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Good to see you posting again

Posted by rickmcinnis@dogwoodfabrics.com on January 6, 2017 at 13:12:39:
Not sure if it is my chokes that are humming - now I wonder if it the split bobbin HAMMOND power transformers I use for DAC and buffer power!

I am using two SIGNAL DU2 isolation transformers - one for analogue and one for digital - using chokes before and after each of these and another pair at the sub plate amps. In the digital side I have a choke near the DAC supply input and the same for the analog side at the buffer supply input.

Have been working with AC supply lately and think I have found a good way to do this in the minimalist way for materials and expense.

Using only two AC plugs - FURUTECH copper which I have wired with the 10 gauge wire you can get from APEX JR leading to each DU2. I am using these copper connectors: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Blackburn-Copper-Mechanical-Connector-8-Stranded-to-14-Solid-Wire-5-Packs-of-2-Case-10-Total-Pieces-L35-B2-5/202405835?MERCH=REC-_-PIPHorizontal1_rr-_-202487478-_-202405835-_-N. These are used to connect to the transformers and for wire junctions further down the line.

All IEC input connectors have been removed from components. Instead I am using the NEUTRIK POWER CON connectors for my ONLY AC level connector. There is a length of wire from the connector to where the previous IEC thing was. The other half of this connector is connected by the appropriate length of wire back to a junction made with the above mentioned copper connectors. There is only one "break" in each AC line to each component. The only AC receptacle is the one in the wall - there are no others used. All of the POWER CONS are inline - the panel mounts do not impress me -

Using the 10 gauge wire you can get three ends into each of the copper connectors. Depending on how many lines you have will determine how many junctions you need to make and whether you decide to use two connectors and bolt them together (with brass hardware) or just to use the screw down provision. I cover the junctions with plenty of ribbon I make from silk cloth just because I have access to it.

There is no comparison of the quality of the connection with the POWER CONs compared to any IEC. No more of those spring loaded connections except at the wall.

I cannot imagine a simpler less obtrusive set up.

I figure my AC is about as good as it can be.

At this point the SIGNAL DU2s are not in steel boxes - they are on a very thick piece of cardboard (almost an inch thick) and one can hear a slight hum coming from them as opposed to a buzz. I do not doubt it would be better to get them in a steel (not aluminum) box but I cannot find one and will have to make something one of these days.

One good thing about the isolation transformers is that you can use toroids if you want to. Thinking about trading out the buzzing split bobbins for toroids. The toroids in my First Watt amps make no noise at all. never thought i would see myself writing that!

No other AC filters are used. I tried the Jon Risch filter and I was reminded of an early Harry Pearson line about "painted ships on a painted sea" to describe the resulting sound. Depth and air were eliminated. Sounded terrible I am sorry to say since Mr. Risch is one of the best fellows in this hobby. That filter was designed a long time ago and maybe the caps I was using were the problem (paper RIFAs - I have read the paper WIMAs are much better). At this point I am not interested in pursuing the filter.