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 5 responses by ozzy

Wow lalitk,

Your the first person I have ever heard that did not find the Niagara 7000 impressive. Coloration? Huh? Definitely not my view...But, everyone has different components and its how it all interacts I guess.

ozzy

gdnrbob,

Funny that he compared the top of the line PS Audio P-20 unit to the second from the top AudioQuest. While the top of the line AudioQuest Niagara 7000 is similar in price to the PS P-20.

Also, why was it necessary to use a 3 meter Hurricane power cord?

I have owned many conditioners. In fact I owned several PS products. While I thought it was a good product, connecting power amps never seemed like a good thing. On the other hand, the Audioquest 700 shines with power amps.

ozzy

charles1dad,

The AudioQuest Niagara 7000 is a balanced power conditioner. That is; both AC legs check out to be 60 volts each.

ozzy