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New Transformer on the Pole

So, I got home yesterday and my wife told me that the power was out for a few hours while the town electrical department replaced the transformer on the pole across the street. I looked outside the window and saw the new transformer--much different (nicer, more modern) looking that the old one that I've been looking at for years. You know what I'm wondering......

So, last night I got a chance to fire up the rig and do some listening and I have to tell you that I heard some noticeable improvement in the sound. The background was "blacker" and there was a bit more purity and dimensionality. Am I just imagining this or could a "transformer upgrade" really deliver sonic gains?

128x128dodgealum
almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
I suspect that the likeliest explanation is simply that your line voltage changed somewhat as a result of the transformer change. Due to some combination of differences in their nominal turns ratios, differences in their turns ratios within whatever +/- tolerance they each have, and perhaps also differences in their internal resistance.

Another possible explanation is that the transformers perhaps have significantly different bandwidths, resulting in differences in the amplitude and spectral characteristics of noise that can be coupled through them from the high tension wires to your house wiring.

In any event, enjoy! Best regards,
-- Al

erik_squires
16,393 posts
 
The newer transformers may have a lower inherent resistance/impedance. I don't know about old vs. new pole mounted, but for sure, pad mounted transformers tend to have much lower impedance, so much that the recommended AIR for service breakers may be higher if you have a pad mounted transformer than pole and are a short distance from the transformer.
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cleeds
6,014 posts
 
It's very likely that the change in transformer was part of other changes in the utility's distribution circuit, including a possible change in the voltage of the distribution circuit itself, improvements made at the electric substation and even perhaps connection to another substation entirely. Electric distribution networks are dynamic systems and utilities frequently make changes to balance loads throughout the system. Any of these changes, including the new transformer, could conceivably affect your system.
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