Hi,
Are there any opinions on using power isolation transformers, either toroid or EI type, in a amplifier build? I’ve read some people say there’s some difference and that some say there’s none.
Not sure if there would be any benefit to using one.
Thanks
Are there any opinions on using power isolation transformers, either toroid or EI type, in a amplifier build? I’ve read some people say there’s some difference and that some say there’s none.
Not sure if there would be any benefit to using one.
Thanks
What have you read and can you summarise what you appreciate are benefits and if you understand why they are benefits?
I assume you are talking about an external transformer from your amplifier build (and that your amplifier build would include an internal power transformer)?
I assume you are talking about an external transformer from your amplifier build (and that your amplifier build would include an internal power transformer)?
The biggest “problem” is the 120 volt non-center-tapped secondary. If you’re building solid state, that limits you to a single 160-ish volt supply which means a very large capacitor coupled or even larger bridged amplifier. If that floats your boat, it will work fine. Smaller trafos work quite well to build tube amps, either running off 160 or so Volts or 320 with a doubler.
A 240 to 240CT (120-0-120) may be operated from 120 volts to give 60-0-60 or +/-84 V. You do not get full power rating, as you are limited by secondary current. You end up with a lot of magnetic headroom and it runs very quiet. I have several amps with these in them. While I would never pay full price for a transformer to be used this way, if you find one cheap it’s a good choice. A 1 to 2 KVA makes a nice 250W/ch amp.
I just bought two 110 to 480v 900VA EI core from Skycraft. Both slightly different but equally useable. Not your typical isolation transformer, but in the same general family. Makes 650 volt B+. Can run a lot of KT88s (or sweep tubes) with those.
A 240 to 240CT (120-0-120) may be operated from 120 volts to give 60-0-60 or +/-84 V. You do not get full power rating, as you are limited by secondary current. You end up with a lot of magnetic headroom and it runs very quiet. I have several amps with these in them. While I would never pay full price for a transformer to be used this way, if you find one cheap it’s a good choice. A 1 to 2 KVA makes a nice 250W/ch amp.
I just bought two 110 to 480v 900VA EI core from Skycraft. Both slightly different but equally useable. Not your typical isolation transformer, but in the same general family. Makes 650 volt B+. Can run a lot of KT88s (or sweep tubes) with those.
I’ve attached a datasheet for the type of transformer I’m referring to. I read that these will potentially filter out EMI and harmonics that might exist on the line power coming in. This would also be installed internally on an amp build.
From what I could find on the subject in some older posts on different forums, a couple people said they make some improvement, and some claimed no real difference.
From what I could find on the subject in some older posts on different forums, a couple people said they make some improvement, and some claimed no real difference.
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Ok, using it for power conditioning as opposed to using one *as* the power transformer. It can make a LOT of improvement if you have noisy corrupt grid power. Covers a multitude of sins.
It could be said that an EI would do this even better. Not that it couldn't be taken care of either way.
diy, what power supply are you using in your amp build? Will it include a power transformer similar to what you have linked to?
I'd anticipate you won't get any benefit from 'building in' that extra transformer, and it is quite likely that you will get noticeably worse performance due to causes such as mains DC overloading your toroidal transformer, and stray hum and noise coupling in to your amp circuit from the extra transformer due to its location and wiring.
Note that that particular toroidal transformer does not include an electrostatic shield between primary and secondary windings.
I'd anticipate you won't get any benefit from 'building in' that extra transformer, and it is quite likely that you will get noticeably worse performance due to causes such as mains DC overloading your toroidal transformer, and stray hum and noise coupling in to your amp circuit from the extra transformer due to its location and wiring.
Note that that particular toroidal transformer does not include an electrostatic shield between primary and secondary windings.
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Would the possible “worse performance” be because of no electrostatic shield? That company also makes toroids with electrostatic shields for a few bucks more.
Also note, I’m just trying to get a general consensus on designing in some power conditioning into an amp or preamp itself. Other than just using a filtered IEC and such. Thanks guys.
No. Perhaps if you google toroidal power transformers and DC issues, and also on hum/coupling between power transformers and wiring and sensitive parts of amplifier circuits.
Are you trying to 'design in' some mains filtering because you are having existing problems with your previously designed gear? It is good to elaborate on why you have this 'need', as sometimes posters seem to have a solution in mind when there is no problem.
toroids are wide bandwidth and are easily saturated, if you want to use them as an isolation traffo,run them at or below 1T...
flux density in Tesla...well below the knee of the magnetization curve, see crgos..
1T is well below the knee...
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I have experience with a very large toroidal line isolation transformer I think rated 10kVA (it's in an inaccessible position now to read the tag) ~16" diameter ~3.5" high ~66 lbs designed for 60Hz line (US). Subjectively very effective in reducing line noise in an audio system. It was so effective with improving sound quality, I picked up a few for friends and family. All are very pleased with the improvement, and continue to use them, and transport them when moving. I still have a couple available. If interest, I can post over in the marketplace.
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Correction to the post above. Rating is 3KVA 60Hz 120V primary/secondary 80 deg C rise, Insulation class F (which is 180 deg C), leakage 10 microamps max. Manufactured by Electromagnetic Industries 541-1-1, similar in appearance to the green one on eBay auction. Small fraction of $.
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Your post sure reads like Publicity and guess should have been posted straight in the sales section.