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Tweakers' Asylum: REVIEW: DIY Balanced Power Conditioner by Glen B DIY Balanced Power 2,000VA/250VA Power Conditioner/Surge Protector by Glen B

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REVIEW: DIY Balanced Power Conditioner by Glen B DIY Balanced Power 2,000VA/250VA Power Conditioner/Surge Protector

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Model: DIY Balanced Power 2,000VA/250VA
Category: Power Conditioner/Surge Protector
Suggested Retail Price: $1,200
Description: Balanced Power with Separate Transformers for Analog and Digital
Manufacturer URL: Not Available
Model Picture: View

Review by Glen B ( A ) on September 27, 2004 at 20:57:32
IP Address: 24.188.245.233
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for the DIY Balanced Power 2,000VA/250VA


This review follows the original post dated 6/26/04 of my DIY balanced power conditioner project. I was asked to post a review of the unit after I had used it for a while so here goes. I won’t get into all the details of the construction since that information was included in my original post. To recap, the unit employs two separate isolation transformers of 2kVA and 250VA, furnishing 120V balanced power to outlets for analog and digital components respectively. The two sections are totally separate, except for sharing of a common chassis, circuit breaker and power inlet. One significant point of note is that the unit is now a “MK-II” version (more on this below) having been rebuilt on a new, deeper chassis, employing a different 2kVA transformer along with some other changes. The revision increased the total parts cost to $1,200.00 and weight of the unit from 65 lbs to 92lbs.

The rebuild was the end result of problems encountered with the original 2kVA transformer used in the project. During initial break-in and use of the MK-I unit, I encountered unacceptable levels of hum and buzz from the large transformer. I contacted the transformer manufacturer Toroid Corp. of Maryland to discuss the problem and find a possible solution. Nothing that was suggested worked. I ended up swapping out this tranny for a 2kVA “Q” type unit from Equi=Tech. The “Q” type transformer is designed to be especially tolerant of significant power line distortion and DC and in use it is absolutely silent. The Equi=Tech transformer is also much larger and heavier than other manufacturers’ toroid offerings of similar rating (12 inches diameter, 60 lbs. vs. 8 inches, 30-35 lbs.). Try to saturate this baby.

The inrush current of the Equi=Tech tranny is also very low and measured a mere 2.4 amps on my Fluke clamp-on meter. The inrush current of the Toroid Corp. tranny was quite the opposite and required two to three circuit breaker resets to remain closed. With the latter I was unable to get a reading of the inrush current because the breaker kept opening before the meter could complete its measurement.

During my work on this project, I also discovered that the Qualtek EMI/RFI filter on the primary of the 2kVA Toroid Corp. transformer was causing a loss of detail and image. In addition, while the bass seemed more extended, at the same time there was a slight softening of the quality. When I switched over to the tranny from Equi=Tech, I discussed the issue with them and their response was that they do not recommend EMI/RFI pre-filtering because it chokes the music. I was also advised that EMI/RFI filtration was not necessary with Equi=Tech transformers. Their isolation transformer has two electrostatic shields. They did recommend Corcom filters -- which they found to have good sonics -- for isolation of digital outlets.

Other differences between the MK-I and MK-II versions include, replacement of the steel transformer mounting hardware with bronze bolts, washers and nuts; replacement of the Qualtek EMI/RFI filter on the input of the 250VA transformer with a Corcom “K” Series unit; Auricap differential filter across the input of the 2kVA tranny; the addition of “VE-1” sound deadening sheets from Parts Express to the inside surfaces of the case and top cover; substitution of uninsulated brass faston connectors with plated, high-purity copper insulated fastons.

The sound:

The first thing I checked with my system plugged into the unit and everything turned on is the noise floor. My system was already very quiet with only a slight residual hiss with my preamp volume control turned up all the way. On balanced power, that low hiss level was further reduced by about half. During quiet music passages and between tracks, the background was dead silent.

Upon dropping the first CD in its tray and hitting the play button, the improvement with balanced power was immediately apparent. The overall sound was more effortless. I found that I could listen at levels higher than usual for extended periods without fatigue. Bass was more well defined, extended and authoritative. The soundstage was also wider and deeper than before. There was also an increase in high frequency and midrange detail. Everything sounded more “there.” I could more readily pick out the placement of instruments in the soundstage. I was also now hearing subtle nuances I had either not noticed before or that were previously relegated to the background. As I continue to revisit favorite old recordings, I keep hearing new things. The old and familiar are now new again. I think the investment in time, energy and dollars on this project was well worth the end result.


Product Weakness: Heavy at 92lbs.
Product Strengths: Substantially lowers noise floor, allows more of the subtle details to come through.


Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: Classe CA-300
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Classe CP-45
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Classe CDP-.5, Denon DP-59L, Audio-Technica AT-OC9
Speakers: PSB Stratus Gold i
Cables/Interconnects: Acoustic Zen Silver Reference Balanced ICs, Acoustic Zen Satori speaker cables, Acoustic Zen Krakatoa and Tsunami II Power cords re-terminated with Furutech FI-20 and FI-25 series plugs and IECs.
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Various
Time Period/Length of Audition: 3 months
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner




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Topic - REVIEW: DIY Balanced Power Conditioner by Glen B DIY Balanced Power 2,000VA/250VA Power Conditioner/Surge Protector - Glen B 20:57:32 09/27/04 ( 16)