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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?
128x128jafreeman
mikelavigne
2,200 posts
 
reading thru this thread there are lots of numbers being tossed around about output of isolation transformers, gauge of wire, and such things.

what appears to be unclear is what sort of amperage is being supplied to these devices from the power grid of the household. an isolation transformer plugged into a 20amp circuit cannot output 4000 watts.....no matter what it's output capability might be. the limitation will always be the amount of amperage input.

stand alone boxes not hard wired into the power grid have limitations as to output. and they typically cannot fully supply the needs of high powered amplifiers.....although there are exceptions. mostly they will limit dynamics of very high powered amplifiers. it's about how much headroom the power grid has to handle musical peaks at those moments when the amplifier demands lots of power right now. line sag comes thru as compression and hardness in the music.

stand alone isolation transformers plugged into a wall outlet can predictably effectively power source gear as they don't have the same huge momentary demands on the amperage.

it can become a choice between lower noise and more dynamic energy when deciding to use a stand alone isolation transformer....or not on power amplifiers.
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jafant's avatar
jafant
19,901 posts
 
Jafremman,

Richard Gray Power Company makes the "Sub station" isolation transformer in both 102/240V options. It has been in production for more than 10 years. Yes, these devices serve as a resivor for clean power reserve. Additionally, these devices clean your power coming into your dwelling from your power company's line-transformer. Very cool stuff indeed. Lastly, consider a dedicated line for your gear if you live on the "grid". Keep me posted & happy listening! JA
scvan
99 posts
 
I am getting at is that, if this is a truly isolating transformer, then there is nothing upstream of it--forget about the house and all the big appliances.

No.... If you have a drag on your power system, like a big appliance you will have the same drag on the other side of the transformer. The electricity is not made at the transformer it just isolates it from the other side.
If you want to eliminate the reactive noise coming back up the ground you can lift the ground. I don't recommend doing it long though.

As stated above by another poster, these sorts of things are really used in hospitals, industrial use and labs that need to protect incredibly sensitive electronics.
Remember, in your amp there is already a transformer so theoretically your rails are already separated from the electrical mains. And those transformers are typically balanced out so you are getting those same effects of cancellation already.
jafreeman's avatar
jafreeman OP
693 posts
 
Jafant, yes, I have had the 240V/120V Substation and the upgraded to the RM Pro for even more power and outlets. Yes, I have a dedicated 240 volt line, made from 10 AWG Romex and a 30 amp breaker.
Svan, even though power is not made at the transformer, it makes a lot of power available. Mine receives 240V via 30 amp service = 7200 watts. It steps the voltage down to 120V and preserves 4000 watts available for devices, and, as claimed by the manufacturer, it is all isolated from the house. My amps tell me this--they read at 121 volts constant. The Substation before it that outputted 2400 watts gave them 118 volts constant. No need to lift the ground--the house ground is not involved, again, as claimed--no ground loop issues at all. And this is what I am experiencing during listening. The amps are perfectly quiet and there is no effect on the sound from my house, including an electric range, the furnace, AC, 1/2 horse garage door opener, etc. If you read the claims made by the makers of these transformers, and if you believe them, then all that is left is to try them. I have them, and they have given me stellar results, and I live in a first-ring suburb with above-ground wires on poles that are > 40 years old. The neighbors' appliances don't bother me, either. But what I originally posted was a question about my new AC power cables, and I am answering yes to my own question, and I stand by this.
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