Z-Cord Z-Cord II Z Duplex 15 Z Duplex 20 ®
®
Z Duplex 20 Super Shotgun Z III Magnum Z III Shotgun Z Trap Magnum Z Trap Oracle Z III
Z Strip Z Stabilizer II Z Powerbar Description MSRP
Double shielded AC power cord
$
Double filtered, double shielded AC power cord
$
Duplex 15 amp AC receptacle with 3 tuned Filterpoles
$
Duplex 20 amp AC receptacle with 3 tuned Filterpoles
$
Duplex 20 amp AC receptacle with 6 tuned Filterpoles and surge and spike protection
$
Non-networked shielded power cord using “6-nines” pure copper conductors
$
Non-networked premium shielded power cord using OCC pure copper conductors
$
Modular power filter uses Z Stabilizer circuitry with 3 Filterpoles
$
Modular power filter uses OCC conductors & Z Stabilizer circuitry with 6 Filterpoles
$
Reference level non-networked AC power cord with highest quality dielectrics
$
AC Power Conditioner with Z circuitry, 6 hospital-grade outlets and digital iso outlets
$
In-wall power conditioner with 3 Filterpoles & surge and spike protection
$
Reference level power conditioner with 24 Filterpoles and isolated digital circuits
$
M U S I C
I N T E R F A C E
T E C H N O L O G I E S
™
Quantity Extended
7
F
Z
ogy
M IT
rpole™Tech
no l
ilte
Since 1991
MIT Z Series Power Products
What are MIT Filterpoles™?
Poles of Attenuation (Referenced in The Impedance Domain)
A properly built AC filter will not only attenuate un-wanted noise on the AC power line, but it will also
optimize the power factor.
FILTERPOLE TECHNOLOGY
Power Factor is a (dimensionless) number between 0 and 1. When power factor is equal to 0, the energy flow is entirely reactive, and stored energy in the load returns to the source on each cycle. When the power factor is 1, all the energy supplied by the
source is consumed by the load and nothing is reflected back to the source. MIT was awarded a patent on this technology
regarding audio in July 13, 1993: number 5,227,962.
The best way to attenuate unwanted noise is to create a very low impedance (a zero of impedance across the load which acts as
an attenuation pole to the noise) surrounding the frequency (or frequencies) of the undesirable noise. In the case of audio, that
would be at any frequency other than the power line frequency. This is best accomplished by placing a tuned circuit in parallel, around the load. MIT was awarded this patent in November 9, 1993: number 5,260,862.
™
™
™
Always Per
fect Power! ™
Music Interface Technologies™
MIT products are manufactured and sold by CVTL, Inc.
4130 Citrus Ave #9, Rocklin, CA, USA 95677 Phone: 916/625-0129 Fax: 916/625-0149 www.mitcables.com
©2008 CVTL, Inc. All rights reserved
All products using Z circuitry are protected by US Patents 5, 227,962, 5,260,862 and 5,920,468. Other patents pending.
MIT Z Series™ products are manufactured and sold by CVTL, Inc.
8
M U S I C
Doc: ZSeries_power_bro_b&m
I N T E R F A C E
T E C H N O L O G I E S
™
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