using a transformer to separate your gear power

Isolation transformers should have a 20:1 ratio to work properly which is why we generally recommend them for digital components, televisions or pre's. As an example your IT should be rated at 8kVA to avoid transformer saturation. I may be in overkill mode but, better safe than losing dynamics.

Jc, how did you arrive at the ratio that you posted ? As to being "overkill", i like that : ) Sean
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JC is right to a large degree. With most transformers the inductive process (which is how the transformer works) also works against it. It can, if not designed properly, limit the current flow. This is a big deal in x-ray devices as they require HUGE amounts of current flow on demand, and they are always pushed right at their limit. If it's a 6.5 KVA unit, you can bet the demands are at least 6 KVA. Many of the transformers that we find in some products are off the shelf transformers that really don't serve audio very well--particularly amplifiers, which is why so many amplifiers sound better not connected through an isolation transformer (power conditioner).

As to a 20:1 ratio--I don't know about that, but I would definitely agree with an abosulte minimum of 5:1 for amplifiers unless it was really designed to deliver the current on demand.

The 20:1 ratio was the number used by the company that manufactures the ISO isolation device in order to prevent transformer saturation. This of course had a large margin of safety in it.