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I just completed construction of my DIY balanced power line conditioner and thought I would post some pics. My design uses two separate transformers, one for analog components and the other for digital, each preceded by its own EMI filter. The two sections share only a common circuit breaker and IEC power inlet.The transformers were sourced from Toroid Corp. of Maryland. Both units were made to order and delivered in ten business days. The transformers seem very well made and the larger unit comes with 10 gauge leads. Hum from the large unit is inaudible with my ear more than one or two inches away. The sales and engineering staff at Toroid Corp. were pleasant to deal with and very responsive.
The Furutech receptacles, Auricaps and Wattgate 350 high-current IEC I used to retrofit the 15A IEC on my Acoustic Zen power cord were sourced from Chris VenHaus, who is always a pleasure to deal with. The aluminum and steel chassis came from Par-Metal Corp., a rack-mount equipment chassis maker in New Jersey. Other parts came from Digi-Key Corp., Allied Electronics, A+ Supply Company, Parts Express and Welborne Labs.
Parts List:
2000VA and 250VA balanced isolation transformers.
Qualtek high-current EMI filters.
Furutech FP15A silver isolated ground receptacles.
Auricaps.
Pass & Seymour 20A dead -front GFCI switches.
Carlingswitch 20A hydraulic-magnetic breaker.
Schurter 20A IEC inlet.
Par-Metal aluminum & steel chassis.
Mono-crystal and OFC wire.
Miscellaneous hardware.
Follow Ups:
Transformers that are oriented in the same plane will always "couple" more signal between them than transformers that aren't oriented in the same plane, even if located the same distance apart. As such, if you have the room ( can't really tell from the photos ), you should take the smaller transformer and turn it on end. This can reduce crosstalk by as much as -40 dB's ( depending on the field strengths involved ).Other than that, it looks like you put a lot of TLC into this project and it shows. Kudo's to you for not only attempting something like this, but for actually completing it and having it turn out as nice as it did. Sean
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Actually, during construction I did consider side-mounting the smaller transformer but it turned out that the chassis was not tall enough.
That tells me that you were paying attention to small details and the total package, which is pretty evident with how the end results turned out. I should have known better, but i thought i'd pass it on just in case you weren't familiar with the research done in that area. Best wishes and good listening... Sean
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Can you comment on your grounding scheme, please?For example, I believe that you mentioned that the Furutech FPA15s are isolated ground (despite your excellent photography I can't really see if the green grounding line on the back attaches to the brass frame ground band)...
Assuming the outlets are isolated ground, I assume the iso grounds get hooked together and then go back to the center tap on the transformer. Is that right?
And the frame ground... the box is grounded and that goes back to the incoming A/C ground? Is that right?
Or are the A/C (frame) ground and the transformer center tap ground connected? (and I didn't see provision for a second, separate, dedicated ground line into your box)
Sorry if this is a bone-headed question, but I'm trying to work through a design myself and I'm trying to ensure it properly accounts for the necessary safety aspects.
My design is a two piece layout with filters, transformer, GFCI in one box connected with a fat cable (twist-lock connector) and a rack-mounted distribution panel containing the outlets, bypass caps, and volt/amp/freq meter. I'm trying to figure-out the maximally safe and performing ground system for the distribution panel.
P
The ground wires from the receptacles, transformer centertaps and shields, EMI filters and incoming AC line ground are all tied to a single point. To accomplish this, I have bare solid #12 copper wire looped around all of the terminals on one side of a barrier strip. All of the ground wires are connected to the opposite side of that strip. If you look carefully at the area the arrow points to in the picture, you can just barely see the bare copper looped around the terminal strip. Don’t read too much into the “isolated ground.” The Furutech FP15 outlets come only in an isolated ground version. I have been using the FP15s in the wall and my modified Chang line conditioner for a while now since they first became available from VH Audio. I chose them for my project based on their performance, not grounding method. Standard ground outlets would have worked just fine in my setup with the grounds attached in the same way.
Thanks very much for your reply.If you don't mind, I'll pose a follow-up question. I'm faaar from an expert (in fact, I'm barely knowledgeable) in this field, and I'm trying to learn from the design trade-offs that you made. So, please don't think I'm being critical. I'm just being curious.
Were you not concerned about the possibility of noise on the ground line in your design? I see all this beautiful isolation on the hot and neutral lines, but a ground that's tied-together. Is this just not that important?
Of course, I can see that your design is very safe. Would it, in your opinion, be less so if you brought a second ground from the service entrance to serve as equipment ground, and connected the transformer center taps (and the isolated outlet grounds) to that? Or is there no advantage to the scheme I'm describing at all? I know that this sort of "extra ground wire" scheme is common in recording studios (though I haven't seen it used with technical power).
Thx,
p
I see no advantage to running separate grounds. With balanced power voltage and current is not present on the ground. Noise is cancelled out. Equitech has excellent information on balanced power at their website. You should pay a visit if you have not already done so.
I called both Toroid Corp and Plitron have about a 8 week lead time. Bummer man. I had not planned on doing any more projects, with the fine sound I am now getting but I have to do this.ja in clear and sunny, Tucson, AZ
The Elaborate DAC=55/76 or 27 Balanced Preamp=Balanced Six Pacs=Newform Research 645
Well, I'd say 8 weeks lead is not too bad. In my day job, we're buying a bunch of 2 MVA transformers ("M" not "k" VA). A lead time for these is a half-year minimum, possibly 8 months.
yesterday. :^) Lets see, 2MVA, how much could I power with that? A couple of more amps I bet.ja in clear and the sun going down, Tucson, AZ
The Elaborate DAC=55/76 or 27 Balanced Preamp=Balanced Six Pacs=Newform Research 645
I purchased the two transformers for my project separately. In both cases I was quoted lead times of two and three weeks respectively. Both transformers were delivered within ten days of the order date. You may find that all of the transformer manufacturers have significant lead times.
I was playing with interstage transformers and I got to know the owner of Edcor. They are inexpensive but he doesn't keep them on the shelf. So when I said I would like to purchase a couple for my dac he said he would do a special run that weekend and then he sent them to me for free!. Great guy.ja in clear and hot, Tucson, AZ
The Elaborate DAC=55/76 or 27 Balanced Preamp=Balanced Six Pacs=Newform Research 645
I am putting this on my list of DIY projects! Wish I had the $$ to do everything I would like.Have been looking for a Power Conditioner that did not inject it's own signature into the system,how neutral is this keep us abreast as to how the sound changes in the future.
LG
Excellent job...Give your unit a ful month to break in and then try this:
Get a full 18" x 18" rubber/cork rubber sheet from a refrigeration supplier, put a maple slab of the same size on top and listen to your unit. Then get a set of good vibration draining cones (Goldmund, Walker) and let them pierce the wood. Get ready for a total WOW! factor. I use this setup with non resonant, Caribbean Moca wood under a Clear Image T4 (Goldmund cones) and the improvement is stunning. If you want I can e-mail pictures of the inside of a T4 and you'll get a good idea of how important is to damp the transformers and drain away the remaining vibrations.
P/A
I do plan on doing some vibration deadening tweaks.
Very nice job! I agree with Psychicanimal about the importance of vibration control for power line conditioners/isolation transformers (just as important as doing it for source components and amplifiers, IMHO). My modest Powervar 4.0 isolation transformer (only used for source components) is placed on it's own small MDF platform with carpet piercing spikes, and a set of four Bright Star Audio Isonodes (large) are placed between the Powervar 4.0 and the MDF platform. The Isonodes are only about $20 per set (large version) and are available with free shipping direct ordered from Bright Star Audio's website. Cheers :-)
What I'm telling you is not a tweak. I never knew vibration could adversely affect the electricity and subsequent quality of music in such a dramatic way. The improvement in clarity, resolution and soundstage size will be *stunning*.Before you try this, your transformers, wiring and outlets must be fully broken in. I've tried Marigo cones and they ear nowhere as effective as the Goldmund cones. I use a 17" x 17" IKEA lack table top w/ spikes just for my Clear Image T4.
Do you have any concerns using the Auricaps instead of "safer" Y-rated AC capacitors? Most of what I have seen recommend AC rated capacitors, but I would be interested in hearing otherwise.
X rated caps are rated for AC line/neutral use. Auricaps are not. I've tried x-rated caps and they sound like crap compared to the Auricaps. I use them only where they can be contained within a metal enclosure (electrical box or chassis), and also use a heatshrink layer around the cap body to prevent any abrasion to the skin. From a technical standpoint, it cannot be argued these caps are "rated" for line use, but in the real world they are used by many companies and individuals on AC without incident...Another discussion about this may be found here:
A while back I checked with Chris Venhaus of VH Audio who sells the Auricaps. According to him, the manufacturer says they are okay for AC use.
My concern also; I'd try talking with the engineering/app's dept's of some major manufacturers (Sprague? Mallory?). Love to see the UL spec or guide card on AC rated caps, but: UL, though somewhat "non-profit" and god bless 'em for being there, doesn't give away much of anything for free, except for the excellent wire & cable marking guide. Phone contact is a labyrinth from hell. In fact the UL organization is a rabbit maze, with their focus being 95% manufacturer, and 5% consumer, IMO. That's why you pay to get listed. That's why cheaper HP printers use wall warts.If the builder of this project is who I think it may be, he has serious daytime credentials in the electrical biz, and shudders, as do I, at the revuers and homeowners installing "dedicated" circuits, floating grounds, installing "dedicated" ground rods.
I wouldn't on a bet, give-away the scheme for the device, unless and until I had a liabilty lawyer put a full, engineered disclamer of liabilty on the drawing. Then I'd sell it for at least $50 a copy...
Beauftiful job and engineering; expected nothing less from an (assumed) IBEW crafstman.
I'm curious what the 250VA transformer is for.
See the link
...that the smaller one is for his digital gear.Quoth the builder, from the original post:
"My design uses two separate transformers, one for analog components and the other for digital, each preceded by its own EMI filter."
many different types of cases that include aluminum. What size did you choose?Thanks,
ja in cloudy, breezy and warm, Tucson, AZ
The Elaborate DAC=55/76 or 27 Balanced Preamp=Balanced Six Pacs=Newform Research 645
I chose the 3 rack unit high x 14 inch deep case based on a combination of economy, strength and shielding. I figured the steel would do a better job of supporting the 35lb. weight of the larger transformer. BTW, I reinforced the bottom with an additional steel plate which I attached with epoxy cement and bolts.
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The total cost was about $900.00.
.
> nt
Thanks,
ja in partly cloudy, humid and warm, Tucson, AZ
The Elaborate DAC=55/76 or 27 Balanced Preamp=Balanced Six Pacs=Newform Research 645
I completed the project just yesterday and only spent about 20 minutes sampling a few CD tracks. From the first few notes, it was immediately evident that the bass sounded deeper and more extended with balanced power.
x
Gorgeous. Your attention to detail is to be especially commended. Each lead just the perfect length, and everything dressed nicely with cable ties.Wow...
I've just started planning a similar project myself (having bought a transformer from Equi-Tech). I hope my work is half as good as yours!
.
nt
Glen,I'm using a MIT Duo Iso conditioner that is working well to isolate the digital from the analog. However, with the lid off, it looks like a toy compared to yours.
Marty
That's a very nice power cleaner-upper. Can you hear the difference?Poinz
Glen,That was an outstanding project, very professional looking, and very nice photos. Please post a review after you have had a chance to use it awhile. Can you say how much the toroids cost, and how much shipping was? I visited their website and the balanced power toroids don't have any prices listed.
Thanks,
James
The toroids cost $178.00 and $270.00 respectively for the 250VA and 2000VA. Shipping by ground was about $12.00. Balanced power transformers are made to order. You need to e-mail or call to get a price quote and lead time. Specify "bare transformer" and "potted" in your request.
;^)
The unit looks great, and very professional. Could you share the method you used to cut out those AC receptacle holes on the chassis?Thank you,
Kevin
Thank you for your kind words. To make the receptacle holes I first cut rough shaped holes with a Craftsman rotary tool and metal cutting wheels then removed the excess metal with a nibbling tool. I then followed up with the rotary tool and deburring stone to clean up each hole.
Thank you for the information, I will try it next time. Now I know why it looks so nice.
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