Power Transformer size influence on preamp sound. - Page 2

sofaspud · 4th January 2013, 08:57 AM

Just to add... VA is not equal to watts. VA is a measure of apparent power in AC circuits.

DF96 · 4th January 2013, 10:02 AM

Some people expect to see (or read about) unreasonably huge transformers/capacitors. In order to ease the extraction of money from such people you have to provide them with what they expect.

Robert Kesh · 4th January 2013, 10:48 AM

We're talking preamp here. Overrating is a process of diminishing returns. 100VA is already overated for pretty much any preamp. So 200VA won't make any improvement.

Erlend Sæterdal · 4th January 2013, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert Kesh

We're talking preamp here. Overrating is a process of diminishing returns.

Thank you ! And more capacity on regulators will compensate for a smaller transformer ?

analog_sa · 4th January 2013, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erlend Sæterdal

Thank you ! And more capacity on regulators will compensate for a smaller transformer ?

It won't. More capacitance will present a heavier load for both transformers and rectifiers. Results are unpredictable at best.

There may be some science explaining the optimum ratio between power, current capacity, impedance and diode ringing but it's far from clear. Nothing gets you results as fast as comparing several trafos and various amounts of capacitance with your own ears feeding the preamp/dac in question.

It may turn out you really cannot hear the difference between a 10 and a 100VA transformer

Erlend Sæterdal · 4th January 2013, 12:25 PM

I do not think I can hear difference if the transformer is bigger than what is needed. I can hear difference for everything else and capacity even on output off Shunt regulators. I know capacity for shunt regulators should be low. I prefer more than recommended.

JMFahey · 4th January 2013, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Hi anybody have some exsperience with power transformers size influence on sound in a pre or dac ?

Yes. There is no difference.

Quote:

If 100 VA is enough will 200 then be better ?

No.
100VA is overkill.
200VA is over overkill.
Smashing an ant with a 20Kg hammer is the same as smashing it with a 10Kg one.

Cobra2 · 4th January 2013, 02:11 PM

Yes. There is a difference. I have in several projects used/ended up with very oversized trafo(s). And not only me could hear the difference....
In my last riaa, I used 300VA, 50VA would been good...but did not sound as good.

Arne K

DF96 · 4th January 2013, 02:14 PM

Possibly the extra weight damped a chassis resonance?

Erlend Sæterdal · 4th January 2013, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DF96

Possibly the extra weight damped a chassis resonance?

Yes yes yes

It is what I believe . How was your supply Cobra ?

4th January 2013, 08:57 AM	#11
sofaspud diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: San Antonio	Just to add... VA is not equal to watts. VA is a measure of apparent power in AC circuits. __________________ It is error only, and not truth, that shrinks from enquiry. - Thomas Paine

4th January 2013, 02:11 PM	#18
Cobra2 DIY ! diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Stavanger, Norway	Yes. There is a difference. I have in several projects used/ended up with very oversized trafo(s). And not only me could hear the difference.... In my last riaa, I used 300VA, 50VA would been good...but did not sound as good. Arne K __________________ Ars longa, vita brevis

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4th January 2013, 10:02 AM	#12
DF96 diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2007	Some people expect to see (or read about) unreasonably huge transformers/capacitors. In order to ease the extraction of money from such people you have to provide them with what they expect.

4th January 2013, 10:48 AM	#13
Robert Kesh diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2012	We're talking preamp here. Overrating is a process of diminishing returns. 100VA is already overated for pretty much any preamp. So 200VA won't make any improvement.

4th January 2013, 12:25 PM	#16
Erlend Sæterdal diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2007	I do not think I can hear difference if the transformer is bigger than what is needed. I can hear difference for everything else and capacity even on output off Shunt regulators. I know capacity for shunt regulators should be low. I prefer more than recommended.

4th January 2013, 02:14 PM	#19
DF96 diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2007	Possibly the extra weight damped a chassis resonance?