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Does an isolation transformer improve a power cable?

In a post dated 12/14, I described how I built my DIY AC power cables. In evaluating these new cables over the first 100 hours, I am hearing parts in music I did not know where there--instruments are standing out in sharp relief with a more robust dynamic and improved clarity. All of this is coming through via Furutech's Ohno Continuous Cast copper, a brand I am not here to promote--rather, it is the one I chose to obtain a legitimate OCC material. These cables are feeding two ARC Reference 210's, modifed to 250's. But, what appears to make as important a contribution is what is feeding the AC cables their current--a large 240V/120V isolation transformer weighing 120 pounds and supplying 4000 watts of work to all of my devices via six outlets on the back. What I am understanding is that this thing provides a more ideal supply of current that is independent of the rest of the house and its appliances and devices. With all that is said about power cables and what they can and cannot do, depending on one's beliefs about alternating current, i.e., what is upstream, how could it matter, what about the rest of the grid, the last six feet is important, etc, I suspect that, in using a true induction transformer in this manner, the last six feet is the only six feet in my power supply, and this is why these OCC cables sound so stunningly good. Is this the purest AC energy pathway possible?
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Showing 2 responses by mikelavigne

mikelavigne
2,143 posts
 
I use the Equi=tech 10WQ wall panel system which includes a 10kva isolation transformer. when I installed this 400 pound panel 4 years ago I did have to re-think the power cords in my system. previously I had Jena Labs Fundamental One power cords with in-line power conditioners. however; once I cleaned up the noise in my power grid with the Equi=tech isolation transformer the Jena Labs actually added noise. so I switched to a more simple approach in a power cord, the Absolute Fidelity power cords for most of my gear. I have 9 of those. they are very simple and quiet. I do use 2 Evolution Acoustics TRPC (triple run power cords) on my 2 dart mono block amplifiers.

some power cords do filter noise, and some do not.

so no, an isolation transformer does not improve a power cord, but it does change the context it is used in. so you must investigate the performance equation for the specific power cord in the new context. I suppose it is possible that the isolation transformer might improve the total picture. but unless you try some alternatives you won't know if the power cord you have always used is holding you back.

you gotta listen.
mikelavigne
2,143 posts
 
reading thru this thread there are lots of numbers being tossed around about output of isolation transformers, gauge of wire, and such things.

what appears to be unclear is what sort of amperage is being supplied to these devices from the power grid of the household. an isolation transformer plugged into a 20amp circuit cannot output 4000 watts.....no matter what it's output capability might be. the limitation will always be the amount of amperage input.

stand alone boxes not hard wired into the power grid have limitations as to output. and they typically cannot fully supply the needs of high powered amplifiers.....although there are exceptions. mostly they will limit dynamics of very high powered amplifiers. it's about how much headroom the power grid has to handle musical peaks at those moments when the amplifier demands lots of power right now. line sag comes thru as compression and hardness in the music.

stand alone isolation transformers plugged into a wall outlet can predictably effectively power source gear as they don't have the same huge momentary demands on the amperage.

it can become a choice between lower noise and more dynamic energy when deciding to use a stand alone isolation transformer....or not on power amplifiers.
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