2. misc-audio
  3. 177377-11588

Is an isolation transformer better than a power conditioner?

I was never thrilled with my Shunyata Triton/Typhon pc.

It improves the SQ but not dramatically. And it is two large chassis that take up a lot of real estate. And not particularly attractive. And we’re $18K new! One would expect transformative performance.

Just went to great lengths and expense to run a dedicated AC line. $4.5K of special Oyaide cable, duplexes and cover plates. And $1.2K electrician.

It was also highly recommended that I also go with an isolation transformer. Went from Torus to Bryston to Equitech. Focusing on the balanced power Equitech.

Getting one, I am curious to know if it will “blow away” my T/T as I have been told.

And with the dedicated AC, maybe not plugging my amps into the new duplexes but the Et would be better. Or plugging in the Et to the T/T and the T/T into the wall.

But I sure would like to get rid of the Shunyatas.

mglik

Showing 1 response by ditusa

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ditusa
1,765 posts
 

I am a very firm proponent for balanced AC electrical power for audio components.

Me too!

That’s one of the reasons why I run all my audio gear on 250 volts, its balanced voltage not needing a neutral or balanced load. Also, the sound quality is better, and it negates the need for a balanced AC PC/isolation transformer. That’s been my experience with North American voltage (USA). FWIW: Because the amp is now running at twice the voltage but half the amps (current) the wall wiring looks twice as thick to the amp as it does at 120 volt (ohms law). Now the amp makes even less audio noise on the line and it then rejects its own line noise better. The 220 volt outlet can be a standard 15 or 20 amp with 12 Ga wire.

Mike

 

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