2. digital
  3. 1153353960

Isolation Transformers

I've been considering isolating my digital gear from the rest of my system. I've read some good information in the archives and want to know if anyne has direct experience with the MGE or Tripp-Lite units. Tripp-Lite offers a hospital grade and a base model, both appear to be hardwired. Not sure what the differences are other than cost. MDE has a hardwired and cordless model. I like the idea of using my own power cord, but not sure this would make a big difference. I'm leaning towards a 1KVA version. Any advice would be appreciated.

BTW - I don't and cannot have dedicated lines. I'm using a North Star transport and Monarchy M24 DAC at the moment.
clio09
clio09 OP
2,978 posts
 
Sabai, I did try a Topaz unit and also tried the Exact Power unit recommended by Nagarch. I actually preferred the Exact Power. The isolation transformer actually was prone to mechanical noise. At the time I was living in a triplex in CA and the power fluctuated quite a bit from 110V to 118V. When my neighbor used her hair drier or turned on her AC unit the effects the transformer made lots of noise. Probably something getting injected back into the power line causing it.

These days I use products from Alan Maher Designs. I have been quite happy with them.
sabai
2,027 posts
 
Clio09,
I am surprised to hear the neighbors affect your transformer. I have no such problems. My transformer emits a constant hum but the music drowns it out. The level of hum never changes. I bought it on Ebay. It is a high quality made-in-Germany non-balanced medical grade isolation transformer. I was hesitant to buy it because it is heavy and the shipping costs are expensive -- I live overseas. The moment I connected it I knew it was one of the most significant things I have ever done to improve the sound in my system -- a quantum leap.

Which Alan Maher products are you using?
clio09 OP
2,978 posts
 
Sabai, I was pretty surprised as well. The Topaz units come highly regarded and yes mine was heavy as well. I think they are fine units and my business partner and I have discussed building our own since he winds transformers. So I might give it another go.

For about 6 years now I have been using the Alan Maher PE's and CBF's. The PE's are plugged into various wall outlets and the CBF's are installed in my circuit breaker box. I also have one of his power strips with PE technology. The PE's provide power factor correction and line conditioning.
sabai
2,027 posts
 
Clio09,
The Topaz are highly rated. This is a mystery to me. I have some of Alan Maher's CBFs in my system. I have not seen the PEs before. I'll look them up. I use a lot of Jack Bybee's products.
clio09 OP
2,978 posts
 
Sabai, I have a set of speaker cables that incorporate Bybee technology. If you are a fan of Bybee's the Alan Maher PE's would be of interest to you or perhaps some of Alan's newer quantum designs.

The Topaz was indeed a mystery but resurrecting this thread has convinced me to revisit an isolation transformer. Thanks for that.
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