Isolation transformer benefits?

as with any audio gear, if you have an opportunity to audition before you buy, it is worth listening to an isolation transformer.

since all isolation transformers are not created equal, you may have to listen to several before finding one you want.

It will reduce noise. The closer to the components that it can be located, the better.

I don't think you would hear an improvement, or at least it wouldn't be worth the investment of the isolation transformer. I'd hold as is and enjoy the music. I assume you are using some high end AC outlets?

Ooh, you're lucky to have that street transformer all to yourself. I share mine with a lot of other houses--maybe too many. The line and the tranny hum like the dickens in winter when everyone's heating. My iso transformers make a big difference.

Your AC setup looks pretty good. I agree with Lak that decent AC outlets are worth having.

Nerspellsner, you do know that only the unbalanced load travels back on the service entrance neutral conductor to the source of a split phase secondary single phase transformer. Having all of your 120V motor loads on the opposite Line as your audio equipment is futile imo. A condensed example, if a 10 amp 120V load is connected from Line 1 to neutral and a 10 amp 120V load is connected from Line 2 to neutral, then 0 amps will travel back on the service neutral conductor back to the source, the utility transformer. The current from L1 is in series with the current from L2.
http://www.ibiblio.org/obp/electricCircuits/AC/AC_10.html#xtocid269100

I have been playing with a 2KVA iso xfmr that only the CDP is connected to. What I have read on AA is when an iso xfmr is connected between a CDP and the main power line the xfmr serves two roles. It stops line RFI/EMI noise from intering the primary side of the CDP power transformer, and stops the noise created by the CDP from getting back out on the main house ac lines. Is all this true? Makes sense to me....

What I can tell you the CDP definitely has a lower noise floor, sounds smoother and fuller, just more analog sounding.
The CDP is an Arcam Alpha 9. The Alpha 9 uses a toroidal xfmr for its power supply. The xfrm itself was fairly noisey, mechanical hum, before I connected the CDP to the iso xfmr. You could hear the little sucker about two feet away when no source material was being played. With the CDP connected to the iso xfmr I have to put one ear up close to the side where the CDP's power xfmr is located. The guys over on AA say toroidal xfmrs mechanically hum excessively when DC is on the AC power line. That one I have trouble understanding but apparently it can be there.

At the present time I have the secondary of the iso wired as a straight 120V out with one output lead bonded to ground. Thus becoming the grounded conductor, the neutral.
I made sure the iso secondary polarity matched that of the main electrical house power Line that my preamp and power amp branch circuits are connected to. Jmo this is important being my preamp and power amp are connected to the house power through dedicated branch circuits.

So I guess what I am saying you could try an iso xfmr for the CDP. Size? "Zargon" an Agon member is using a Topaz 125va xfmr. Send him an email and ask him what effect is has on his system. Oh by the way he is first running a Topaz 4.2kva iso to feed all of his system and then plugging in the 125va Topaz to isolate the CDP from the rest of his system's AC power.
Jim

Lak has disappointed me with his answer.

Mrtennis
Thank you for your contribution.

Mrtennis posts;

since all isolation transformers are not created equal, you may have to listen to several before finding one you want.

Mrtennis, are you speaking of a stand alone isolation transformer with electrostatic shielding verses non shielded? Or are you speaking of power conditioners that are using components in conjunction with an isolation transformer? Power conditioners and stand alone iso transformers are not the same thing imo.
Jim

Get a medical grade Xentek Extreme.

hi je48, without discussing issues of semantics, components which interface other components and a wall outlet probably exhibit sonic differences.

as with any other component, it is advisable to audition such a device, if possible prior to purchase.

i am not concerned with the issue of shielding or whether a product is or is not a power conditioner.

in either case, one may use the generic term accessory and still hope to audition before purchase.

I'm a believer in the Xentek Extreme isolation transformer and know it has its place in a sound system given a normal residential area, and set up. Nerspellsner states he has a dedicated street transformer that feeds his home only. Given that information, the time and cost in the purchase and instillation of an Xentek Extreme isolation transformer (depending on the manner it's installed) might not be worth the effort. In my opinion (having experimented with a similar set up a year ago at a friend's home) the benefits could be a marginal in this case.