Frank Acoustic Power Bank Ultra Storage (UB-15000Ws) | Made in Malaysia
 
 
AC POWER CONDITIONER FRANK
How it works
The shunt reactor is an absorber of reactive power, thus increasing the energy efficiency of the system. It is the most compact device commonly used for reactive power compensation in long high-voltage transmission lines and in cable system. Frank Acoustics has modified this system using a proprietary system for domestic abodes. The Frank Power Bank Storage component is essentially a scaled down version of this unique system for maintaining AC power to your Hi-fi system.
 
Specification For Model Frank Ultra Bank Storage
~ UB-2500Ws for export only
~ UB-1500Ws
AC Output Outlet : ABL SURSUM CYRO UL12500 Germany or Copper USA AC outlets
AC Voltage : 100VAC – 275VAC 50/60Hz
AC Current Capacity :  (15-40 amps) (Power Line Conditioner) for any high end audio system
Transformer : Dual core low loss Shunt Autotransformer
AC Voltage Regulation : No Voltage Regulation Input and output Loop true only.
Features : Cool running, noise free technology allows placement in critical listening environments.
Charging time : 5 to 6 hour to full performance level.
Dimensions : 190mm H x 486mm W x 405mm D
Weight : 45 kg.
Power Consumption : 5-10 Watts
5 Year Warranty
Made in Malaysia : Damansara
*Specification subject to change without notice.
In operational use
There are two typical operational modes in which you can deploy the FRANK  Ultra Bank within your system where:
Option 1 is connected in parallel to the AC lines in your abode that is shared by your existing system. This means plugging the FRANK Ultra Bank into an unused AC outlet preferably near your AV/Hifi system. It does not have to be connected to the same AC spur as your AV/Hifi System from your DB (Distribution Box). As long as the FRANK Ultra Bank is on the same phase, any electronic or electric device will benefit from the effect of the FRANK Ultra Bank
Option 2  is connected directly to the outlet off the FRANK Ultra Bank . The FRANK Ultra Bank  comes with a pair power outlets with an inbuilt EMI filter for the earth/ground. This also allows you to experiment with different varieties of power cords and power strips – we have no recommendations on this but trust that you will have some favourites that you may want to use with the FRANK Ultra Bank.
* Frank Ultra Bank is handcrafted or custom made we only follow electrical safety regulation only.
Intro
Many a times I wonder, why many hifi enthusiasts feel that the power supply straight from the wall is not good enough for the system and they need some form of power conditioner? After all, it is just electricity isn’t it? Mere electrons flowing into your hifi component. As long as the voltage is correct and there is sufficient current supply then all should be fine. Well, of late I am finding out that there seems to be more than just that.
First impression
When the Franks Ultra Bank arrived, I was thinking to myself … so large and so heavy???! Oh yes, this unit is the size of a large monoblock and it weighs in at about 42 kgs. I’m glad that it has a set of handles at the front!
The Ultra Bank is just a big black box with 2 US outlets at the back. There is nothing more to its looks. I did like the fact that there were some fins along the sides, not that it needed it as the unit does not run warm even.
Inside is what Frank Acoustics call a ‘Dual core low loss Shunt Autotransformer’. I for one am not going to go into the technical aspects of it because this is definitely way over my head. In a nutshell, the Ultra Bank ensures that your electricity supply provides maximum supply of current at all times.
In use
Using the Ultra Bank is very straight forward. Wall socket into the Ultra Bank and then out to your component. Done deal. Frank Acoustic calls it a plug & play unit.
However, there is another way to use the Ultra Bank. You plug it into your wall oulet and then just take the power for your system from another wall outlet. I decided not to go that route.
According to Frank Acoustics it is best to let the Ultra Bank ‘charge up’ for at least 5-6 hours and it should run at its optimal performance around 200 hours. Did I listen to Frank’s advise? Of course not!
As usual, curiosity got the better of me and once plugged in, I had to see what difference it makes. Aren’t we all like that?
How it sounds
When first plugged in I heard some obvious sibilant. However, after an hour or so, it disappeared. So … lesson is, follow what the manufacturer recommends. After about 100-150 hours of use, I started to do some serious listening.
What is immediately noticeable is that the Ultra Bank really breathes new life into the system. It is like when the VTEC on a Honda FD2R kicks in. There is this oomph.
The Bass
Here it is most noticeable. The bass has definitely more energy, it sounds larger, bolder and more tuneful. What’s nice is that the extra energy does not carry with it the penalty of boominess. It is more punchy for sure.
The Mids
There is more weight in this region. Vocals have more presence without being forward. It is as if you can ‘see’ the vocalist more distinctively in the sound stage. Some prefer to call it better separation.
Male vocals benefit from the improvement to the bass, especially the mid bass. Boz Scagg’s voice on ‘Thanks To You’ carries through easily, while not sounding forced or pushed. You are able to appreciate his commanding, yet relaxed voice.
The Highs
I was pleasantly surprised that there was more refinement and clarify. The snare rimshot of Shelby Lynne’s ‘Just A little Lovin’ seems to radiate more in my listening space. With this the sound stage gets a bit wider, deeper with more holographic illusion.
Instruments
Acoustic guitars no longer sound thin. Overall, it is more, ‘buttery’ with warm, rich notes that smoothly melt away. The higher notes are crisp with a smidge more emphasis on the treble.
When it comes to pianos the Ultra Bank will reveal more of its tonal colours and the concentration of higher harmonics becomes more apparent. Grand pianos are presented with a extra power and resonance.
Reality Check: whatever is said above does not mean the Ultra Bank brings an amazing transformation of the sound system. There is no magic dust to be sprinkled over your system. The improvement may be very obvious but let me make it clear, it is not night and day or totally jaw dropping as you stand in awe.
For
– ‘energises’ the sound system
– improvement without compromise
Against
– nothing to note
 
Wrapping Up
I’ll be honest here, many a time we wonder about reviews. How accurate or honest is it? As much as I review components, I still ask this question. So, for this Ultra Bank, I will end it by quoting a user. This is what he says:
“The Ultra Bank fills the amp with energy like it has viagra or ketum”
Reviews can only tell you so much, experiencing it yourself is always the best. This is one hifi component that you will not walk away from thinking “Meh … what was the reviewer talking about?”.