BPS

[Ali Tait]

Just been on the phone with James (sovereign) who was kind enough to sate my curiosity on the secondary voltages of his Airlink BPS. In order to get the best noise rejection, the secondaries need to be balanced exactly, both reading the same voltage to earth. Good news is they do indeed match, so they are doing their job properly, so well worth the asking prices IMHO

[Gazjam]

That's great info Ali, was going to measure mine when I got my own hooked up.
Sounds like Airlink know what they are doing. :)

[Ali Tait]

Aye, good to know they measure as well as mine does.

[wee tee cee]

so ma hoose isnae goanae imolate in the night!!!!

[realysm42]

Chaps, if you've got a mains conditioner already, would one of these help more, or would it be overkill?

I've got an Isotek Aquarius on duty, but I was pondering plugging it into one of these?

And how do you install them, is it something you plug into the wall?

Thanks.

[Ali Tait]

Nah, not unless you spill yer beer on it!

[Sovereign]

Chaps, if you've got a mains conditioner already, would one of these help more, or would it be overkill?

I've got an Isotek Aquarius on duty, but I was pondering plugging it into one of these?

And how do you install them, is it something you plug into the wall?

Thanks.
You can get plug in versions of BPS units that you simply plug into the wall, then plug your hifi into the BPS. You can also get hard wired versions that you have to wire into your house mains yourself.
Mine is actually a plug and play version that I have turned into a hard wired version as I don't like too many plugs on plugs. Thats just me being a fuss pot.
I was not expecting my BPS to make too much of a difference as I already use an AG1500 regenerator but the difference was substantial.

[Ali Tait]

Chaps, if you've got a mains conditioner already, would one of these help more, or would it be overkill?

I've got an Isotek Aquarius on duty, but I was pondering plugging it into one of these?

And how do you install them, is it something you plug into the wall?

Thanks.

Some folk seem to get good results from both, best way is to try for yourself. Maybe someone near you could come round with one.

[Gazjam]

Martin,
If you got a good result from your conditioner I'd reckon you would benefit from a balanced mains.
In my own system (with crappy mains quality) the balanced mains gave a more substantial improvement.

I've a cheapie Belkin conditioner which I'll be using with it, to isolate anything with a switching supply.

[Chops]

I've a cheapie Belkin conditioner which I'll be using with it, to isolate anything with a switching supply.

+1. The benefit of this approach were most clear for me.

[Ali Tait]

Aye, I use two Belkins, fed from the BPS.

[TheMooN]

I was not expecting my BPS to make too much of a difference as I already use an AG1500 regenerator but the difference was substantial.

It would be most interesting were we in a position to compare an PS Audio P5~£2,899 /P10 ~£4,395 against initially an AG1500 ~ £499 alone , and then in combination with an AirLink ~£450-£550 .

[realysm42]

Interesting.

Lol here we go again :eyebrows:

So, are these plug in units sensitive to which mains lead you use with them? I'm guessing yes.

I've got an mcru ultimate lead; I could get Dave to chop it in half, one for the bps, the other to go into the isotek... What do you think and thanks for the advice.

PS. I bought the Aquarius as a deliberately over specced conditioner for the system, I'll never draw more than 100w, its meant to be able to deliver 3,000+ continuously. I assume its a good idea to do the same here? My logic is clean power is one thing, having enough is another.

Pps. should i just try a bsp, or a conditioned one?

[Figlet108]

It would be most interesting were we in a position to compare an PS Audio P5~£2,899 /P10 ~£4,395 against initially an AG1500 ~ £499 alone , and then in combination with an AirLink ~£450-£550 .
+1

There's *MANY* of us on multiple forums waiting for this comparison.
It's just a question of time and opportunity I guess...

[realysm42]

Sorry to bombard but also looking at the spec of this:

http://www.airlinktransformers.com/balanced_power_supply/standard_balanced_power_supplies/BPS1502/

It says it only delivers 6.5 amps, isn't that a strangler right there?*

*I don't really know what I'm talking about here, in case you couldn't guess

[Ali Tait]

+2. That would indeed be interesting.

[Figlet108]

Martin, there's no point getting the 1500va version as this 2000va version is the same price and gives you 8.6amps:
http://www.airlinktransformers.com/balanced_power_supply/standard_balanced_power_supplies/BPS2020/

It's just that it's hardwired, but that's easy to deal with.

I also don't formally know what I'm talking about but it seems that going for bigger VA transformers lowers impedance and increases max currrent capacity which conventional wisdom says will be a 'good thing' for sound.

On the downside bigger VA transformers are more expensive, heavier, bigger and hum louder...

[Ali Tait]

A lower impedance may or may not be an improvement, but you want to ensure it is capable of supplying adequate power. 6.5 amps gives you just short of 1500 watts of power, 8.6 amps gives you just short of 2000 watts (measured at 230 volts)

For peace of mind, get protection fitted to both primary and secondaries as Gary did with his.

[Ali Tait]

If hum becomes a problem, contact Nick and buy one of his dc blocker boards. Killed the hum in mine stone dead.

[realysm42]

Thanks chaps.

Ali, do the company do the protection themselves or is it after market?

[Ali Tait]

There is an option to have it fitted before it leaves the factory, though cannot be fitted to some due to size constraints.

[Chops]

Martin, there's no point getting the 1500va version as this 2000va version is the same price and gives you 8.6amps:
http://www.airlinktransformers.com/balanced_power_supply/standard_balanced_power_supplies/BPS2020/

It's just that it's hardwired, but that's easy to deal with.

I also don't formally know what I'm talking about but it seems that going for bigger VA transformers lowers impedance and increases max currrent capacity which conventional wisdom says will be a 'good thing' for sound.

On the downside bigger VA transformers are more expensive, heavier, bigger and hum louder...

Some while ago, Ali got some numbers from Airlink - 2kva (not sure if this was a filtered model) is 0.46 ohms,and the 5kva is 0.16 ohms. Also, although its more expensive, the 5KVa has the additional protection that I think has been discussed, so price not quite as big as it seems and in the context of things it's not that big.

Maybe overkill but I went for the 5kva. No regrets.

[Ali Tait]

Aye no harm. Might even sound a tad better.

[Figlet108]

Agreed Chris, and most likely the one I'd get.

Although before I commit I'd love someone (yes I'm looking at you Sov.) to try it AFTER the AG1500 just to see how that compares...

If it was better than BEFORE the AG1500 I might rethink my strategy.

[realysm42]

Cheers chaps, I can't get something hard wired where I live as the place is rented. Baring that in mind what do you think would be best?

[Ali Tait]

This one has protection on the secondaries.

http://www.airlinktransformers.com/balanced_power_supply/standard_balanced_power_supplies/BPS2110S/

[Ali Tait]

Or ask Gary which one he got with added protection.

[realysm42]

Gary, what say you?

Ali, who do I speak to to get the transformer hum hidden please?

[Ali Tait]

Nick (Lurcher). I can give him a shout if you like. I'd suggest you get the thing and try it first though, might be fine.

[realysm42]

Cool, I'll have a look.

Do these thing some with their own mains leads, or do I need to look into that?

Does decent isolation help?

Cheers Ali, helpful stuff.

[Gazjam]

Martin, there's no point getting the 1500va version as this 2000va version is the same price and gives you 8.6amps:
http://www.airlinktransformers.com/balanced_power_supply/standard_balanced_power_supplies/BPS2020/

It's just that it's hardwired, but that's easy to deal with.

I also don't formally know what I'm talking about but it seems that going for bigger VA transformers lowers impedance and increases max currrent capacity which conventional wisdom says will be a 'good thing' for sound.

On the downside bigger VA transformers are more expensive, heavier, bigger and hum louder...

That's the one I went for, with RCBO protection on the secondary power legs based on Ali's advice.

It's hardwired into the ring main and the different bits of kit are hardwired into a junction box I made for the job.
Its stored in the next room where I run a second system from it too.

On switch on it buzzes for 15 seconds or so then its totally silent.

Safety first, but eliminating as many fuses in the path as possible.

[Ali Tait]

Aye no worries, glad to help. Not sure about the leads, don't think so. Depending which you get, you'll need to wire in your own.

Isolation? Dunno, not tried it beyond putting some heavy duty rubber feet on the box I built. Doubt it'd make a difference , it's just a transformer at the end of the day. Compliant isolation may help if there is any mechanical vibration though.

[Gazjam]

Gary, what say you?

Ali, who do I speak to to get the transformer hum hidden please?

Hi Martin,
I got the 2KVA hardwired one linked to earlier, but with additional protection.
16amp RCBO on the Output and a 6amp (I think) MCB on the input.

16amp on output is defo correct, will double check the input rating when I get home early in the week.

Airlink were absolutely spot on in addressing my concerns and providing what was needed.
The Airlink guys will look after you.

I don't get any buzz from mine, but its in another room anyway!
It's sitting on thick carpet.

[realysm42]

This one has protection on the secondaries.

http://www.airlinktransformers.com/balanced_power_supply/standard_balanced_power_supplies/BPS2110S/

If I buy this one, I can just hook it up to a normal plug right?

And if its got the protection you've mentioned, then all the better. Looks like I'm onto a winner and will be plugging my isotek in upon delivery.

Cheers Ali :yesbruv:

Nice one Gaz, I'll give them a ding tomorrow!

[Ali Tait]

Aye, if you have spare mains lead, just remove the IEC and wire it in.

[Sovereign]

Agreed Chris, and most likely the one I'd get.

Although before I commit I'd love someone (yes I'm looking at you Sov.) to try it AFTER the AG1500 just to see how that compares...

If it was better than BEFORE the AG1500 I might rethink my strategy.

I'll see if I can swap the BPS and AG1500 round this week, it means stripping it down as it's hard wired, but I would like to give it a go.
Mind you when I hard wired the BPS in a couple of weeks ago I got the shock of my life as my wife turned the RCD on as I was working on it, POW what a shocker! A top tip would be to communicate with others in the house, unless my wife turned the power on on purpose:scratch:
With concerns of humming, I have had two BPS in two different properties and they both hummed louder than I would like.

[Sovereign]

Garry, what is your take on the different it makes to the sound of your hifi?

[Gazjam]

The BPS?
I'd sum up by saying that the background mush that I wasn't even aware of just dropped away, letting the music I didn't even know was there come through.
A few of us were present when we plumbed it in, and whilst its an overused term sometimes, it really was a night and day improvement.

I dont believe the BPS adds or "changes" anything in your system, it just lets you hear what's already there which might have been previously masked.
If you already have good quality mains you'll have less to clean up, so a less subjective improvement. This sounds reasonable as Ali didn't have anything near the same level of improvement with the same BPS in his system at home.

So what were the effects of it in my system?

Hifi wise;
Increased dynamics, more open soundstage, far better micro detail, cymbal shimmers, voice inflection that kind of stuff. Everything sounded cleaner, more open and unforced.

Musically (and this was the biggie for me);
Far better sense of interplay between the musicians playing, the POINT of the songs came through more obviously...sad songs sounded sadder and the emotion just came through in the singers voice. It wasn't just the singer or the lyrics but the story they were telling and the way it was told.
The instruments sounded more realistic and natural which drew you into the performance more.
That kinda thing.

The one track I remember that summed up both of these was Lou Reed: Perfect Day.
Hifi wise bigger more open soundstage, better projected voice and instruments...the speakers did a far better job of disappearing.
But what you took away from it was the guy's story, what he went through, how he was feeling.

That, to me, is what a good stereo should do over and above admiring how well the Hifi stuff is doing.

The BPS makes the best of what you have by getting rid of what's stopping it from doing so. The subjective improvement is dependant on the quality of your existing mains I guess, mines was terrible!

Compared to a mains regen unit I heard (Power Inspired AG500) the improvement is more obvious, immediate and (importantly) brings the music not the Hifi to the fore.

I never realised just how much of an impact mains quality can have in your systems performance..I'd say to anyone now to look at a BPS before spending £££ on that upgrade as you won't be hearing what your system is capable of.
Music Studio's around the World can't be wrong.

Hear one in your system first if you can as the improvement depends on the quality of your existing mains.
It's not thousands of pounds and it will improve your system.

Big shout out to Ali Tait for letting the local Goodfella's hear his, and for the help he gave me in getting the safety stuff right with my own BPS.

[Sovereign]

Interesting, I was just expecting a couple of lines of info. Mind you it was insightful.
I want to play around with the order of my BPS and regen to see what difference it makes. If any,

[Gazjam]

Didn't just reply for you James :) quite a bit of interest in these things...

[realysm42]

I'm thinking of holding off until I move in somewhere for good; I can get it hard wired in then, instead of chopping up power leads etc.

Thanks for the info Gaz!