New Transformer on the Pole


So, I got home yesterday and my wife told me that the power was out for a few hours while the town electrical department replaced the transformer on the pole across the street. I looked outside the window and saw the new transformer--much different (nicer, more modern) looking that the old one that I've been looking at for years. You know what I'm wondering......

So, last night I got a chance to fire up the rig and do some listening and I have to tell you that I heard some noticeable improvement in the sound. The background was "blacker" and there was a bit more purity and dimensionality. Am I just imagining this or could a "transformer upgrade" really deliver sonic gains?

dodgealum

Showing 2 responses by cleeds

It's very likely that the change in transformer was part of other changes in the utility's distribution circuit, including a possible change in the voltage of the distribution circuit itself, improvements made at the electric substation and even perhaps connection to another substation entirely. Electric distribution networks are dynamic systems and utilities frequently make changes to balance loads throughout the system. Any of these changes, including the new transformer, could conceivably affect your system.
@gdhal, my reference to a voltage change wasn't to the nominal voltage of your service, but to a possible change to the primary (distribution) voltage before it gets to your transformer. I speculate that because changing transformers is a pricey process and it was likely undertaken for a specific reason other than just just replacing an old transformer. But I am speculating, obviously.