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Does an isolation transformer improve a power cable?

In a post dated 12/14, I described how I built my DIY AC power cables. In evaluating these new cables over the first 100 hours, I am hearing parts in music I did not know where there--instruments are standing out in sharp relief with a more robust dynamic and improved clarity. All of this is coming through via Furutech's Ohno Continuous Cast copper, a brand I am not here to promote--rather, it is the one I chose to obtain a legitimate OCC material. These cables are feeding two ARC Reference 210's, modifed to 250's. But, what appears to make as important a contribution is what is feeding the AC cables their current--a large 240V/120V isolation transformer weighing 120 pounds and supplying 4000 watts of work to all of my devices via six outlets on the back. What I am understanding is that this thing provides a more ideal supply of current that is independent of the rest of the house and its appliances and devices. With all that is said about power cables and what they can and cannot do, depending on one's beliefs about alternating current, i.e., what is upstream, how could it matter, what about the rest of the grid, the last six feet is important, etc, I suspect that, in using a true induction transformer in this manner, the last six feet is the only six feet in my power supply, and this is why these OCC cables sound so stunningly good. Is this the purest AC energy pathway possible?
128x128jafreeman
scvan
99 posts
 
Isolation transformers are used to isolate electronics/ devices from the primary source of power. The benefit of this is that the ground is now independent of everything else so ground loops can go away and short high spikes in electricity do not affect the other side.

In your use, you may be getting some positives from the ground loop issue. Also if you have "dirty" electricity with a high frequency noise in it that is probably being filtered out. A transformer is basically two inductors with a iron loop connecting them to pass the field. At high frequencies inductors act as resistors.

So based on the cable you are using I think you believe in the need for quick clean power to your amp to deal with the high frequency shifts caused by power changes on the power supply in your amp. An isolation transformer will most likely do the opposite, it will not allow the amps power supply to fluctuate quickly.

If you want really clean power that is isolated you would need a bunch of batteries and a really good inverter, much like you see in many high end solar projects.
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
where do you get a isolation transformer from?, what is one of the better brand's?, do they make bigger than 4,000 watt's for home audio?
jedinite24's avatar
jedinite24
1,503 posts
 
Hi Audiolabyrinth

The isolation transformers I use in my system are industrial ones like Topaz. They range from 1 kVA to 2.4 kVA. Another one I use are older Tice Power blocks. The con of these isolation transformers are they are big bulky and not the prettiest to look at.

I've got them from various outlets. Audiogon, Ebay, and Craigslist.
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jafreeman's avatar
jafreeman OP
693 posts
 
I have taken the easier but more expensive route by using plug-and-play transformers that are made to sit with your gear, not in the basement under your breaker box. The two best known audiophile brands are Richard Gray and Torus/Bryston. These products have their own AC power cables that simply plug into a wall outlet. I happen to use the Richard Gray Rack Mount Pro. The model below that is their Substation. Their largest is the Powerhouse. The Torus products come in various power outputs, as well. In any case, I would only use a 240V/120V version. All you need is a 240V outlet next to your gear--simple, clean, direct with no worries about phase. The 240V versions deliver more wattage, and this is what you want--a dedicated 120V, 20 amp line will deliver 2400 watts, so you want to equal or exceed that. If you are running two 20 amps lines for two big mono blocks and subwoofers, then you may need an isolation transformer for each side of your system. I also use the RGPC 1200C for my front end. These are all expensive, though, and heavy, as they should be. They do not limit peak demands, they supply them, and, as said, they isolate your system away from ground and grid. Results in my old house have been a broader, more relaxed and articulate low end and sound stage. The new AC OCC cables have taken everything to a new plateau of clarity and presence.
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