isolation transformer vs line conditioner

Isolation transformers can be purchased new or used on E-Bay (at a savings $).

Aball, where can I see those output waveforms myself? Or if I can't (without setting up a 'scope on my line at home), then could you describe such a waveform?

I ask because the evidence of my ears suggests that my iso trannies are doing something right.

TIA !

I think it would help to know the difference between an isolation transformer and a line conditioner. Also, it would probably help to know which one is better for typical applications.

Well, to the best of my limited knowledge, an iso transformer is only that. There are no other parts involved. Line conditioners, on the other hand, use capacitors, chokes, and perhaps resistors to try to clean up the AC, although some designs are very simple.

Iso trannies limit available power if they are not big enough. Line conditioners are only as good as their circuit design. If I understand correctly, a single good-quality capacitor between hot and neutral can short out a lot of hash. More complex circuits may work better, or may not.

That's all I know, and it ain't much.

I use a dedicated AC line, an Enacom line conditioner (a very simple design), and two iso trannies on my digital source and preamp. Each measure made a difference, and the sum is, well, it would be getting there if I weren't having a forced layoff due to fire.

Aball: I would be curious as to the specifics of the make, model and specifics of your testing procedures.

Given proper selection, a transformer can do good or bad things to the waveform. In case you haven't noticed, many "high end" manufacturers are going to transformer coupled or "autoformer" designs in their newest products. Some other companies, much like the Mac gear that you love, have used transformers for a very long time.

If you really want to test the quality of a transformer, feed it a high amplitude signal directly from an audio generator and compare the input vs the output. Since there is no real harmonic content generated by the audio generator, the waveforms should match identically minus a small amount of loss. If they don't, then you know that you've got a junk transformer and it's not worth messing with.

As a side note, you should look at the input vs the output of these transformers on a spectrum analyzer. It is very clear to see pretty drastic differences in various designs.

They Hydra is basically just a very fancy parallel line filter strapped directly to the back of duplex outlet. You have one of these parallel line filters for each duplex outlet. Nothing more, nothing less. Even though the whole thing is built using very high grade parts, the price is still insane for what it is.

As a side note, using a "parallel line filter" directly in front of an iso transformer increases the efficiency of the circuit even further. Using the two different yet complimentary types of filters together will provide the best results. Just make sure that the devices that you use to do this are EASILY capable of handling the max load that you'll pull through them under the most demanding conditions. Otherwise, the cores will saturate and you'll end up with MORE distortion than you started off with and "funky" waveforms to boot. Sean
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