2. tech-talk
  3. 1226808231

power line conditioners...

When I worked in high end audio, our guru placed a 120v-120v transformer (heavy duty -- 1000va) between the wall socket and the power amp in the system being auditioned. This was just before power line conditioners became available as audio system accessories.
I found a Sola 500va 120-120 transformer in the trash and tested it -- it worked. I tried it between the wall socket and my power amp. The sound stage opened up. Also, bass was tighter and more authoritative. I felt like the high end was also clearer. I am using a Dynaco st70 in triode mode driving Kef 102's, a dynaco PAS-3X, a VPI MK-IV turntable with an Alphason HRS-100 arm, various cartidges, and a Micromega Stage3 cd player. As my room is rather small, I don't feel the need for a sub-woofer now.
I wonder if any of you other members have any experience with PLC's, or Sola 120-120 transformers? And if you have any thoughts on why the sound is improved. Could it be simply reduction/elimination of voltage fluctuations coming from the wall, or are there other things happening like availability of stored energy in the transformer for musical peaks or transients?
Another question that I have is how are the audio-specific PLC's different than a 120-120 transformer? Are they different? Are they worth the extra money?
After hearing the differences that the Sola made, I am convinced that there is something to be gained from power line conditioning. I just don't understand it very well now, and would like to!
Cheers!
bicycle_man

Showing 1 response by kennyt

kennyt
1,226 posts
 
Bicycleman,

What bikes do you ride? I keep a Seven and Serrotta in my garage.

As for the power conditioners. First, no energy/power is stored in a transformer, so that isn't it. You likely are seeing the fact that you are now less influenced by interference in the line, but transformers can hummm so they aren't used in many (some do) power conditioners. A transformer also can't do anything to control or eliminate spikes or drops in the power, it will simply reproduce them on the output side.

Also when using a 500Volt-Amp transformer, you are limiting yourself to ~4 Amps of power @ 112 Volts, so I am surprised the bass is better and the dynamics too, but every system is different.

I live in florida and we have horrendous power here thanks to all the A/C's and such, so I have been using power products for years. I always liked the Chang Lightspeed units (TIP, I am selling these now) but once I tried the PurePower APC 700 I stopped using them, the PP's regenerate your electricity to perfect sine waves and have a battery backup so it can actually deliver more power instantaneously than the line itself, and keep you from suffering from power sags or surges. They aren't cheap, but they improved the sound so much in my system, I will likely never be without one or two again.
More to discover