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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
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
5,417 posts
 
I have been following the CPT thread and find it a most interesting and affordable way to provide balanced power to a system. But wouldn't all the components involved need to use the CPT PC's, in my case the amp, preamp, transport/DAC. Balanced power would prevent any ground-loop and interference.

@lak
Your audio rig looks wonderful and I have checked out your DIY electrical work and your transformer installations.
Am I correct as stated above that all my components would need to use the CPT PCs?

@whart
I have been looking at linear PSU's, such as Teddy Pardo, but a non-audiophile PSU with a large toroidal transformer is worth a look.
Same idea as terry9.
whart's avatar
whart
3,064 posts
 
Yep, the ones Terry noted on that site are big dog units, if you can get one that matches your needs in terms of range of voltage and current, I'd much rather have an HP lab quality one, used that had been certified or checked, than some new cheapish one. 
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
5,417 posts
 
@bugredmachine.
It's a Chord QuteHD (same design as your DAC). And I got it for an amazing price, so I'm willing to pair a good Linear PSU with it.
Yes, the noise coming from the stock switching wall-wart is loud.

But my issue is two-fold; it's not only the Chord DAC, my ARC CDP sends interference/noise down into the mains.
Maybe it's noticeable because the CDP's output and my amp have very high gain.
lak's avatar
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lak
4,684 posts
 
Lowrider57,
No, all your equipment doesn't need to have a CPT power cord.
I have not done a good job of updating my two systems on Audiogon, sorry about that, I'll have to soon. Anyway, in my second system I have a CT GE high current power cord on my integrated amp and a CPT 300 power cord feeding a power strip that my transport, Dac, and tuner is plugged into. Was a very good improvement.
ptss
1,964 posts
 
Have not reviewed all posts however my experience with Tripplite Isobar Ultra 8 is that it is not suitable for hi-end use due to power constriction and noise. Dampens dynamics. I use three to isolate other digital, non hi-fi items, from the mains power and provide surge protection. 
I have been extremely pleased my Equitech 2Q and Sound Application units. 
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