using a transformer to separate your gear power

Kind of funny that you bring this up, as I was discussing this with a local shop today. Your dealer is talking about an isolation transformer and he is right on the money. There are a couple of different designs for isolation transformers though with some working better than others. Most any of them would work well for what you want it for so long as it could pass enough current. That is one thing to consider with amps for sure. As to using them for sources and preamps, etc... the ideal set-up would be a properly sized transformer for each component. I may try doing something like this sometime shortly.

My experience is that "old school" iron core transformers work better than "high tech" toroidals in isolating noise, so that would be an easy thing to check. Sean
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As usual, Sean's comments are correct. You must choose a device that is capable of delivering the current that your components require.

There are some other considerations. A normal transformer is not a voltage regulator. If the input goes up or down, the output follows along. If the device your dealer is selling does indeed maintain a constant output voltage then it is more complex than just a transformer.

As for building your own, that is relatively simple IF you know what you are doing. You are dealing with line voltage here and an improperly designed conditioner could easily be a fire and/or an electrical shock hazard.

One of the big advantage of some of these isolation devices is that they convert your AC from unbalanced to balanced. This can potentially greatly reduce the amount of noise and hum in your system.

A transformer is also not an ideal isolation device. If it were then you would not need an extra one since every amp, preamp, etc. that you have already has a transformer in it. Since a transformer does not completely isolate your components, they usually contain contain surge suppressors and noise filters so getting a box and a transformer would not be the same as buying one of these units. Devices such as the MIT ISO have filters to keep noise from entering or leaving.

As with all things in this hobby, the only way to tell if a particular device will benefit your system is to try it.

I built my own power supply using (as mentioned above) a toroidal transformer and dropping a 230V line down to 115 with 2 balanced poles. It was a great improvement. Equi-Tech makes these types of devices. I will likely use there's in the future as the transformer is likely better than the one I used.

Sean has some very valid points about Isolation transformers. due to the fact that your Digital gear produces the most noise in your system it's crucial that they be isolated from your Analog gear. Ensemble of Switzerland has been building special isolation transformers specifically for this purpose for over 10 years now, and have perfected their use for Digital audio in their latest designs. keep you Amp plugged directly to the wall where it can draw all the current it needs. once your digital gear is cleaned up and unable to contaminate your Analog then you won't have to worry about filtering your amplifier. also we have tried ballanced power devices such as the Equi-tech and found them to do more harm than good. ballanced power devices can also be dangerous and if i'm not mistaken will soon be banned for sale in the US.

Artistic audio: Can you be more specific about the dangers of balance power supplies? I used one for several years and was very happy with the sonic improvements. The transformer was rated at 6.5 kAV, so it was up to the task. Is the problem with the balanced poles going into the equipment--is the equipment not designed to handle power like this. As I said, my sonic results were fantastic, and I didn't have any of the current restrictions that I found (particularly for my amplifiers) with all other power conditioners I tried. I have not tried Ensemble. Perhaps you have more information on their unit--are you a dealer for them by chance?