New Transformer on the Pole


So, I got home yesterday and my wife told me that the power was out for a few hours while the town electrical department replaced the transformer on the pole across the street. I looked outside the window and saw the new transformer--much different (nicer, more modern) looking that the old one that I've been looking at for years. You know what I'm wondering......

So, last night I got a chance to fire up the rig and do some listening and I have to tell you that I heard some noticeable improvement in the sound. The background was "blacker" and there was a bit more purity and dimensionality. Am I just imagining this or could a "transformer upgrade" really deliver sonic gains?

dodgealum

Showing 2 responses by gdhal

almarg / cleeds -
curious about your feedback (no pun intended) here .... 

both of you have indicated that (paraphrasing) a change in line voltage could be the rationale as to the reason for a blacker background or perceived improvement. In my case I currently have virtually no "noise floor" (i.e. very black, etc.). Very happy in this regard! I am using a Panamax MR4300. That unit has a voltage level monitor.  My electricity service is provided by the "incorporated village" of Freeport and is known (rated) to be among the best overall electrical service in the US. 

My MR4300 consistently (when on or off and whether or not I'm listening to music) indicates the voltage is varying. It has measured as low as 116 and as high as 123. Regardless of the reading, I am unable to discern any audible difference. So my point in soliciting your feedback is to understand what degree of change you are speaking of, etc. Any other input is also appreciated.
almarg / cleeds - 

Thanks! Your responses make sense (to me anyway, can't speak for the community at large). And further to your point almarg, I have a solid state amp, Musical Fidelity M6si and would have to believe a tube amp would be more discriminating where slight voltage variations occur.