DIY Balanced AC Power Conditioner

[Glen B]

In general, are there component designs that don't tolerate balance power input?

No specific designs -- as with all other types of power conditioning devices, once in a while you will find components that don't work well sonically with balanced power.

Are the 60V output taps opposite phase?

Yes, just like household 240V (120V-0-120V).

Are the caps both across these 60 taps and the input 120V/0V leads the 0.47 uF caps you refer to.

Yes.

[twekr]

Thank you for sharing this with us Glen

Could you send me a pm with few answers please?

How important are the filters you used (corcoms ) ?

Do I need a circuit breaker ?

Is it better to use multiple transf.?

thank you for your help

[Glen B]

How important are the filters you used (corcoms ) ?

The RFI/EMI filters provide some increased noise reduction, and inter-component isolation when used on the secondary side, though they are not an absolute necessity. As a downside, during my extensive listening sessions, I found the filters to cause a loss of detail and transparency. I stopped using them as you will see in my updated pics. I tried both Qualtek and Corcom and the results were the same with both. You may find otherwise. Listen for yourself.

Do I need a circuit breaker ?

Yes, circuit breaker or time delay fuse (type MDL) rated according to the size of transformer used.

Is it better to use multiple transf.?

I find multiple transformers preferable to a single transformer with EMI/RFI filters as mentioned above. The multiple transformers IMO provide maximum component isolation without the sonic downside, though at much greater cost. Good transformers are not cheap.

[twekr]

Thank you again,

Do you think a 20 A breaker is okay for a 2000VA unit ?

I am going to try the silica sand to dampen the vibration and noise of the transformer .

Therefore the filters are not a must correct Glen ?

Should I still use the .47 uF caps on the prim and second

Do we use a resistor across to drain the caps ?

Can we use Solen caps or any hi voltage NP caps instead ?

I noticed that Audience units sell upgraded Teflon packages for an extra $1000 on their units
Do you think it will give a sonic difference ?

Cheers

[Glen B]

Do you think a 20A breaker is okay for a 2000VA unit ?

Yes, I recommend a Potter & Brumfield 20A hydraulic-magnetic breaker, available from.Digi-Key, their part # PB593-ND.

I am going to try the silica sand to dampen the vibration and noise of the transformer .

May not be good idea. How do you plan to accomplish this ? If you pack the transformer in any material other than potting compound, you may increase it operating temperature. A good quality transformer should not be noisy in the first place. To minimize noise transfer to the chassis, try extra padding underneath. I also recommend sound dampening material on all inside surfaces of the chassis. Make sure the material has flame retardant properties.

Therefore the filters are not a must correct Glen ?

They're optional. YMMV. Experiment.

Should I still use the .47 uF caps on the prim and second.

Also optional. Experiment.

Do we use a resistor across to drain the caps ?

No. Why ?

Can we use Solen caps or any hi voltage NP caps instead ?

There is an issue of Auricaps not being UL listed for use across the AC line, although the manufacturer "suggests" its okay. Same issue with Solen and other "audiophile" brands. I've been using Auricaps for over 5 years without incident. Wima X- rated film caps will work fine in this application.

I noticed that Audience units sell upgraded Teflon packages for an extra $1000 on their units
Do you think it will give a sonic difference ?

I have not tried the teflon caps and can't comment. I'm sure they're fine caps but I would rather spend $1,000 to make improvements elsewhere, like in better outlets.