2. misc-audio
  3. 177377-11588

Is an isolation transformer better than a power conditioner?

I was never thrilled with my Shunyata Triton/Typhon pc.

It improves the SQ but not dramatically. And it is two large chassis that take up a lot of real estate. And not particularly attractive. And we’re $18K new! One would expect transformative performance.

Just went to great lengths and expense to run a dedicated AC line. $4.5K of special Oyaide cable, duplexes and cover plates. And $1.2K electrician.

It was also highly recommended that I also go with an isolation transformer. Went from Torus to Bryston to Equitech. Focusing on the balanced power Equitech.

Getting one, I am curious to know if it will “blow away” my T/T as I have been told.

And with the dedicated AC, maybe not plugging my amps into the new duplexes but the Et would be better. Or plugging in the Et to the T/T and the T/T into the wall.

But I sure would like to get rid of the Shunyatas.

mglik

Showing 3 responses by ptss

ptss
1,962 posts
 

Equitech "balanced" power is used by countless professionals who must have clean power. Travelling bands love balanced power by Equitech. Recording studios. University research labs, etc. Check out Equitech website, perhaps they have a customer list. Anyway, their product is based on "basic" electrial principals. Those don't change :) Good luck with your research. Pete

ptss
1,962 posts
 

Thumbs up to Equitech! A very basic sensible product. Foundational. 

ptss
1,962 posts
 

FWIW. Balanced AC is simply 120 Volts that has been split evenly across two AC mains. One phase is +60V while the other is -60V. The mains are always 180 degrees out of phase across the load and therefore sum to 120 Volts, the same voltage and frequency for which equipment power supplies were designed... When the incoming 120 volts is split into 2 60 volt lines 1/2 the powerline noise/distortion is on each 60 volt leg. When the legs rejoin, out of phase -to make 120 volts- the 'mirror image' noise/distortions of each leg cancel each other leaving dramatically cleaner power. This is not rocket science or magic; and it works. Complementary products can certainly improve on this if wisely chosen. Experiment and have fun. 

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