2. misc-audio
  3. 1186160029

Anyone cure hum with isolation transformers?

I'm not talking about mechanical hum, but ground-loop type hum. There are a number of affordable isolation transformers available, and I'd like to hear from people who have successfully used them to eliminate this issue. What other effects did the isolation transformers have on the sound of your system?

Thanks in advance!
bondmanp
bdgregory
1,715 posts
 
I'm not sure if this is the type of isolation transformer you're refering to, but I used on of these: Ground Isolation Transformer to eliminate a ground loop caused by my TV cable connection to my HT system. It worked great with no apparent adverse sonic affect.
jameswei
883 posts
 
I've been able to reduce noise and cut hum using Jensen transformer isolation devices. I've observed no adverse insertion effects from these. Here's a link:

http://www.jensentransformers.com/iso_aud.html

Check out their CI-1RR and CI-2RR products (about half way down the web page).
bondmanp OP
1,821 posts
 
Thanks, all. Due April's flood, I am just now about to reassemble my system. I will work backwards from the amp in order to locate the source of the hum, then try the appropriate device. I'll report back.
bondmanp OP
1,821 posts
 
Well, once everything was connected, the hum was gone! Go figure. However, the ac power is still a bit noisy, and there is a much lower level buzz, audible only quite near the speakers. I will address power filtering, but for now, it's a back-burner issue.
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