Tweakers' Asylum

Tweaks for systems, rooms and Do It Yourself (DIY) help. FAQ.

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remember the laws of thermodynamics?

Posted by unclestu on April 17, 2012 at 14:17:51:
energy can not be created or destroyed: all one can do is to transform that energy. The application of AC on a power transformer has what they call a magnetostriction effect on the transformer core. The hum is is unfortunately part and parcel of using a transformer.

Personally, I find that transferring that energy to a chassis which contains your actual electronics is worse than isolating the hum where it is generated. That's probably one reason why separate power supplies often sound "better": the hum from the transformer is isolated from the actual electronic circuit.

Even with EI core transformers, a routine mod for me is to mount the transformer on rubber grommets. That additional isolation adds a degree of warmth to the component and gives a noticeable increase in midrange detail. This applies not only to tube gear, but also to solid state fully transistorized gear, too. Of course, there are alternate means of warming up a circuit design, and isolation of the transformer may accentuate the issue, so be aware.

YMMV, obviously...

Stu