[dm]

So I want to give this isolation transformer thing a try.  I hope to use it with my new Panasonic SA-XR45.  The XR45 is pretty efficient and in the manual states that it draws 130 watts.

I have been looking on audiogon and ebay.  I have my eyes on the:

OneAC ConditionOne Series PC360A (360VA, 3Amp capacity)
http://www.oneac.com/pdf/917155C.pdf

or the Powervar ABC-302-11 (360VA, 3 A)
http://www.powervar.com/english/pdf/na_std/ABC302-11.pdf

Neither web site does all that great a job of describing the units particulars.  

Which one is going to be quieter?  Less humming and buzzing?
What are the designs for these? torriods? ferroresonant?  which one is better to put in front of a digital amp?

The panny has a two prong power cord.  Which one does a better job of power normal mode (vs common mode) filtering?  I would think that for the 2 prong panny normal mode would be more important....

[dm]

http://www.powervar.com/english/pdf/wp205.pdf

Is the panny power supply a switching power supply?  If so, if you read the whitepaper above, you would think that these isolation transformers are the exact match for a panny.  It is especially interesting to note the graphs in the whitepaper that shows that voltage regulation is not what is needed for switching power supplys, but rather a low impedance load from the power source and appropriate normal mode filtering......

[warnerwh]

Due to the way power amps draw power from the wall I'd opt to go with at least a 5 amp model.  Many people have stated they've ended up with compressed dynamics using a power conditioner for power amplifiers.  I believe that receiver has the capability to use 500 watts or more.

[Psychicanimal]

I would not go for either.  I would go for a 220V/110V isolation transformer, if possible.

[dm]

I would not go for either.  I would go for a 220V/110V isolation transformer, if possible.

the units I mentioned are isolation transformers......Although they are single phase 110v, are you saying that I should rig up a 220v setup?

[Psychicanimal]

are you saying that I should rig up a 220v setup?

YES!!!

[JoshK]

PPPPPFFF...   Screw 220 unless you want to be a total dork like PA or you live in a country that is on 220.  Despite whether or not it is theorectically better, going to 220 when you are in the US is something only anal meglomaniacs (sic) do.

[Brad]

I picked up the 12 amp version of the Powervar on 'gon for a couple of hundred $$.  It's a nice weight at the bottom of my equipment rack.

I'm running everything plugged into it - biggest difference I noticed was in the improved picture on the RP HDTV.

[Psychicanimal]

PPPPPFFF...   Screw 220 unless you want to be a total dork like PA or you live in a country that is on 220.  Despite whether or not it is theorectically better, going to 220 when you are in the US is something only anal meglomaniacs (sic) do.

You just don't have a clue as to what you're talking about.

I picked up the 12 amp version of the Powervar on 'gon for a couple of hundred $$.  It's a nice weight at the bottom of my equipment rack.

That isolation transformer is passing its vibration to your rack!  Here's a simple experiment:  Place some bubble wrap under the transformer and watch the TV.  It would be best to place the transformer under good cones like Audiopoints, draining into a maple/birch slab which in turn would be resistively damped w/ rubber-cork-rubber footers, hockey pucks- -whatever works.

I'm running everything plugged into it - biggest difference I noticed was in the improved picture on the RP HDTV.

TV's are the best way to evaluate changes in power filtration ( one can see what's going on).  Also, your TV is not on your rack.

[JoshK]

I don't huh?  Re-read my post, I didn't say a thing about whether it was better or worse, just implied that it was impractical.  So what are you talking about?

[doug s.]

PPPPPFFF...   Screw 220 unless you want to be a total dork like PA or you live in a country that is on 220.  Despite whether or not it is theorectically better, going to 220 when you are in the US is something only anal meglomaniacs (sic) do.

going 220v is no more anal than getting isolation x-formers in the 1st place.  if you have the ability to tap directly into your elec'l panel, or have an extra 220v for a washer/dryer/etc, then francisco is right - 220v is the way to go.

doug s.

btw, brad - that's a decent unit, but ya should be able to get 3-4 of 'em for that price, w/careful ebay shopping.

[JoshK]

I was mostly taking the piss out of PA for being such a Romy lately.  

That said I wouldn't want to change over all my components to 220 just so I could have theorectically better power.

[doug s.]

I was mostly taking the piss out of PA for being such a Romy lately.  

That said I wouldn't want to change over all my components to 220 just so I could have theorectically better power.

josh,

yure misunderstanding pa's intent.  it is *not* to get 220v euro equopment.  it is to get an isolation transformer that takes a 220v feed, & steps down to 120v...

doug s.

[Psychicanimal]

 So what are you talking about?

Do you have a receiver or do you have separates: phono stage,  pre-amp and power amp?

[JoshK]

seperates of course.

[Brad]

Doug,

I shopped *bay for a couple of weeks without finding what I wanted - then I went to 'gon.

If you're finding the 12 amp version for $50-75 shipped, more power to ya

[Psychicanimal]

seperates of course.

Well, that's impractical!

[doug s.]

seperates of course.

Well, that's impractical!

 

doug s.

[JoshK]

doug's right, I misunderstood your intent for 220.

[hmen]

I bought a 12 amp powervar on ebay for $235. When it arrived it was buzzing pretty badly. I tightened the plate over the transformer, covered it with dynamat TAC and put a set of vibrapods under it. It now runs silently.  I really like the difference it's made in my system. Basically, it always sounds like 2AM. Almost all the grunge is gone and the bass is tighter. The biggest improvement I've noticed is in transients.  It was so easy to fix (and I'm not a DIY whiz) that I would definitely recommend buying a one used.