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 2 responses by zmanastronomy

I agree with Elizbeth.
I use Signal Isolation transformers wired in ballanced mode. The difference was a much lower noise floor that transmitted into a more spaitial soundstage and more three dimensionality.
A 10kva will be plenty for most systems. I would recommend one 5kva for the source and one 5kva for the amp.
Good info Ngjockey. I just picked up a Signal DU-5 on ebay. I'm going to use it wired in balanced mode for my amp (Almarro 318B). I've got a Signal DU-2 for my source.

The Signal DU series is a great isolation transformer. Wired in balance, it droped the noise floor substantially.
If anyone buys one off of ebay, PM me and I'll send you the wiring diagram for Isolation or balanced.

The DU-2 (2KVA) is plenty for sourse components in balanced mode. The DU-5 (5KVA) is plenty for high current amps in balanced mode.

If you check out my virtual system, you can get an idea on the box I've made to hide it. I used a Porter port for the outlet and a Furutech IEC for the inlet.
You don't have to use an IEC for the inlet, but it leave the option for rolling PC's.