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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
ozzy's avatar
ozzy
7,790 posts
 

Wow lalitk,

Your the first person I have ever heard that did not find the Niagara 7000 impressive. Coloration? Huh? Definitely not my view...But, everyone has different components and its how it all interacts I guess.

ozzy

4krowme's avatar
4krowme
542 posts
 

 I have been in the BPT camp for a long time with no regrets. It is fine for the front end of my system. I use a Richard gray 400S for the power amp, knowing that is in parallel not series with the power amp.

 When living in Tucson, I was very lucky to have AC power that was quiet, reliable, and apparently clean to begin with. In almost every home since then, I have fought the AC demons. Some sort of leg up is needed where I live now.

audition__audio
1,776 posts
 

I agree with latik. With all conditioners I have tried it was always a 2 steps forward and 2 steps back scenario. The harmonic content of the music always seemed to suffer but the blackness of the background seemed to improve. Only with the isolation transformer did I get only a blacker background with no downside. 

ozzy's avatar
ozzy
7,790 posts
 

So you have used the Niagara 7000 in your system?

ozzy

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 

I will add that my BPT 3'5 Signature plus unit is silent in my room. As @sns mentioned, this is likely a reflection of stable AC voltage coming into my home. It has been one of my best audio equipment purchases over the years.

Charles

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