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Does an isolation transformer improve a power cable?

In a post dated 12/14, I described how I built my DIY AC power cables. In evaluating these new cables over the first 100 hours, I am hearing parts in music I did not know where there--instruments are standing out in sharp relief with a more robust dynamic and improved clarity. All of this is coming through via Furutech's Ohno Continuous Cast copper, a brand I am not here to promote--rather, it is the one I chose to obtain a legitimate OCC material. These cables are feeding two ARC Reference 210's, modifed to 250's. But, what appears to make as important a contribution is what is feeding the AC cables their current--a large 240V/120V isolation transformer weighing 120 pounds and supplying 4000 watts of work to all of my devices via six outlets on the back. What I am understanding is that this thing provides a more ideal supply of current that is independent of the rest of the house and its appliances and devices. With all that is said about power cables and what they can and cannot do, depending on one's beliefs about alternating current, i.e., what is upstream, how could it matter, what about the rest of the grid, the last six feet is important, etc, I suspect that, in using a true induction transformer in this manner, the last six feet is the only six feet in my power supply, and this is why these OCC cables sound so stunningly good. Is this the purest AC energy pathway possible?
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lak's avatar
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lak
4,681 posts
 
IMO: The Isolation transformers should clean the AC line going to your audio outlets giving you a blacker background hence you hear more details in the music. The actual power cord can also inhance the sound.
This is what I've been doing for power filtration in my system for the past 18 years or so. I'm not sure if answered your question or if I'm capable of answering it in technical terms.
jafreeman's avatar
jafreeman OP
693 posts
 
Lak--yes, the isolation transformer does provide a clean, stable current. My amps read 121 volts input with these large AWG cords, but what I am doing here is plugging my transformer into a 240V wall outlet I installed using 10-2 Romex. The transformer sits under my equipment--it is right there, next to my amps. From the transformer's outlets, I am running these new OCC AC cables directly into my amps' IEC receptacles. What I am seeing here is that there is no grid upstream--just six feet of ultra pure copper as the "last" and only six feet of AC cable--a private power grid. Correct me if I am wrong, but this appears to be a breakthrough realization in providing ultra smooth, quiet power, even though there is a core in the transformer that appears in diagrams to be a material link between the two windings. Even so, this arrangement is giving me something that asks for further consideration. I would like some more input from those with some expertise, Lak included.
scvan
99 posts
 
Isolation transformers are used to isolate electronics/ devices from the primary source of power. The benefit of this is that the ground is now independent of everything else so ground loops can go away and short high spikes in electricity do not affect the other side.

In your use, you may be getting some positives from the ground loop issue. Also if you have "dirty" electricity with a high frequency noise in it that is probably being filtered out. A transformer is basically two inductors with a iron loop connecting them to pass the field. At high frequencies inductors act as resistors.

So based on the cable you are using I think you believe in the need for quick clean power to your amp to deal with the high frequency shifts caused by power changes on the power supply in your amp. An isolation transformer will most likely do the opposite, it will not allow the amps power supply to fluctuate quickly.

If you want really clean power that is isolated you would need a bunch of batteries and a really good inverter, much like you see in many high end solar projects.
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