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I'm trying to find a more smaller, more elegant, affordable solution for isolation of my digital components.
I am currently using 2.5KVA Topaz isolation transformer.
TIA!!
Julien
"There's someone in my head, but it's not me"
Follow Ups:
I use a Tripp Lite LC1200 Line Conditioner for my computer but would not use it for my digital front end.
I suggest a used PS Audio Ultimate Outlet (often listed on Audiogon for as low as $150) with an upgraded AC outlet being highly recommended, IMHO (a rather easy mod, IME).
Thanks Duster...I already have a Soloist in one of my two double duplex boxes.
Do you think it might work as well as the Ultimate Outlet?
Julien
"There's someone in my head, but it's not me"
Yes, however the Soloist can't be modded with other make/model AC outlets as far as I understand...
Is that so?
....it was more involved than just swapping receptacles.
I tried a search to find where I had read about it. I haven't gotten very far.
I haven't tried it!
Julien
"There's someone in my head, but it's not me"
Of dirtier analog stuff, but not for digital. For digital, I DIYed Jon Risch's Iso Tranny and it works like a charm! It does filter and you have a choice of two levels of filtering, but I would NOT use it for my main amp/receiver.
I used larger Voltage/amperage on the secondaries, so I can drive both my CDP and my DAC; Jon's original formula with RS trannies of that size would only do the CDP.
Do you think they will have the capacity to handle a transport and Dac.
I would think so but I always like to have another opinion, especially when I know little of what I'm speaking about.
:~)
Julien
"There's someone in my head, but it's not me"
What you want is enough wattage (amps times volts) across the secondaries to accommodate the needs of the 2 devices, plus some percentage above that for "overhead". So I'd say, look at the specs for the 2 devices (manuals or sometimes listed on the machine itself) in terms of watts it uses, add them both up, multiply by say 120% and you have what you need across the secondaries. Then look at your trannies (they are supposed to match exactly) and multiply their specs (amps times volts) across the secondaries. If they total more than the 120% figure derived above, you should have enough.The RS trannies probably don't have that much.
What yours have should be 24v X 10A = 240 Watts (or volt-amps). So compare that to what the 2 devices would draw together times 120%. 240 Watts sounds like plenty to me, but I'm only guessing here. You'll want to make sure before you do the build.
According to Jon, the reason for using low voltage trannies across the secondaries has to do with safely using the R-C array filters in those values between them. If the voltage gets too high it might be dangerous. Consult Jon Risch or his original design posts.
Also, Jon recommends measuring the voltage on the secondaries and a particular placement of them between source and components based on which is the higher output; I don't remember the formula, but I think this part may not be super critical.
At least, the above is the way I understand this. I'm no EE nor an electrician, though.
Edits: 06/01/10
Transformers are rated by volts times amps, or volt-amps, because the size and material of the core limits these capacities in this way. Component name plates may list power consumption in watts or current consumption in amps. Taking watts as roughly equal to volt-amps is OK for this exercise (usually volt-amps are slightly higher). If the name plate lists amps, multiply the amps times the nominal AC voltage.
The transformers in Jon's filter also serve to absorb some of the RF noise, and the input primary winding offers some surge protection. The possible downside with transformers is acoustic noise. Some of them hum under normal line conditions, and the hum can be annoying.
Having excess capacity is good as long as the transformers are not noisy.
Jeez, Al. Only took me, uh, how many years? LOL
bartc, I read the John's posts after I found the catalog.
Your correct about his reason for using step-downs with the secondaries connected together (low voltage).
In the SQ&D ISO post he states the transformer with the highest output secondary should be used as the input.
This place is truly a treasure of information. I have posted several times about John posting his Geocities notes in the FAQ section of The Asylum but they always seem to get deleted. I'm not sure why and don't care to speculate. There is never any explanation, the post just disappears.
Would you care to venture a guess?
Much thanks
Julien
"There's someone in my head, but it's not me"
Hey bartc.. I also did a John Risch SQ&D Digital ISO Tranny, but I used the original RS trannies. Since I made the move to separates I started using the Topaz
It is big, unsightly and does hum slightly.
I have a Signal DU-.5 that I could use or I could go the SQ&D route with a pair of larger trannies. I just wonder if after i get a decent case, power cord, and a couple of nice receptacles, would the Tripp-Lite be a viable, more cost effective option?
Thanks for your valued opinion.
BTW, I must agree, used within it's limits, John's SQ&D ISO works great (Thanks John!)
Julien
"There's someone in my head, but it's not me"
Sadly, my Iso Trannies also vibrate. I'm afraid that all transformers do so some extent, so don't let that alone dissuade you. Just compensate for it.
Here's the rub: Isobar and other Tripplite products do have some of the kinds of components that Jon Risch does not recommend having in your AC system. At least I think they do: switches, MOVs, etc. So swapping the outlets and the PC and the plug, still gets you the same metal case (for good sheilding or detrimental effects, I don't know which!), and the same no-no components. That's why I don't use it with my amp/receiver; only with my sub and an RF amp I use for FM reception, as those seem to benefit from the shielding and filtering rather than losing something. Amps lose something, as do CDPs IME with these products.
If you're going to the trouble to construct something from all good parts, just go the whole hog and do another Iso Tranny. Do a good job of vibe control, use some ALan Maher Infinity units over the trannies. The R-C array is sort of built into the design already. Do consult Jon on the right values if you change from his formula.
And I simply don't know whether you're better off with a metal box (shielding) or a non-metal one. If you go for metal, please do take Al Sekela's advice and avoid ferrous metals altogether.
Someone was willing to give up their Tripp-Lite. That's the only reason I had given it any thought.
Putting together a larger SQ&D Digital ISO is the direction I'll head in. I'm going to keep an eye out for a pair of suitable transformers on EBay, then I'll look for an aluminum case as budget allows
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate it!
Julien
"There's someone in my head, but it's not me"
Hi,
Look at a Blue Circle Audio PLC (Power Line Conditioner) Thingee - I have one and it works great on CD and DVD front end gear. Not pretty, but does a very good job at a decent price, if you don't want the DIY approach.
Mark
Thanks! It looks like a great product and the price is right!
The only problem I see is the one Duster mentions, concerning the PS Audio Soloist I already have installed. That is not being able to experiment with different brands/makes of outlets.
Thanks Again
Julien
"There's someone in my head, but it's not me"
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