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power line conditioners...

When I worked in high end audio, our guru placed a 120v-120v transformer (heavy duty -- 1000va) between the wall socket and the power amp in the system being auditioned. This was just before power line conditioners became available as audio system accessories.
I found a Sola 500va 120-120 transformer in the trash and tested it -- it worked. I tried it between the wall socket and my power amp. The sound stage opened up. Also, bass was tighter and more authoritative. I felt like the high end was also clearer. I am using a Dynaco st70 in triode mode driving Kef 102's, a dynaco PAS-3X, a VPI MK-IV turntable with an Alphason HRS-100 arm, various cartidges, and a Micromega Stage3 cd player. As my room is rather small, I don't feel the need for a sub-woofer now.
I wonder if any of you other members have any experience with PLC's, or Sola 120-120 transformers? And if you have any thoughts on why the sound is improved. Could it be simply reduction/elimination of voltage fluctuations coming from the wall, or are there other things happening like availability of stored energy in the transformer for musical peaks or transients?
Another question that I have is how are the audio-specific PLC's different than a 120-120 transformer? Are they different? Are they worth the extra money?
After hearing the differences that the Sola made, I am convinced that there is something to be gained from power line conditioning. I just don't understand it very well now, and would like to!
Cheers!
bicycle_man

Showing 1 response by tobias

tobias
1,534 posts
 
A transformer also can't do anything to control or eliminate spikes or drops in the power, it will simply reproduce them on the output side.

Quite right that an iso tranny won't do anything for power sags, brownouts, dips or cuts. For that, you need an auxiliary source of juice. However an iso tranny offers excellent protection from spikes.

I've been using isolation transformers from Hammond, Deltec, Magnetek, Xentek and Topaz with digital sources, preamps and amps for five or six years now. The improvement the OP mentions is always there to a greater or lesser degree, depending on the quality of the gear, and even non-audiophiles can easily hear the difference. I even think that an isolator of proportional value should be part of the budget when you buy a digital player or transport. I have not heard a single player that did not benefit, up to my Esoteric P-10.

If you want more comments on the use of isolation transformers, look up posts in the archives by Sean and Lak.
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