Isolation Transformer or Power Regenerator


How are they different? Is one better than the other?

Let’s first just I assume that I have bad power. I have a Topaz 1.8 (.9 balanced) that I put my McCormack DNA-1 Deluxe (SMcAudio silver upgrade) on recently and the difference in sound was night and day. Was expecting subtle changes but not dramatic changes. The amp right out of the wall did not sound very good at all, which just did not make sense…it’s a good amp. Putting the iso in line explained why. So, my feeling is I need to get fresh power to my entire system. The Topaz in balanced form may have just enough headroom to squeek by (according to Steve McCormack) with just the amp on it. More would be better.

So, should I get a higher power iso (Topaz, Oneac) for the amp and using the existing one iso on the other gear? If so, does it matter if it is a IE-core or Torroid? Some say EIs let less noise through, some say a good Torriod will equal EI in terms of noise reduction and create less noise (EMI) than an IE. Any final verdicts on this?

Or would it make more sense to get a (Exact Power, PS Audio Power Plant Premier) power regenerator and put the whole system on it. Would any of these have enough headroom to cover my whole system?

I already have a dedicated 20A line to this system. Looking for bang-for-buck solution.

My System:

TADAC Tube Pre/DAC = 25W According to Paul at TAD)
Apple TV = 20W (according to Apple)
DIP (Original) = 10W (according to back panel)
Tivo HD = 40W (according to tivocommunity)
Video Switcher = (don't know but could it be much?)
TV = 240W (according to manual)
McCormack DNA-1 Deluxe = 400 (according to SmCAudio)
Paradigm PS1000 powered (250W/750W peak) Subwoofer = I can’t find this, any ideas? Let’s say 375

TOTAL = 1110W
cpalcott
A single PS Audio Premier (or 1000) would not have enough 'reasonable' available power to run your whole system.
Also: the PS Audio regenerator is basically a single frequency 60hz amplifier. Thus it uses more than twice the power it generates. So if your electric bill is $25 a month just for your system, it will go up to $55 just for your system. this is a down side of regeneration no ads mention.
I own a PS Audio Premier and the fan turns on just for my Plasma. With a lot running, it will be a small heater, with a noticable fan noise.
So if you wanted a PS Audio to run everything, you should get two of them. Also be aware they make the A/C sinewave better, but still not perfect. they still have a small residual distortion. one percent or so.
For a isolation transformer, you get better efficiency. and can still get the 60v/60v technical power output (balanced power)
the difference of E trans vs toriod?? I do not know.
i own a Furman REF 20i I bought used here for $1,400., a Monster 7000SS conditioners also. (both have toroids)
So i am big on conditioning. (And have a PS Audio P600 used, on the way, for it's unusual ability to run up to 120hz... a feature I intend to play with)
Some little company (I lost the site) makes a wall mounted toroid with balanced out. (It was a ivory metal round case with a short cord to the wall, and an outlet, it mounted on the wall next to the outlet) priced like $100. to $300. i wish i kept the link.
I used to use an Adcom 315 just for the Forte 4a amp I used to own (sold the amp AND the conditioner to the same person to use together). That worked well. You really do NOT want to have the amp strain to get enough power. so you would want to conditioner with the amp on it to be only at 50% max of capacity.
I use a separate conditioner (monster) for digital, and the Furman for analog, including amp.
Power cords still add to the mix. and i have just recently discovered quartz crystals to help clean up the A/C. Subtle but the icing on the cake, once you have a cake you want.
Anyway. good luck
stop fooling around with 'stand-alone' power iso or re-gen systems. instead; do both at a much more effective level (both in performance and cost) with a 'whole system' isolation transformer.

get an Equi=tech Wall Panel System and enjoy the lowest possible noise floor and the ultimate in dynamics. get that 'late night' performance all the time. be done with the power conditioner merry-go-round.

i have the 10KVa (10WQ) version. it weighs 380 pounds and is mounted on (in) a wall in the hallway outside my dedicated room. it replaced the dedicated electrical panel for my system. i run 13 circuits off the Equi-tech.

it makes all other power conditioners/isolation transformers look like toys.

depending on the model, including installation by a commercial electrician it will run you $10k to $15k. but start adding up all those stand alone boxes and then upgrading to the latest and greatest 'power conditioners' every few years and the Equi-tech likely will save you money. that's not even considering that every piece of gear you have will get an upgrade with better power.

i have friends who actually saved money installing an Equi-tech by selling their 'collection' of expensive power conditioners.

the Equi-tech also takes protection to a whole new level.
Main panel to two 5 KVA Xetreme isolation transformers to sub-panel that feeds three major audio systems. Two used isolation transformers for $800. Works very well. Just a way to save some bucks. Not for everyone.
http://cgim.audiogon.com/i/vs/i/f/1165156824.jpg
note of caution. if you are dealing with installing an isolation transformer into your home make sure you follow local code requirements.....or your home owners insurance won't cover you in a fire related to power.

the Equi=tech is fully UL rated and is up to code.

some 'esoteric' wall panels are not code and not UL rated. when you install an isolation transformer the limiting part is the quality of the panel and the breakers.
The device Elizabeth refers to maybe the Goertz balanced power outlet. Interesting idea. I have no exprience with it.