I have no explanation for why it would produce positive results. In reality, the problem is more complicated than discussed here. Let's us look at an average CD player. The transformer will have multiple secondary windings, each with a connection to the circuit GND. Also, remember you are not eliminating the leakage, only moving it slightly. If leakage is a problem, the goal should be to reduce it to zero or designing the circuit so that it is harmless.
In the mean time... this is something that (apparently) only certain audiophiles seem to concern themselves with.
You are jumping to perfection. We in the mean time seek only improvement.
Someone may design something with zero leakage someday. In the mean time.. Those who seek better sound, must settle only for improvement. Not perfection.
This system for determining power plug orientation I mentioned works to improve sound quality What it is to be called? Who knows? Audiophiles have been wrongly referring to it as power plug polarity. Its a term that tells us that the power plug will have a better orientation when placed in the outlet either as the component comes from the factory.. or, may require inversion to minimize the effects of transformer leakage on the chassis.
If the leakage level is found to be better with the power cords hot and neutral inverted? Sometimes, by simply reversing the hot and neutral terminals inside at the components IEC socket, will easily remedy this problem. The leakage will then read to be lowest because (apparently) it better drains off in that setting.
The bottom line seems to be if you have a very out of balance transformer in a very poorly designed piece of equipment reversal of the primary windings might make a difference
One AC input lead will couple better to one of the output winding leads. Even floating all the secondary windings and the circuit under power you will have some capacitive coupling to the chassis.
Yes you can get this to be extremely low. But is simple to use a high input impedance AC voltmeter to check all your gear chassis to a ground and the to each other piece of gear. For many folks it will not make a difference. But it is easy to try particularly if you have some three wire to two wire AC adapters.
You will have to modify the adapters as one prong is wider than the other. So clip the wider one or file it to match. The narrow one is normally the "Hot" lead.
One important caution that it seems some folks may need DO NOT test for the hot lead with your tongue!
So if a technician knowing the workings of transformers were to look at this PSU? He may be able to reset how the primary windings are connected to the circuit? That would improve the situation?
That's all I think I would need if that were possible.
> Am I getting closer?
FWIW, in decades of working in and hanging with serious studio engineers, I have NEVER heard of this technique. This includes some very clear-earred producers. Maybe they do it, and don't mention it. Maybe "pro" gear is better defended against power line crap. IAC, as 90% of the audio stages are before the music gets to you, I do wonder how much advantage should be expected. Just objectively. I do not wish to dispute your observations.
FWIW, in decades of working in and hanging with serious studio engineers, I have NEVER heard of this technique. This includes some very clear-earred producers. Maybe they do it, and don't mention it. Maybe "pro" gear is better defended against power line crap. IAC, as 90% of the audio stages are before the music gets to you, I do wonder how much advantage should be expected. Just objectively. I do not wish to dispute your observations.
In my system I can demonstrate it 1-2-3. Its sounds different when the plug orientation is inverted. With a VOM meter you can measure for the leakage levels and should see that the lowest level will be the one to sound smoother.
I can not speak for systems that are not transparent enough. Some folks can easily hear differences with different power cords, and other people can not. I do not think its their ears. I think it has to do with the innate transparency of each given system.
Here is the problem in wording folks.....
http://inspectapedia.com/electric/Electrical_Outlet_Reversed_Polarity.php
http://inspectapedia.com/electric/Electrical_Outlet_Reversed_Polarity.php
Last edited:
You're from England? One could say you drive on the wrong side of the road. I am from the USA. Here is what you are missing. Its a matter of how we express things over here.
Here is the problem in wording...
Reversed Polarity at Electrical Receptacles, definition of Reversed Polarity, how do we detect Reversed Polarity and why is it dangerous?
Nothing to do with anything 'draining off'. Simply that, as I said, stray capacitance will be different from the two ends of the transformer primary - and possibly from the mains wiring within the amp. The better the equipment quality, the less likely is this to be a problem. Therefore most likely to be seen on very cheap or very expensive equipment. Would be rare in mid-price domestic or genuine professional gear.GeneZ said:
This doesn't have to do with a system's "transparency" but how bad the circuit is designed and built for it to (strongly) react to parasitics in components and cables.
Yes, being sensitive to things like mains parity or cable details is not a sign of 'transparency' but poor design. That is why it is more common in really expensive equipment, where more money is spent on the good story than on the circuit design.
Have you even bothered to test this out?
This can be tested and verified on high end equipment for home use. Maybe in England you are privy to equipment the rest of the world is not? Maybe at 240 volts things run a bit differently as well. We have 120 over here. And, we do refer to AC power socket orientation as "polarity" over here was well.
How true that is.... 🙂
- Status
- Not open for further replies.