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  3. 158270-1525

This Equipment Recommendation Actually Worked Out Well!

It's an inexpensive isolation transformer. Thanks shkong78 for recommending it in these forums! I understand now. It delivers!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00R5CDG8O/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1  It has  "transformed" the performance of my Nuwave DAC and unlocked the potential of my Klipsch speakers into a more intimate, alive, and powerful sound, with new transparency, clarity and imaging. 

I've owned higher quality power products in years gone by, Shunyata Hydra, PS Power Plant, Purepower regenerator, PS Ultimate Outlet, even a Oneac power conditioner, but didn't understand how to use them properly. I learned the hard way that these devices are not meant for use with amps where they blunt the SQ. Should have limited their use to front end gear like DACs yes!! I have the Nuwave plugged into the isolation transformer by itself. That has made the sound of my system almost unrecognizable (in a good way). For me, this is one of the audio best buys! This one surprised me!
foster_9

Showing 4 responses by foster_9

foster_9 OP
1,638 posts
 
Yeh roxy54, the isolation transformer PC is plugged into an AC outlet and the DAC PC is plugged into an outlet on the transformer. Only a single piece connected to the transformer.
ericsch, if I saw those Amazon reviews without any context, I would have been put off, but the recommendation of an audiophile in these forums who owns a high end system was my motivation to try it out. He stated he has 4 or 5 of these units. He connects one component to each.
foster_9 OP
1,638 posts
 
roxy54, here’s the change with the DAC plugged into the isolation transformer: fuller images, improved imaging, midbass has more presence and punch, more transparency; good clarity. It took about 6 days for the sound to settle after powering up. If you decide to try one, please post your impressions here.
foster_9 OP
1,638 posts
 
Thanks itsjustme and millercarbon, I appreciate all the technical information added to the thread. millercarbon - great setup! Saw those Talon Khorus; I used to own the Ravens - what a nut I was to part with those!

redwoodaudio, when I was using the power plant premier, I had all different gear than I have now, and I was trying to use it with an amplifier, which degraded the sound. In the past, I was always buying power devices (conditioners, regenerators, etc.) for my integrated or separate amplifier. I know now, the amplifier loads were too much for the power devices I had, and I shouldn’t have tried it. I was so intent on amplifier performance and not on the front end. This was years ago and I’ve learned. I’ve since seen major changes in the performance of my current setup by focusing more on the front end (DAC). Even with power cords, in past years I focused on amplifier performance. Now I look to enhancing the performance of my DAC, and a power cord change and the isolation transformer have made a major improvement in the SQ.
foster_9 OP
1,638 posts
 
I know what you mean about "random stuff" redwoodaudio. Jameco is an electronics online seller who sells some gear on Amazon. They sell the isolation transformer I referred to direct.  I also have a Jameco LPS that I purchased direct from their website that was recommended here. 

zardozmike, a very smart EE here jea48, recommended against residential use of medical grade isolation transformers.  He stated they were not for residential use and designed for use by professionals only. When I saw his statement, I decided to try a Tripp Lite isolation transformer that was not medical grade. (just to be safe)
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