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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
roxy54's avatar
roxy54
7,719 posts
 
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  
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.
redwoodaudio
413 posts
 
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. 
drew_f
18 posts
 
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.
itsjustme
681 posts
 
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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