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Does Step-up transformer affect the Sound Quality?

Hello,

I find an interesting DAC oversea, and want to use it at home. (US)

I’m wondering if using Step-down transformer affect Sound Quality.

Here are the specification.


1) DAC

- Power Supply: Factory set to either 100-120. 220-240V AC 50/60Hz

(It is set for 220-240V, with Type F consent type, widely used in Europe/Eastern Asia countries)

- Power Consumption: 6.5W typical, 50W maximum


2) Transformer (Step-up, right?)

So, I’m thinking about this Step up Transformer from Accupower.

https://acupwr.com/collections/step-up-use-220v-appliances-in-110v-countries/products/acupwr-au-500-500-watt-110-120-volts-to-220-240-volts-step-up-transformer

- 500W capacity for overkill.

- If you know any better company, please share. As far as I know this is the best quality I can get in the states.

My question is, can this transformer affect the sound quality? (In a bad way?)


(I know the voltage goes up and down from the plant to my home, still not sure using the relatively small transformer unit right before the unit... Can this create kind of noise?)

Do you have any experience?


Thank you! Happy holidays.





sangbro

Showing 1 response by georgehifi

georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
sangbro OP Does Step-up transformer affect the Sound Quality?
So long as they are current spec’d way over what you need in amps, 3 x is a good figure (and they don’t have mechanical buzz that you can hear in room)
I was told this by a TV tech as they always used them with CRT’s,
They (step up or step downs) can actually be better for the sound as they serve another purpose in they are "isolation transformers also" and can filter out a lot of mains crap, as interference doesn’t jump the gap in them.
I’ve run a decent size one now for years for all the source equipment, it’s just an "isolation transformer", no step up or step down.

Cheers George
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