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Will an Isolation Transformer Help My Digital?

I am experiencing noise from my digital components into my system. It presents as high frequency interference thru the speakers once the components are warmed up. This interference is being sent back to the mains and can be heard when music is being played or idle.

I’m using an ARC CD3 mk II CDP, Chord DAC, and a NAD CD player. I have a 20 amp dedicated line with Blue Circle power conditioning at the wall.
A Furman power strip for the low-current analogue components is plugged into the PC. Also feeding from the PC is a Tripp-Lite Isobar with isolated filter banks for the digital. The toroidal chokes in this Tripp-Lite power strip are not able to filter the digital noise.
My amp plugs into the wall duplex outlet.

I posted a thread earlier where it was mentioned than an isolation transformer used exclusively for the digital components might resolve the noise/interference problem.
I read in the archives about the use of a Tripp Lite IS250HG Isolation Transformer to isolate the CDP/DAC.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000ET7Q6/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_img?_encoding=UTF8&colid=29XG41GAZ363K...

So, I’m asking if this would be a solution, since I don’t plan on running another dedicated line. (too many reasons to list).
128x128lowrider57
dragon_vibe
430 posts
 
You should contact Ralph Karsten of Atma-Sphere. He has a Power conditioner that weights over 200lbs. It supposed to be installed near the breaker box and you run dedicated lines into the audio room.

This is what he has to say about them. They are fully reconditioned by Atma-Sphere.



They run off of 240V so you have to hook it up to your breaker box. You would then feed your audio room with the output of the Elgar. It has enough current to easily supply your entire room, even if you had a set of MA-2s.

It regulates AC voltage (no need for a variac) and uses a massive transformer to isolate the AC output. There is then a low distortion oscillator that is locked to the AC line frequency- the unit compares this oscillator to that of the output of the transformer and applies a correction signal to a feedback winding on the transformer. The result is a low distortion sine wave all the way up to full power, free of spikes. It puts
**all** high end audio power conditioners to shame.



I think he sells them about 4500.00 Us dollars for a Single Unit and that is all you will ever need it can handle both your theatre room and audio room and dedicated lines can be sent into your bedroom or office etc etc. Where ever you need Clean Distortion Free Pure Sine Wave.



rhljazz
1,255 posts
 

My thought is one of your components is going south.  Do you have another source to try?  There is no way a properly functioning component would do what you describe. 

My answer is the transformer will accomplish nothing.  Have tried everything just plugged into an outlet?

erik_squires
16,400 posts
 
I agree, it's more likely you have a bad device. This sounds like a digital power supply nearing the end of it's life.  Getting a noise isolation device is just going to mask the problem until smoke comes out the top. :) 

Best,


Erik 
bombaywalla's avatar
bombaywalla
1,958 posts
 
I am experiencing noise from my digital components into my system. It presents as high frequency interference thru the speakers once the components are warmed up. This interference is being sent back to the mains and can be heard when music is being played or idle.

I’m using an ARC CD3 mk II CDP, Chord DAC, and a NAD CD player. I have a 20 amp dedicated line with Blue Circle power conditioning at the wall.
A Furman power strip for the low-current analogue components is plugged into the PC. Also feeding from the PC is a Tripp-Lite Isobar with isolated filter banks for the digital. The toroidal chokes in this Tripp-Lite power strip are not able to filter the digital noise.
My amp plugs into the wall duplex outlet.
lowrider57, you've had your system for a while & this seems to be a very recent thing.
So, what has changed in your system that created this interference?

How are you certain that it's from the digital equipment? All the components you cited are in wide use & mostly modern built meaning that hi freq clocks radiating out of the box is almost a very low possibility.

I'm thinking that you have a ground loop somewhere given that you use a power conditioner + a Furman power strip + a Tripp-Lite Isobar. One of these items is coupling to the RF noise & putting it onto your amps such that you can hear it thru your speakers. 
almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
Hi Lowrider,

I read through the prior thread that I think you are referring to, to refresh my memory. Given that the noise was considerably less when you used the CDP’s stock power cord instead of the upgraded power cords you tried (the upgraded cords presumably having greater bandwidth than the stock cord, and therefore providing less attenuation of high frequency noise over a significant part of the spectrum), and given that the noise was eliminated when you plugged the CDP into different and more distant outlets, my guess is that the isolation transformer stands a reasonably good chance of resolving the problem. Obviously, though, I can’t say that with certainty, in part because its specs provide no indication of what frequencies its "35-65 db noise suppression" apply to. So that spec is pretty much meaningless.

Also, what was the upshot when the Sunfire tech looked at your amp, with regard to the fact that its chassis was inexplicably not connected to its safety ground?

Best regards,
-- Al

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