What are the limiting factors for floating a particular power supply or circuit above its return potential? Is it just the transformer and wire insulation ratings? I imagine that device ratings should not be a problem, since the difference in potentials all remain the same when floated?
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I've never floated a supply - but the only factor I can think of that you didn't already mention is capacitance - the floating secondary of the power supply transformer will have some parasitic capacitance to the primary. Most likely it's too small to be of any consequence for audio.
AC power transformers routinely withstand over 2000 volts to pass Hipot
tests. You can get isolated secondaries or electrostatic shields if you
want them.
😎
tests. You can get isolated secondaries or electrostatic shields if you
want them.
😎
electrostatic shields increase C to each winding they're in between so the load effect would actually be worse
the easy way to minimumize pri-sec C is using split bobbin EI power transformers
a standard construction is "universal/international" double/reinforced insulated - for domestic line V these have to pass a 4KV HiPot test
they are actually better than many "traditional" tube power supply transformers on capacitance, insulation V rating
for even more fun you could float a single polarity supply with anti-phase driven H-bridge output
the easy way to minimumize pri-sec C is using split bobbin EI power transformers
a standard construction is "universal/international" double/reinforced insulated - for domestic line V these have to pass a 4KV HiPot test
they are actually better than many "traditional" tube power supply transformers on capacitance, insulation V rating
for even more fun you could float a single polarity supply with anti-phase driven H-bridge output
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