Solid State 110V to 220V transformer affects audio?

[Frosti]

Hello
This is not totaly related to DIY forum but since i trust your knowledge more then other forums i would like to present a question here.

I own Parasound HCA-2205A power amp (5X220W)
Its 110V (imported) my outlet is 220V
Hence i've bought 1500w STEP UP 110>220V transformer
I also own Panamax line-conditioner (110V)

The Parasound CAN be alterd (via changing jumper) to use 220V instead of 110V

My question:
1.Does the transformer affects sound?
2.Does the transformer+Line conditioner would give me worse result then modifying the amp to use native 220V? (i loose the line conditioner because its only 110V)

its worth to mention that i have rather poor electrical line that varies from 215V to 225V, and using 110V would cause less tear/wear on the AMP's electronics

[Jan Dupont]

I have several 230-230VAC/800W transformers, which I use on the Mains line to my playing gear and to my workbench

In Denmark we have a very stable and rather noiseless 230VAC Mains supply, so one may think that these transformers are not necessary, however I have experienced some improvements on sound using these.

I do not know the Panamax Line-Conditioner but I think you don't need this, if you use the 110>220VAC transformer.

Simple explanation;
As these transformers are to compare with big coils, they reject the spikes on the Mains. Also they remove any DC that may be on the Mains (a small amount of DC on Mains line is a common reason for hum).

If you do a search here for DC-Traps, DC-blockers etc., you will find many threads on this subject.

[Frosti]

Thanx Jan for replying,
I actually OWN the panamax so i have no reason not to use it, as its intended to be audio/video line conditioner so my options are either use the step up transformer+line conditioner or to modify my amp to use 220V native (hence loosing the need for a transformer and ofcurse the 110V line coniditioner)

Good day!

[Lumba Ogir]

Frosti,
line conditioners filter and smooth the power stream to reduce dips, fluctuations, interference and noise, providing isolation, cleaner power, lower distortion and safer function than just one transformer does. There is much dirt of all kinds in the electrical line. I would definitely go for the transformer+line conditioner solution.

[Jan Dupont]

Lumba Ogir;

I thought you had cleaner Mains in Sweden than we got in Denmark???

Where I live I haven't been able to detect or measure Mains noise on circuits connected through a 230-230VAC transformer, however at this moment I can only detect noise above -100dBV.

But I will agree that in areas with much Mains noise, a line-conditioner will work

[jstang]

I have an old large amp that can provide a rated 500WPC into 4 ohms...( more like 600 WPC ). It has a 2.2KVA transformer.

It can run 100,120,200,220 and 240Vac.

I ran a 240Vac 10 gauge circuit to it.... It really made a difference under heavy load. No more Rail sag or UV Meter lights dimming.... It improved the sound.

If you have a large amp that you push very hard....it can help.....


johnk

[taj]

Originally posted by jstang
or UV Meter lights dimming...
johnk

UV meters on an amplifier? There's a witty joke there somewhere, but I can't find it. That's probably a good thing.

..Todd

[Lumba Ogir]

ACD,

I thought you had cleaner Mains in Sweden than we got in Denmark???

It is pretty OK here, yet much less clean than battery supply, such purity is by no means achievable. It surely contains quite a lot of harmonic and intermodulation products and other disturbances at various frequencies.

[Jan Dupont]

Lumba Ogir

Years back I had many problems e.g. when our refrigerator or coffee machine turned on etc. Each time I've got a loud "blop" from the speakers.

Now using the 230-230VAC trafos i hear nothing, not even when listening through the Riaa input at medium Volume.

Also earlier when I turned on my power amps, I've got a huge "blop" and the lights in my living room dimmed for a sec.
I still get the dimmed light each time, but nothing is heard from the speakers.