Isolation transformer question

I know people who say they have bad power, and want to buy an isolation transformer.

When it comes to audio improvements, what will an isolation transformer do that all of the transformers in your gear aren't already doing?

(I'm not talking about "power conditioners" which include many things like filter capacitors, inductors, and so on)

clustrocasual09-20-2024 4:21am

lloydc Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 759 posts 09-24-2024 at 07:04pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete You need to know that isolation transformers hum. I threw out a 2kv Soundtrapper isolation transformer because the noise of the hum more than counter-acted any perceived benefit to the electronics’ noise floor
lloydc Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 759 posts 09-29-2024 at 02:51pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete @ steakster, you are fortunate. It is my understanding that the larger the iso transformer, the more likely it is to hum. IME, there is always some hum on very large whole-house transformers, but they are located outside or in their own room, far from a listening room. They could be very useful (I think @whart and M Fremer had some installed). I had two "audiophile" transformers, and kept the smaller one (which I use on front-end components with no problems). A cursory search on Google confirms that transformers hum by nature, e.g: "There are actually multiple causes of transformer noise. The main one is the Magnetostriction Effect. This is when the current that flows through the transformer’s coils creates a magnetic field. The magnetic field then changes the dimensions of the transformer’s iron core. The core expands and contracts with the alternating current, which causes a humming sound." Landmark Electric Inc. Perhaps one based on a toroid would hum less?