I'm considering using an isolation transformer as a powerline conditioner with my two 501's and MDA1000 just as I used it with my previous amp.

However, this transformer has an output voltage 240 instead of the 230 for which my amps and DAC are rated. Will this be harmfull in the long run or is it well within the operating limits and nothing to worry about?


Thanks!

You should be fine.

Maybe your amps will live 37 years instead of 38 ;)

Less than 5% is nothing. Anyway I guess you have a 240V rated tranfo with a 1:1 ratio that is going to output the same voltage as the wall anyway, so that might as well be 230V.

But the question I would have, is to know if such a transfo really filters something? Mac has autoformers that let pass 100kHz, so I wonder, does an additionnal tranfo really filter spikes or does it only limit current to the amps..?

The 100KHz audio response is not what we allow to go through the power supply. Depending on model we have filtering of the AC line.

Thanks,
Ron-C

It was only an example, my point is that a transfo by itself doesn't necessarily filter AC noise.

Thanks ron.

Isolation transformers do often filter noise. Their purpose is to isolate the AC at 120 to 240 volts. Since the AC frequency is 50 or 60 Hz there is no reason to use transformers that couple at high noise frequencies...

Thanks,
Ron-C

Thanks for all the right answers ron!

A good isolation transformer that is made for noise filtering can give up to 100db of noise isolation from the source line, it is made to pass 60 or 50 Hz only and nothing else.

But will it then limit current peaks when the amp asks for them?

Thanks.

This type of transformer is usually a constant voltage output up to it's VA rating, as long as it's VA is not exceeded it will supply with no droop.

The transformer should exceed the amperage of the AC feed line. If so it will not limit power.

Thanks,
Ron-C

Wow, it seems those will be some honkin' big transformers - size and price. I'd be looking at alternatives where possible....and it would make me ask, "what is the specific problem that needs fixing again?"

Cheers,

David