Isolation Transformers: my experience and concerns
Recently, I found some old threads discussing the merits of isolation transformers. Brands mentioned were Topaz, Xentek, anything with stated low interwinding capacitance. I am not an EE but was intrigued so I bought a used 250VA isotranny made by Magnetek Triad. It seems to be well-made but doesn't have stated interwinding capacitance. My amplifier is and always will be plugged directly into a wall outlet. All other equipment, DAC, pre, phono pre, transport are plugged into a 6-outlet distributor (NOT a conditioner!). Placing the isotranny ahead of only the preamp had a very significant and positive effect on the sound. Everything became much clearer and cleaner sounding with better focus, separation and depth. Naturally, my audiophile OC behavior led me to purchase two more isotrannies: a 500VA and a 125VA same brand. Btw, these are not toroidal transformers, they have separated primary and secondary windings, and all are 120VAC in/out. Currently, I have the power distributor plugged into the 500VA. The DAC is plugged into the 125VA which is plugged into the distributor. The preamp is plugged into the 250VA which is also plugged into the distributor. My system sounds great! My opinion is that this is probably (definitely?) overkill but is it safe? These front end components all draw about 10W of power. Again, my amp is plugged directly into the wall. Thanks for your opinions and comments- I can handle it :-)