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Does Step-up transformer affect the Sound Quality?

Hello,

I find an interesting DAC oversea, and want to use it at home. (US)

I’m wondering if using Step-down transformer affect Sound Quality.

Here are the specification.


1) DAC

- Power Supply: Factory set to either 100-120. 220-240V AC 50/60Hz

(It is set for 220-240V, with Type F consent type, widely used in Europe/Eastern Asia countries)

- Power Consumption: 6.5W typical, 50W maximum


2) Transformer (Step-up, right?)

So, I’m thinking about this Step up Transformer from Accupower.

https://acupwr.com/collections/step-up-use-220v-appliances-in-110v-countries/products/acupwr-au-500-500-watt-110-120-volts-to-220-240-volts-step-up-transformer

- 500W capacity for overkill.

- If you know any better company, please share. As far as I know this is the best quality I can get in the states.

My question is, can this transformer affect the sound quality? (In a bad way?)


(I know the voltage goes up and down from the plant to my home, still not sure using the relatively small transformer unit right before the unit... Can this create kind of noise?)

Do you have any experience?


Thank you! Happy holidays.





128x128sangbro
5 responses Add your response
mlsstl
1,436 posts
 
For a DAC, using a decent quality step-up transformer should not be an issue. The power from your local generating plant has already been though a number of transformers to change voltage before it got to your house. Adding one more to the string shouldn't be an issue. In fact, it could be helpful in further isolating your DAC from noise on your house wiring.  Hopefully the step-up transformer won't exhibit any mechanical humming.

However, make sure you don't sit the transformer next to the DAC or your other stereo equipment. It doesn't need to be very far away, just not immediately next to other gear. 
erik_squires
16,064 posts
 
Yes, to step up, but a lot of devices have re-configurable power supplies.  A tech may be able to do the conversion for you.
ironlung
65 posts
 

Hello,

I find an interesting DAC oversea, and want to use it at home. (US)

I’m wondering if using Step-down transformer affect Sound Quality.

Here are the specification.

I would first suggest checking with the DAC manufacturer if they are able to easily switch voltage to 110/120v internally. I don't think it's such a great idea to spend a bunch of money on a transformer which could detrimentally affect the performance in more than one way (depending on how stable the PS is in the first place).

Most independent audio retailers tend to have a service bench of some kind, and might not charge much to perform this kind of work (I would think less than the transformer you linked to) if you can get the necessary service info from the manufacturer.

Or if you're brave, get the info from the manufacturer and do the conversion yourself.

What DAC is this?
sangbro's avatar
sangbro OP
42 posts
 
Thank you for the information.

DAC is from Chinese manufacturer. (I have a hunch that this company manufactures for big names)

Also, I find network streamer. I’ll ask if it’s internally switchable without a hassle.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
sangbro OP Does Step-up transformer affect the Sound Quality?
So long as they are current spec’d way over what you need in amps, 3 x is a good figure (and they don’t have mechanical buzz that you can hear in room)
I was told this by a TV tech as they always used them with CRT’s,
They (step up or step downs) can actually be better for the sound as they serve another purpose in they are "isolation transformers also" and can filter out a lot of mains crap, as interference doesn’t jump the gap in them.
I’ve run a decent size one now for years for all the source equipment, it’s just an "isolation transformer", no step up or step down.

Cheers George
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