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) |
I bought a torus max isolation transformer based on the ideas here. Got it open box for 1k. Thing weighs 50 lbs and can easily power all my equipment. Hard to describe differences, but I think overall everything sounds cleaner. Not sure I would gamble with random Amazon stuff though... |
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I had my Amp, DAC, Transport and Phono stage all plugged through Hydra. Yesterday DAC and Phono were connected through suggested transformer. Well, I can not agree more with foster_9, that is exactly how I would put in words my impressions. I think the DAC has little bit more of improvement than Phono, which has more than noticeable in itself, and it is only after first session of listening. I will be replacing two receptacles in the transformer due them being too close to each other, creating problem of connecting two plugs ay once. Thanks!
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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. |
The electrical engineering answer is noise reduction on the input power.
Isolation transformers are progressively more lossy as you diverge from
their design frequency, which is 60 Hz. Right.
I have used them with GREAT results (typically 2-3 kVA commercial units
though that cost >>>$1000)2. As well designed power supply
pulls DC transients from storage capacitors, not the wall> for
example past designs of mine that can delver > 40A instantaneously
(to the speakers) operate just fine with a 3A slow blow fuse on the AC
mains. Do the math. Right. Been saying this over and over again. Mine is only 1kVA but works fine even now after adding a projector and two Dayton sub amps that on paper take it way over that on peaks. https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/8367 |
Someone asked why an isolation transformer could be beneficial. Its more a question of "how could it NOT be beneficial". They are almost always used in sensitive labs.
The electrical engineering answer is noise reduction on the input power. Isolation transformers are progressively more lossy as you diverge from their design frequency, which is 60 Hz. SO in theory power stays, noise is attenuated. My (doubtful) guess on why (other iso transformers) didn’t work well with big amps plugged in is that they restricted power delivery (instantaneous). I find this strange for two reasons:
1. I have used them with GREAT results (typically 2-3 kVA commercial units though that cost >>>$1000)2. As well designed power supply pulls DC transients from storage capacitors, not the wall> for example past designs of mine that can delver > 40A instantaneously (to the speakers) operate just fine with a 3A slow blow fuse on the AC mains. Do the math.
I do ack that you can get a lot more out of them by plugging ALL your low power devices into them. Just plug the current - hungry power amps into the wall. A typical DAC or preamp (high end variety) draws less than 30W, many less. Tubes, ok ,more (but not that much more).
I run both an ISO transformer and a custom made power filter with chokes and shunt capacitors. I need to make one for my "B" (living room) system.
G
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Would this type of isolation transformer remove DC in the AC line? Had an amp that would randomly shut down, manufacturer (Primare) said it was probably caused by DC on the AC power line.
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Interesting recommendation. What's the electrical engineering explanation for the improvement with this? You didn't get any benefit from the power plants? More description of your experience would be cool. |
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,
Thanks for the clarification. Can you elaborate little on the sonic improvements you have noticed? I would like to try this.
Thanks, John
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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,
How exactly is this transformer used? Are you saying that you plug your DAC into it?
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If so good, why all the crap reviews on Amazon? |
glad u figured it out
enjoy |
