AC Balanced power

**RSCOMPONENTS** · 01-21-2003 02:23 PM

It seems that one of the best ways to improve the sonic performance of equipment and solve hum problems is to have a balanced power ac suplay.The principle looks simple,its a 1:1 transformer with a center tappe on the secundary,that wil be aseembled in a way that insted of the 110volt(230 in europe) between active and neutral or(and)earth,will give 1/2 of that voltage between one leg and earth and that same voltage between the other leg and earth out of phase 180º.Exactly the same principle of balanced audio,the range or swing of the voltage will be exactly the same 110 volt (230) between the active(leg 1) and neutral(leg2).The result of the interferences that may appear are add out of phase so the result should be ZERO.Is there any one of you that had tryed this with good results?,what transformers used?
Im thinking of trying it myself,any comments are wellcome.

Cedar Flat Fats · 01-21-2003 03:07 PM

I bought one of these $1500 “rocks”. IMO it didn't make much of a difference. Certainly not as much difference as going through my electrical system and replacing the breakers and ac receptacles in the building. I think the main gain achieved with one of these things is all your gear will be connected to one source for ground and the improvements that are exhibited with this type of thing has more to do with that than the balanced power part. I have one of these I would like to sell if you’re really that interested. Fats
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tannoy, Dynaudio, Blue Sky, JBL, Earthworks, Westlake, NS 10's :D , Genelec, Hafler, KRK, and PMC
Those are good. …………………….. Pick one.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

**realdynamix** · 01-21-2003 03:35 PM

;) Some power supply's don't like to run under spec, and will become starved for extra current. I have used an isolation (auto) transformer with a switch that draws a bit more, leaving more than enough for gear to draw from. For your power, check around for auto-transformer /isolation transformers. They are small, and heavy with through out's and stepped outs. Low, Med, High, and have a switch to dial in the overage needed. A difference of 5 to 10 volts can eliminate some power supply hum problems. I do not run high power amps through this, but if I had that kind of draw, like 1400 watts on a line, I would need it for smaller supply's. It basically loads one side of the transformer, with a lessor tap on the other wind, always assuring enough reserve.
--Rick

**cjenrick** · 01-21-2003 05:19 PM

If you want the ultimate, hook up a Variac Automatic Voltage Regulator to a Pacific Power Source single phase variable oscillator. The variac keeps the voltage constant and the power source puts out a perfect sine wave without all the power line gremlins.
If you really want the ultimate, figure out a way to make everything run off of big batteries.
The transformer might work, but I wonder if the breakers would trip if you had a problem.
(wait a minute, aren't I the same guy who floats the ground on his guitar amp? )

**realdynamix** · 01-21-2003 05:36 PM

The transformer might work, but I wonder if the breakers would trip if you had a problem.
(wait a minute, aren't I the same guy who floats the ground on his guitar amp? )

[/QB]

That is a very good question! As for the gear, I would hope it's internal protection would kick in, but it could be meltdown to china on the secondary, hee hee. How about a nice big power full amp, and rock-steady frequency controlled oscillator set at your 50, or 60hz. With volume = voltage...mmm better start grabbing up those QSC amps laying around., or is it QAC?, or SAQ?, I dunno, but they are Moansters.
--Rick

**Tommy P.** · 01-21-2003 06:54 PM

Great post.
I built one of these last year for my small home/computer based setup. You can build larger as needed. It can make a noticible difference(up to 20dB) depending on how much electrical garbage is being reflected back into distribution lines in your area. Also,having proper electrical wiring for connected equipment, and achieving a "technical" ground, and "star" grounding will help with the results. Check out the links below.
All credits to Jon M. Risch:
http://www.geocities.com/jonrisch/catch2.htm
And his main page:
http://www.geocities.com/jonrisch/index2.htm

Edit: I think I need to mention this. You need some professional electrical skills to build these things. Otherwise it can be fatal to yourself or someone else. Be safe.
Tommy P.

**RSCOMPONENTS** · 01-22-2003 10:08 AM

Thanks a lot.Great links!

**newhall** · 01-22-2003 03:08 PM

Originally posted by Tommy P.:
Great post.
It can make a noticible difference(up to 20dB) depending on how much electrical garbage is being reflected back into distribution lines in your area.

When I was living with my parents I was doing some recording and noticed a tick tick tick in the guitar amp. I tried every amp in the house and same thing. Not loud, just very faint when cranked. wondering what it was I started to turn off everything in the house. I eventually turned off every breaker except the outlet under the breaker box and it was still there. My guess is it was an electric fencer from a farmer down the road reflected back on the lines.

Jesse

Thread: AC Balanced power

LinkBack

Thread Tools

Display

Similar Threads

DIY Studio Power Conditioning / cleaning up dirty power

Balanced power

Rack gear / power conditioner / power cords

GFCI recepticals/balanced power, Rod?

Eliminating noise with Balanced Power

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions