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How does an...

Isolation transformer work and what does or is it doing? I have an isolation transformer in my system for my sources. It is an old Noisetrapper unit I purchased back in the mid 90's from a very dear friend.

What prompted me to ask is I am considering some sort of conditioning for my integrated (currently plugged directly into wall) and understand the isolation tranny won't support the draw. Since I'm thinking about conditioning I realized I don't really know what an isolation tranny does.

Next question, I'm considering a Furman like at AA. Would plugging the isolation tranny into it and using for sources be too much of a good thing?
Would it effect them negatively?

I know that the ultimate decision lies in what I hear but thought many of you far more experienced folk might have some insight.

Best,
Dave
corazon
mlsstl
1,484 posts
 
No, changing the winding ratio does not increase "power".

If you put 100 watts into a transformer, you will only get 100 watts out (actually slightly less due to efficiency loss).

But wattage is voltage times current. If I put in 100 volts at 1 amp of current and have a double winding on the second coil, I'll get out 200 volts, but only at 1/2 amp. I'll still have 100 total watts.

If I do the reverse, I'll have an output of 50 volts, but at 2 amps current - still 100 total watts.

Transformers can change voltage but do not magically create extra power.
corazon OP
210 posts
 
Mlsstl,

Appreciate you!

Best,

Dave
lacee
811 posts
 
I have had good results plugging my cd player into a Furman IT 15 amp balanced power conditioner, which is on a different line from my other components.

My other components are on a dedicated line and I use upscale power cords and conditioners from the same company.

Previously the cd player was in the power conditioner on the dedicated line with all the other gear, but slotted into the digital in receptacle.

The difference?

The sound from CD is now more dimensional,less flat,there's more space between the instruments and voices are more distinct from one another.

The sound has less of the digital edge or glare that it once had, and in this sense is closer to the sound of my analog set up.

One side note, I had been using the Furman on my old RPG TV thinking it was pretty good.

It's apparant now it wasn't and so it's back doing a better job with the cd player.
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