Isolation transformers - where do I start?

Using a good quality isolation transformer or "less intrusive" PLC typically results in the following results. That is, so long as the transformers or filters are properly sized and do not restrict current.

1) Lower noise floor ( "blacker backgrounds" )

2) Less grain and glare ( digital sounds less digital )

3) Increased liquidity i.e. voices and instruments sound more natural. ( Many PLC's don't do well here as they they can tend to sound more "sterile". Many people are willing to live with this trade-off due to having some form of spike / surge suppression )

4) Increased separation of instruments and notes ( there is less noise to fill in the gaps that would normally be quiet )

5) Increased dynamic range ( due to lower noise floor )

6) More stable soundstage and imaging ( less noise "blurring" the actual spatial information / musical content of the recording )

I think that you get the idea. I must state that results will vary as AC varies from location to location quite a bit. Both the effectiveness and the results observed will vary with the types of filtration / isolation devices used, the quality of AC to begin with, the amount of filtration designed into each individual audio component, etc... My experience is that all systems will benefit from isolation transformers, so long as they capable of passing more than enough current than any individual component would need at any given time. As mentioned, it is best to isolate each component if possible or at least separate analogue from digital.

The most "bang for the buck" installation would make use of an isolation transformer for digital, one for analogue and one for the amp. Obviously, one need not use mega-watt devices for the digital and analogue gear unless those devices pull a lot of power. If all of your digital gear adds up to pulling 100 watts, shoot for an isolation transformer that can sustain 250 watts or .25 KVA. If all of your analogue gear pulls 400 watts, shoot for an isolation transformer of 1 - 1.2 KVA. In essence, you want to keep the load passing through the isolation transformer at around 40 - 60 percent of capacity. This pretty much guarantees that you will not saturate the core under any circumstances ( the one potential major drawback to this approach ) AND gives you some headroom in case you swap gear for something that is a little more "thirsty" for current in the future. As far as power amps go, especially big brutes, you can't have a big enough isolation transformer. Use the biggest one that you can find with the highest KVA and most massive iron core.

Someone that was shooting for the "ultimate" in noise reduction would use a properly sized isolation transformer for each individual component. This is obviously easier to do if you have a smaller system with less componentry.

I do not recommend using voltage stabilizers or regulators unless you have a problem with voltage in your area. Most of these devices produce / add distortion of their own. You may now have more stable voltage on the average, but you've substituted one problem for another. Obviously, there are a LOT of different products and ways to do this, so there are bound to be exceptions to what i've stated. Running dedicated heavy gauge lines directly back to the mains with clean connections and no breaks in the line will typically reduce voltage drops or "sagging" to a minimum. If you've got an over-voltage condition, that could be a problem that only voltage regulation could fix if the AC provider is unresponsive. To me, AC regulation would be a last resort but at that stage of the game, it might be a necessary one. Sean
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Just FYI, the API PowerWedge Ultra 116 (sorry, not 'Ultimate' like I typo-ed above) incorporates 6 iron-cored iso trannys, 5 of which are 120w rated, one 150w rated, and all are capable of running in *balanced AC* mode or having their grounds lifted at the flick of a switch. It also provides 4 current-unlimited outlets without iso trannys for power amps. All the outlets employ line filtering as well, and there are MOV's and circuit breakers for protection. Everything in one 65lb. nice looking, amp-sized component (smaller versions with fewer outlets are available). The only quirk in this product is that the AC mains connector is a special Neutrik twist-lock variety, which cramps your ability to play with cords going from the wall to the unit - you basically have to use one of API's or have a custom one made up. One of the nice things about this approach though, is that ground paths are all more nearly the same length for all components, reducing ground loop potential. Since none of my source components is rated to draw above around 5w-30w nominal or so, I can't see needing a more complicated setup than this unless I want to try running my amps from isolation transformers, but this seems like it might be more trouble than it would be worth for relatively high-powered tube mono's. The unit has been most beneficial for my digital front end components and FET preamp; it didn't do all that much for my tube preamp for some reason (and my phonostage is battery powered). No sonic downside that I've heard, but the PW Ultra 116 costs over $1,500 new, and usually 1/2 to 2/3 that much used when you can find one. A PS Audio Power Plant might do all this and more, but would cost more for the same number of outlets, draws a lot of power, and produces a lot of heat, and as Sean alludes to, I for one have never measured worrisome voltage conditions on my lines. (Interesting side note: The Ultra was designed in conjunction with Kevin Halverson of Muse fame.)

Z: That sounds like a very nice product. However, i would still bypass this device and run the amp direct to the wall. Otherwise, you're trying to pull enough current through one power cord to feed the entire system. As such, the amp WILL pull hard enough to create sag on the line for the other components being fed if hitting the volume control. Other than that, it sounds like it would be a very convenient and clutter free device. Sean
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Luke Manley has suggested the same thing concerning the VTL's, but at the moment I am not set up conveniently near enough outlets to do this (I assume only a different duplex could make any difference in this regard provided the single main AC cord is comparable in guage to the in-wall wire). At some point I intend to test this proposition however, especially since API maintains that their filtered outlets will improve the wall power, and direct comparisions using my smaller stereo amp tended to bear this out. I am contemplating getting the listening room rewired for dedicated lines.

Doing more research, not all isolation transformers are the same.
1) "Multi-shielded IT with interwinding capacitance .005 pF max and common mode noise attentuation 126dB. 120 volt / 4.17 amp. $360.00"
2) "Low leakage (hospital type): leakage current primary to secondary rated less than 50 micro-amps and is measured at less than 10 micro-amps. Power: 250 VA $133.00"
3) "Isolation transformer with static shield 150 VA $36.80."
4) "VA 150 capacity / 7.0 pounds / $45.34. The case and core and electrostatic shield are internally connected to a third conductor of NEMA standard cord and receptacle for safety"

So far #1 and #2 hospital grade looks best. Any thoughts?
I checked on ebay but not really sure what I would be getting / not returnable / get what you pay for / etc.