Balanced vs standard power


Searching for an Isolation Transformer 10 or 15kva. I have the budget for Equitech but I'm sold only on the benefits of isolation and not "yet" on the benefits of balanced power unless one is recording live musicians. My rationale is that most if not all audio components are not designed with balanced power so they may be optimal performers with standard power and lesser performers with balanced power. Until someone does a side by side comparing isolated balanced to isolated standard power we may never know.

I have read the various threads regarding isolation transformers from Equitech 10wq, MGE Topaz etc, and the Euqitech stereophile review. For larger non-balanced options there is Ultra K 600 with K factor correction and triple shielding from the Controlled Power Company. They range from 5 to 25 kva.

I think supersizing Isolation transformers for audio is not well recognized yet because no one has done the necessary review/ comparisons to determine the performance curve of Isolation Transformer size to Audio Performance. Although Isoclean advocates the use of two of their Isolation Transformers for each piece of equipment. Maybe they're trying to tell us something or just sell more transformers. 10 KVA is "plenty" for my system according to Martin at Equitech, but "plenty" is not quantified enough to convince me, so I 'm leaning toward the 15kva on the Ultra K 600 from Controlled Power about $4000 vs Equitech 15 kVA at upwards of $14000.
natan6355

Showing 6 responses by norm

I, also, recently joined the BP ranks. I’m using a Signal DU-10 transformer wired for balanced power with electronics that can potentially draw a max. of 3400kVA. My findings with BP are similar to that of Zmanastroomy & Charles1dad. By adding a 220uf capacitor to the secondary side of the transformer, this made a HUGE improvement to the sound. The improvement with the added capacitance is far more impressive than BP alone, which was already a significant upgrade. The down side with the added capacitance the trannie generates more heat and noise.
Thx Jea. You are correct. By adding capacitance to the secondary side this did raise the output voltage to approx. 1v. However, input voltage is still 2V higher than output voltage.

Hi Al,

Would you please elaborate how increasing the capacitance to the secondary side of the transformer may cause voltage to "lag"? Also, how much additional current is the transformer "pulling" by adding 220uf.

Best reagrds,

Norm
Hi Jim,

Are you saying that by adding 220uf to the circuit I have effectively lowered my 10kVA xfmr rating to 5kVA?

Best regards,
Norm
Hi Al,

Thx for your thorough explanation.

A 2 x 20 amp breaker tied together a single=phase 120v line is feeding the Primary windings of the xfmr. The Secondary side of xfmr is also connected in series. Thus, -60V/+60V.

Would you care to take a guess what is happening to the electronics(tube gear) with voltage and amperage being 1/4 cycle out? The overall results with the additional capacitance is a big improvement, especially LF.
Am I doing any damage to my xfer and/or electronics by the additional capacitance?

Best regards,
Norm
Thx Jea. You are correct. By adding capacitance to the secondary side this did raise the output voltage to approx. 1v. However, input voltage is still 2V higher than output voltage.

Hi Al,

Would you please elaborate how increasing the capacitance to the secondary side of the transformer may cause voltage to "lag"? Also, how much additional current is the transformer "pulling" by adding 220uf.

Best reagrds,

Norm
Hi Jim,
Currently the xfmr is configured for Balanced powered, -60V/+60V, to reduce unwanted noise by CMR (by 10-12 db?). If I were to, configured the primary for 240V and the secondary 120V out, as you suggested, would I not be using the DU-10 as an isolation transformer as opposed to BP? If this is the case, what are the pro/cons, besides doubling the amperage capacity from my present set-up?

Best,
Norm