Balanced Mains Transformer - WOW! - Hardwired Installation log (Pic Heavy!) [Archive]

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Gazjam

25-06-2013, 03:17

Having heard a balanced power supply in my system at a AOS get together at mine, the upgrade to my system really made me realise what my next step was. It really was a no brainer. Balanced power suplies work and they work really well.
I didn't realise my mains was so bad and how detrimental an effect this can have on your hifi system's sound - mains is VERY important guys!

With this in mind I decided to "hardwire" the balanced mains unit into my property rather than buy a standard Mains Unit with 13A sockets that you plug in like a distribution block. My thoughts were to "Do it once and do it right": the hardwired approach would allow a much more direct connection between my hifi and the balanced mains and in turn my mains supply.
The mains transformer is set up in the next room, the output cable fed through a hole in the adjoining wall, feeding the junction box behind my hifi rack.
Understandably this was a far more serious investment than swapping out a set of cables or even plugging in a "standard" balanced mains unit, which effectively is just a very fancy mains distribution block.
No, what I was proposing in my system was more hardcore and potentially more dangerous too.
It was important therefore not to take the safety aspect of this installation lightly, and I had researched on various forums, read up on UK electrical safety and had the ear of an expert in these matters who advised me on things I wasn't sure about. Additionally all work was inspected and ok'd by an electrician before I even switched on.
IMPORTANT BIT
This was what I did in my system, I would say to anyone reading this; take a view on your own system and your own comfort level with mains electricity! Mains electricity can be lethal and if your not sure get a professional in, buy a standard BPS unit or - JUST DONT DO IT!
I am not offering any electrical advice...this post is really just for illustration of what I did in my own system.

PART ONE : PREPARING THE WIRING
AIRLINK BALANCED MAINS TRANSFORMER - HARDWIRED - TOP PLATE REMOVED
http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/189/c7n2.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/189/c7n2.jpg/)
Note the 2 circuit breakers - important! MCB on the input and RCBO protection on the output - safety first!
http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/94/6p2l.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/94/6p2l.jpg/)
http://imageshack.us/scaled/large/90/dlas.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/90/dlas.jpg/)

Think of wiring a plug, Live Neutral and Earth..right?
Exactly the same principle here. The Transformer has TWO sets of internal terminals, 3 in each set for L,N and E)
INPUT TERMINALS: Taking the 230V feed from the wall socket/Ring Main
OUTPUT TERMINALS: Outputting the "balanced" output from the transformer to your equipment.
http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/838/utxu.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/838/utxu.jpg/)
The output cable from the transformer could be terminated in several ways; one or more 13A sockets...could wire in a mains distribution block in...or (IMO) the best option, a hard wired "Hydra" type junction box. (I show how I construct this later)

You'll notice in that last picture that there seems to be extra green/yellow earth wires coming from the earth terminals?
That is becasue the case of the transformer needs to be earthed too, not just the equipment attached to it.
There are various "earth points" attached to the inside of the case, basically copper bolts screwed on, which makes sure the case is effectively connected to earth and therefore safe.
These bolts came in very handy when wiring up the individual mains cables internally at later stages of the install.

When making up mains cables, as Illustrated HERE: http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?25163-Mains-Lead-Assembly&p=434959#post434959, you want to connect up the cable shielding to earth at the plug end to send any EMI or RF picked up by the cable to earth and stop it from affecting sound quality.
But if theres no plug and its going into the mains transformer...what do you do with the shielding? How do you channel away the EMI/RF?
Thats where the earthing posts on the case of the transformer comes in, after preparing it properly you just attach the shielding to earth.

PREPARING THE CABLE
http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/94/d4gv.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/94/d4gv.jpg/)http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/837/yex2.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/837/yex2.jpg/)
Cable Shield gathered as strand, heatshrinked and tapped into earth point on transformer case.
http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/855/v7ct.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/855/v7ct.jpg/)

CONNECTING THE TRANSFORMER TO THE WALL - HARDWIRING
Normally you would just plug these things in, and you would be able to switch it on and off at the plug switch. My Balanced transformer had two switchable circuit breakers which completely cut off the power to ANYTHING connected to its output and input terminals. These breakers, effectively, functions as the aforesaid plug switch and allows local termination of supply and are properly fused with MCB/RCBO protection. With this safeguard in mind I decided to continue maximising my mains potential. If it were possible I would have run seperate spurs from my consumer unit to my hifi system, but as I was unable to do this for practical reasons I looked to the next best option. I wanted to get as close as I could to the ideal for my situation, so I "hardwired" my balanced mains into the ring main instead of just plugging it into a 13A socket. Instead of the ring main wires (L,N and E) being internally connected to a double 13A socket, I connected up the wires internally to a 60A terminal block, which in turn I connected to the input wires feeding the Transformer. These connections were verified for safety and were neatly hidden away inside the patress behind a blanking plate. This blanking plate replaced the 13A double socket and allowed a neat entry point for the Transformer input cable.
http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/90/cjv.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/90/cjv.jpg/)
http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/802/nfgd.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/802/nfgd.jpg/)
ITS STARTING TO COME TOGETHER - INTERNAL WIRING ALL DONE (I run two systems off the balanced mains, hence the Belkin mains block)
http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/40/juxo.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/40/juxo.jpg/)

PART TWO: CONSTRUCTING THE JUNCTION BOX
Rather than fitting a mains distribution block at the output of my Transformer, i decided to remove all the unecessary breaks in the cable which could affect sound quality and again hardwire as much as possible. Based on threads read here on AOS I initially planned "star earthing" all earth wires from the mains cables coming from my kit. Research dug up that this was a preferred way internally wiring mains distribution blocks (I believe MCRU and Mark Grant do their blocks this way?), but FURTHER research showed that the benefits of bringing the common wires together at a single point could bring advantages not just for earth, but for Live and Neutral wiring as well. Nordost in fact employ this star construction in their "Thor" mains block (£1600!!:stalks:) so the theory must be sound.
(At this point I must show grattitude here to a certain Roy K. Riches for the invaluable information he gave freely on constructing the junction box and other mains related information)

Think of a 13A plug...it has three screw terminals for the three wires in a mains cable.
The junction box uses that exact same principle except it combines more than one cable for each screw terminal, all same coloured wires go to a central point, all insulated from the other two terminals.
IT WAS ALWAYS A CASE OF SAFETY FIRST So I had to decide on a British Standards compliant electrical enclosure for the junction box, and the correct rating of internal screw terminal blocks for the internal wiring. I did my research, bought in my parts and started constructing:

IP55 BS COMPLIANT ELECTRICAL ENCLOSURE (Note the side entry holes for the different mains cables)
http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/521/eo.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/521/eo.jpg/)
Two pieces of wood bonded to electrical enclosure using "no more nails" - ROCK SOLID electrically safe base for constructing the internals of the junction box.
(Upper piece of wood cut into U Shape to better physically seperate the three different electrical screw terminals)
http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/69/n2wk.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/69/n2wk.jpg/)
ELECTRICAL TERMINALS "SCREWED 'N GLUED" TO WOODEN BASE
http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/585/fdik.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/585/fdik.jpg/)
BEGINING TO HOOK ALL THE WIRES TO THE JUNCTION BOX
http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/534/5je6.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/534/5je6.jpg/)
http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/13/nvis.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/13/nvis.jpg/)
http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/22/2tr.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/22/2tr.jpg/)

AGAIN PLEASE NOTE THAT BEFORE ANYTHING WAS SWITCHED ON ALL WIRING WAS CHECKED AND DOUBLE CHECKED THAT EVERYTHING WAS INSULATED AND ISOLATED PROPERLY - SAFETY FIRST!

PART THREE - THE FINISHING TOUCHES
I run a Belkin PF30 mains conditioner in my system, which I found to have been an effective way to help minimise the damage inherant in some of the switching power supplys used in my sytem, Tivo box, Routers etc.
Looking for a way to incorporate it into the balanced mains I decided to hardwire THAT into the junction box and any equipment with switching power supplies...? Plug it into the Belkin!
Hopefully this is an effective way of isolating the switched mode power supplies from the "important" pieces of my hifi; the amp, Dac and Server.
Whilst I was there I decided to remove the captive lead on the Belkin and hardwire a far better quality of mains lead to it, in fact the same 4mm Sq cable I was using elsewhere in the install. I was never convinced that it was a good idea that something proposing to be a mains cleaning product was fitted with what to me seemed a sub standard mains cable.
So out with the old cable and in with the new one, some pics:
http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/801/tgkc.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/801/tgkc.jpg/)
http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/607/oe9v.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/607/oe9v.jpg/)

CONCLUSION AND FINAL THOUGHTS
So...all wired up, safety tested and ready to go. :)
In my experience a new DIY mains lead can take some time to fully settle down and get its final sound. In the case of this install, there were so many variables; a new balanced mains transformer, new cables, many many new connections and terminal wiring etc that I just never even thought about it. I decided to just switch it on and enjoy it. :)
I did make a point though of doing everything at once so that any cable burn in etc would happen at the same time - across the whole setup.
The sound right from the get-go was very obviously better - a LOT better than it was before plumbing in the hardwired balanced mains.
Noise floor just about vanished. So what does the noise floor sound like? Dunno..but you now its gone when its gone; everything is more dynamic sounding, more detailed, but (and this is the best part for me) with a more natural sense of timing and the music having "space" to do its thing..no rush, no hurry..just music. Its MORE than just the 3am sound quality during the day cliche...balanced mains brings something really special to the table.
I had heard just how bad my mains quality was when Ali Tait brought his own balanced mains transformer over to mine for a listen. Massive improvement - and his was the type that you plugged in and had two 13a sockets for equipment that we plugged a mains block into.
That first morning of switch on my own BPS installation sounded at least as good as what we all heard when Ali brought his over. I would say that over the last couple of weeks its got noticably better.

Hands down its the best upgrade EVER in my system, and I've had a couple of major upgrades that the rest of the visiting AOS guys noticed at the same time, notably when I plumbed in Tellerium Q Black speaker cable in with my RS3's...
Also, more recently, I fitted a set of the new design TQ Black interconnects which replaced Mark Grant HD2000's. A level better again to my ears and again a case of wow, what an upgrade.

But these were not as obvious and improvement as plumbing in the balanced mains.
I really feel hardwiring was well worth it. A lot more work sure, but I will have ended up with a mains system of a lot less impedance feeding my hifi system which has resulted in a fantastic upgrade.
Even my Plasma TV and Tivo has taken a leap in quality, watching 1080p bluray rips on the server is fantastic.

Want to thank some people who really helped me in getting this done, credit where credit is due.
Ali Tait, who advised me on balanced mains systems safety, particulalrly with regard to the scaremongering I had read online about equipment becoming live if an electrical fault condition occured with the transformer - I customised my Airlink Transofrmer with RCBO protection on the secondary power leg..totally safe.
David Brook of MCRU, who advised me on cable choice and let me try a few samples of cable before I finally wired it all up.
An unabashed plug for genuinely the two best mains leads I've heard for sensible "real world" money. Previously I was using LAPP as my go-to cable, as I had made up Rega mains lead clones using the same stuff Rega did and I couldn't see past it for sound quality.
This new stuff David let me try was a lot better than the Lapp, so much so I'm done with mains leads...
I used this stuff mains spur cable between wall and transformer (6mm x 2)
http://www.mains-cables-r-us.co.uk/cable-off-the-reel/353-mains-spur-power-cable-per-metre.html#
and this 4mm x 2 for my mains cables.
http://www.mains-cables-r-us.co.uk/mains-products/657-mcru-audiophile-4mm-mains-cable-per-metre.html#
And Roy K Riches, who's information was invaluable when I was researching all this stuff, getting over the worry of doing the work..it is MAINS ffs!!!
...and I cant leave out Richard Dunn and the guys over at Hifi Subjectivist forum either.
His advice on the more "extreme" mains fettling gave me a good sense of perspective on the whole thing and for a lot of the stuff he said he wasn't wrong.

As I said at the start, mains quality can make SUCH a massive difference to how good your hifi sounds. If you have excellent mains quality already in your home..you may not get as much milage out of it as I did, but in my case it's (yes, here it comes...) night and day.
Interstingly enough, there was a debate about balanced mains vs mains regeneration?
I have heard an Power Inspired AG500 mains regen unit in my system before the balanced mains was put in and yes, the Ag500 improved the sound. It was subtle though, unlike balanced mains which was immediate, obvious and made me grin like a loon. :)

I got all the work checked by an electrician before I hooked it all up and switched on, so I feel confident I can just enjoy the music.
If your not a qualified electrician, and you want to hardwire into your mains, get a professional in to advise at least. Safety first.

I hope this might be useful for someone, to me its a no brainer upgrade. Makes the best of the kit you have.

Gaz.

John

25-06-2013, 04:28

Great write up Gaz You really went the extra mile with this and I am glad it paid off for you. Also glad you warning people about how important it is to have this inspected before you make it live

Alan

25-06-2013, 07:38

Thanks for sharing Gaz - that's a serious installation, and a serious post to go with it! Well done!

kenworthy100

25-06-2013, 07:43

Informative thread, thanks Gaz

Figlet108

25-06-2013, 07:47

Wow Gary - monumental effort my friend!
When I get back from my hols I'm getting the 5Kva version and just doing exactly what you did - literally. I'm going to print out your instructions and go step by step, so I for one really appreciate the write up.
Now just sit back and enjoy the music :champagne::cocktail:

Ali Tait

25-06-2013, 08:50

Well done mate, nice job. Look forward to hearing it. Not as much as going to glasto tomorrow though! :-)

wee tee cee

25-06-2013, 08:57

Job well done Gary......give it a week or so and let us know how it settles down. It would be interesting to get the regenerator back in the fray to see what it does now! Look forward to hearing the results.

Gazjam

25-06-2013, 09:01

Well done mate, nice job. Look forward to hearing it. Not as much as going to glasto tomorrow though! :-)

Cheers Ali,
try not to get trenchfoot when your down there jiggin' in the mud...

I'll get the troops over soon, have the new dac as well so bit of a change from last time.

Ali Tait

25-06-2013, 09:06

Aye cool, be going to get a chance to compare dacs at a more leisurely pace.

Mud? Nah. Sunny all the way. Woohoo!

First outing for the folding camper too. Now packed to the gunnels, mostly with beer! :-)

Gazjam

25-06-2013, 11:06

Cool, need to make sure you get your 5 a day...

Firebottle

25-06-2013, 11:22

Gazjam

25-06-2013, 12:26

Some good info here Alan.
http://www.airlinktransformers.com/balanced_power_supply/technical-notes/

Ali Tait's yer man for more technical info than the above.

twickers

25-06-2013, 12:47

Blimey ! that was an early start. :lol:

Very informative and easy to follow. Surely a contender for ' The Knowledge '.

Ali Tait

25-06-2013, 13:12

Gary, can you measure the voltage between earth and the 240v and 0v on that output block?

Alan raises an interesting point there. Probably just the way it's labelled though.

Gazjam

25-06-2013, 13:15

I spoke with Airlink about this, its a labelling fault.
The label on the input terminals too is wrong, L_N_E markings didn't match up with the colour coding.

Ali Tait

25-06-2013, 13:16

Cool, need to make sure you get your 5 a day...

Plenty beer already packed!

Gazjam

25-06-2013, 13:46

wha hey! :cool:

Sovereign

25-06-2013, 18:23

Just a quick question, I thought that by 'balanced mains' the output was 120-0-120 with the centre tap connected to earth?

The photo showing the trannie just shows the labelling 0-230V for what I guess is the output.

:cool:Alan
Ive also got an airlink, I measured both legs on the BPS and found them to be exactly the same on each leg.

Sovereign

25-06-2013, 18:25

Very good effort Gaz, I love the no plug,IEC, fuse approach, you must have been talking a lot to Roy Riches. Roy is a top bloke, it's a shame he is not on forums anymore.

Gazjam

25-06-2013, 18:53

Yeah, been following some of Roy's stuff, very helpful bloke.

Sovereign

25-06-2013, 20:06

Yeah, been following some of Roy's stuff, very helpful bloke.
Yes Roy is a top chap.
He came to my house a couple of years ago, my hifi room was in bits as it was in the process of turning from a garage to a hifi room.
He offered some great advice

brian2957

26-06-2013, 12:16

Fantastic write up mate . As you know I've been following developments in this project all the way and I have to say when I visited last week your system was sounding very good indeed with the BPS in place . I'm sure it sounds even better with a few hundred hours burn in . Hope to hear the improvements in the very near future . One point I have to make is that when I brought the AG500 to yours it was just out of the packaging , it has however improved as it has burned in and I'm very happy with it . As you say it is a different type of improvement and not as obvious as the BPS upgrade . I hope we can find a way to compare both and also try them in tandem soon. Lastly , on your recommendation , I purchased the new mains cable from David at MCRU and it is indeed very good indeed , better than the Lapp which I was previously using .So I'm in the process of replacing all my mains cables again ,but not too painful at the price MCRU is asking. Thanks for taking the time to post this comprehensive set of instructions which I'm sure I'll be using for future reference.

Sovereign

26-06-2013, 13:01

What mains cables are you changing over to?

brian2957

26-06-2013, 16:28

PM replied to mate.

wee tee cee

27-06-2013, 11:11

Cmon spill the beans on the mains cable.....I took the lapp out my system last night and it sounds better for it. The lapp was feeding the bps but was effecting everything sonically. I replaced it with a bog stock supplied cable and have a better balanced presentation overall, the lapp was introducing just a smidgen of treble sibilance to my favourite ladies voices.

brian2957

27-06-2013, 11:17

It's the cable Gary links to in his BPS post above Tony . This one here http://www.mains-cables-r-us.co.uk/mains-products/657-mcru-audiophile-4mm-mains-cable-per-metre.html#
Looks similar to the Lapp but thicker at 4mm . Sounds better too .

wee tee cee

27-06-2013, 12:40

Many thanks Brian......that stuff looks as though it could safely tether the Waverley in a storm!!!!!!
Have either of you utilised it with MK tough plugs and martin kaiser IECs? My missus watched dismayed as I was making up power leads with the lapp, she likened it to me wrestling with an anaconda (the snake was winning).
I was never sonically a fan of the lapp, Gary properly finished one of my dogs breakfast LAPP and Supra leads earthing the drain wire......still preferred the supra.
Done a bit of chopping and changing of late, will have to all get together (bring yer conditioner would love to hear what it does in the fray)

Also thanks for the steer on the usb it worked out really well.

brian2957

27-06-2013, 17:14

Nae bother mate . Be good to have a little get together soon. I'm afraid you would have some serious problems terminating this cable onto an MK and a Martin Kaiser plug . It is much thicker than the Lapp .You will only be able to achieve this if you strip off the clear outer insulation and the shielding and work with the inner grey insulation. I had to use a Furutech mains plug and a Wattgate IEC plug , which take larger diameter cables . Please remember that Gary used this cable to hard wire his BPS so no plugs involved. Well worth the effort IMO

Sovereign

27-06-2013, 18:32

Well it's finally happening, I have having a dedicated radial from the tails coming into the house to my hifi room. I just got of the phone o the electrician and he may be able to squeeze it in one day next week or the week after :-) :-)

brian2957

27-06-2013, 18:41

So you're gonna have a dedicated mains supply , an AG1500 and a BPS James . It doesn't get much better than that mate . Please let us know how your system sounds when it's all done.

Sovereign

27-06-2013, 19:22

So you're gonna have a dedicated mains supply , an AG1500 and a BPS James . It doesn't get much better than that mate . Please let us know how your system sounds when it's all done.
A little OTT maybe, but what the heck? If there is room for improvement then lets improve. The best bit of all is thats the Spark is providing materials and labor for free

brian2957

27-06-2013, 20:22

Lucky beggar :lol:

Yomanze

27-06-2013, 22:58

Fabulous article Gaz, and based on the options with the model you've chosen (input and output breakers) and the extensive consultation has made me buy one! I'll be hardwiring mine into an industrial mains strip though. Question, do you know or does anyone else know if it's safe to daisy-chain balanced mains transformers? The reason I ask is that my DAC already has a balanced mains transformer built-in, so might have to plug it in separately?

Gazjam

28-06-2013, 09:56

Cheers, enjoyed writing it! :)

Daisy chaining transformers, good question. :scratch:
I'd maybe give the guys at Airlink a call for this one?
I found them really helpful and willing to advise on this stuff.
Before I set up my balanced mains I made several calls to them asking advice on fitting protection on the secondary power line (which you need and doesn't come as standard) and they were great, really really helpful.

Call them on: 01279 431865
Email: enquiries@airlinktransformers.com

Gaz.

Tim

28-06-2013, 19:15

Good effort Gary and thanks for sharing it - power is the key, which I never really considered that much before coming to AoS ;)

Gazjam

28-06-2013, 19:26

Tim

28-06-2013, 19:30

I've done tinkering for a little while, but I'm going to be looking at battery power next ;)

Kember

28-06-2013, 19:54

Installing it was a bit hardcore compared to what I've done before, but well worth the effort.
The system has never sounded so good.

Highly recommended!
If anyone can benefit or get some food for thought then great, job done. :)

Gary

Thank you for taking the trouble to write this up and explain what you have done.

I have just had a dedicated spur put in straight from the breaker box which leads 10 feet to an ?unfused box which has an input for hard wiring. I am now wondering whether to ask my electrician back to put a transformer in close to the breaker box and then hard wire (star fashion) an arrangement like yours to the unfused box by the hifi.

Alternatively, I could get the work finished and move in. I think I know what the OC's views will be. I might need to save this one for later...:)

Peter

brucew268

28-06-2013, 21:10

Impressed and envious of your work Gary, not to mention your results

Gazjam

29-06-2013, 12:21

Gary

Thank you for taking the trouble to write this up and explain what you have done.

I have just had a dedicated spur put in straight from the breaker box which leads 10 feet to an ?unfused box which has an input for hard wiring. I am now wondering whether to ask my electrician back to put a transformer in close to the breaker box and then hard wire (star fashion) an arrangement like yours to the unfused box by the hifi.

Alternatively, I could get the work finished and move in. I think I know what the OC's views will be. I might need to save this one for later...:)

Peter

Hi Peter,
the dedicated spur is the one thing I haven't done which ideally I'd like to.
Not possible in the property I live in unfortunately, so had to go for the next best thing.

how about this....?
individual hardwired dedicated spurs from the consumer unit to each of the main bits of kit, amp, dac and source?
G'wan, you know you want to! ;)

Gazjam

29-06-2013, 12:23

Impressed and envious of your work Gary, not to mention your results

ta!
well worth the effort.

Having another Scottish Mafia get together at mine in a few weeks, anyone who wants to tag along is welcome. :)

wee tee cee

29-06-2013, 16:50

count me in....waiting on ma wee french battery dac arriving,hopefully it can give the usual suspects a run for they're money. the wee tisbury audio passive pre might be worth a listen as well. let me know when suits.

Gazjam

29-06-2013, 17:07

ok Tony.

Always good to put dacs up against each other.
im sure Ali will bring his valve dac over..LETS GET READY TO RUMBLE.

RichB

29-06-2013, 19:06

Kember

29-06-2013, 23:33

Hi Peter,
the dedicated spur is the one thing I haven't done which ideally I'd like to.
Not possible in the property I live in unfortunately, so had to go for the next best thing.

how about this....?
individual hardwired dedicated spurs from the consumer unit to each of the main bits of kit, amp, dac and source?
G'wan, you know you want to! ;)

Gary,

:lol:

However, the OC has just gone mildly ape as I confessed to having had over 2km of cat6 put into a three bed flat:stalks:. The builder is just making good all the plaster cuts and I think it would be stretching domestic toleration if I start cutting into plaster again! But I am tempted!

Peter

wee tee cee

30-06-2013, 18:15

the airlink 1500 is about 300 quid all in, gary had a wee loan of mine for a bit to see if it replicated what ali tates bespoke unit achieved......it did the business plug and play, aint pretty but gives the same advantages.look forward to hearing garys fully plumbed in set up but if you just want to get the basic advantages balanced mains offers the airlink plug and play units are spot on.

Yomanze

01-07-2013, 12:59

Just a quick note, the http://www.airlinktransformers.com/balanced_power_supply/standard_balanced_power_supplies/BPS2020/ BPS that Gary ordered has options for MCBs on primary and secondary. However, you'll need to e-mail them with a custom request to add a 2-pole 16A RCBO on the secondaries. I realised this afterwards & got in touch. Thought I'd let you know!

Gazjam

01-07-2013, 18:30

yup. Spot on.
you NEED protection on the secondaries as the transformer doesn't come as standard with them.

Stratmangler

01-07-2013, 18:42

Gary,

:lol:

However, the OC has just gone mildly ape as I confessed to having had over 2km of cat6 put into a three bed flat:stalks:. The builder is just making good all the plaster cuts and I think it would be stretching domestic toleration if I start cutting into plaster again! But I am tempted!

Peter

How big is this flat?
Seven boxes of Cat6 is a hell of a lot of cable to put into yer average dwelling space.

Kember

01-07-2013, 19:26

Chris

Not that big but it's over three floors so there are several very long runs.

I am replacing all the home control stuff which is where most of it is going (lighting etc). Also two of us work from home on partitioned bits of the network (confidentiality requirements from clients etc) so need servers, several data points etc etc. It all comes back to a patch panel and server rack, but there must be between four and eight runs to each room.

I too couldn't believe how much cabling was needed but I won't need redoing any time soon!:D

Peter

Sovereign

01-07-2013, 19:47

At some point this week I will be swapping the order of my balanced supply and my regenerator, this week is looking busy but I may have an evening free. I would also like to see how the BPS sounds on it's own.

Gazjam

02-07-2013, 08:22

Been putting this thread off until I had to chance to properly digest it...

First of allm , great thread and fab work... You're really going to the next level with this stuff. Not sure if I have the level of commitment to it you have but I totally get why you'd undertake a project like this. I fear my ears would be too battered to discern these differences.

Just wondering if you'd tried any of the mains products from airlink and how did your DIY efforts compare? At the price they are they are within a dabblers budget so I'd be interested to hear your opinions.

As an aside does any of this kit hum? A few weeks ago my mate brought one of those BT mains conditioners round. I couldn't get away with the fact that the bloody great transformed in it made a clearly audible him from inside the unit. This seemed a retrograde step to install something which supposedly improved sound quality but made a noise on its own.

Rich,
its an Airlink unit I have not a DIY one
Have this: http://www.airlinktransformers.com/balanced_power_supply/standard_balanced_power_supplies/BPS2020/
It doesn't have secondary protection though so I needed to specify that.

The non hardwired "plug n play" Airlink transformer I tried sounds great too and apart from an initial pulse switching it on there isn't a lot of buzz coming from it at all, pretty much silent.

This may come down to DC on your mains, which is an easy fix by fitting a "DC Blocker" board to your BPS. I think Nick Gorham does one or you can DIY one from plans online.
Airlink might even do one?

Was it an Airlink transformer you tried before?
I've now heard two and buzzing noise wasn't a problem fo either of them.

Gazjam

02-07-2013, 08:25

Sovereign

02-07-2013, 08:35

It is a plug and play version that I have hard wired, I will 'un hard wire' it as I really want to see what component is benefiting what, there are also others who are waiting for some insight here.

Volante

02-07-2013, 10:36

Sovereign

02-07-2013, 10:47

As a non-tekky - I thought I read a posting on here that balanced transformers can be unsafe as they lack certain protections normally present in conventional set ups. If so, is this cured by having the MCB protection on the input and outputs of the Airlink transformers (seems to be an option on the higher VA models)?
Yes you are correct, to a certain extent. Airlink sell balanced transformers that obviously meet all UK rigorous regulations and as such are deemed as safe, however some think it is wise to have additional protection, they may well be correct.

Yomanze

02-07-2013, 11:35

As a non-tekky - I thought I read a posting on here that balanced transformers can be unsafe as they lack certain protections normally present in conventional set ups. If so, is this cured by having the MCB protection on the input and outputs of the Airlink transformers (seems to be an option on the higher VA models)?

It has been recommended to use an RCBO on the output, which Airlink will fit on request.

Here's an informative post snippet from Ali Tait from: http://www.audio-talk.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=103325#103325

"[...] I used a two pole RCBO, so both legs would be switched in the event of a fault on one, as I could forsee a situation where one leg could go faulty and the other stay live, for instance making the chassis of your kit live. Not good."

Gazjam

02-07-2013, 11:50

absolutely.

I had MCB fitted on the input terminals and RCBO fitted on the output.
Didn't add too much too the cost, only £30 or so.

It was Ali who advised me on this, he's the man to know.

Volante

02-07-2013, 11:58

Thanks James. There is a lively (if you'll pardon the pun) debate going on on the Wam on the same topic which leaves one none the wiser really on the safety issues raised on page 6 in particular. http://www.hifiwigwam.com/showthread.php?89212-Hardwired-Balanced-mains-transformer-installation-great-improvement!

Gazjam

02-07-2013, 20:57

Good article on the concerns of balanced mains HERE:http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/nov06/articles/crosstalk_1106.htm

Tim

02-07-2013, 21:00

Well the reference to a debate going on elsewhere prompted me to have a quick pop over to The Wam for a looksie, as I really like what Gary has done here and also relate to Gary's work. I think I have spent maybe 30 ~ 40 or so mins on The Wam in total, each time thinking there's not much there for me - this latest visit has reaffirmed that mindset . . .

I particularly liked these two comments;

"I wouldn't listen to it, but would make the measurements as I have no confidence in my ears but do trust my meters"

"A pointless exercise. The mains supply can have no effect on sound quality"

:lol:

OK then, each to their own I guess, but it does make you wonder why some people listen to music or what they are actually listening to it on?

Anyway, said it before and I'll say it again - good work Gary and thanks for sharing. Its been added to my long to do list, when I get my own place. I'm messing with batteries next, but I want good mains as well, which isn't an option in my present abode unfortunately.

John

02-07-2013, 21:06

Yes it another world out their Tim

Tim

02-07-2013, 21:36

Yes it another world out their Tim
It sure is John - I don't really rate many forums that highly and gave up reading/posting on them many years ago, but AoS is an exception ;)

MCRU

02-07-2013, 21:52

Well the reference to a debate going on elsewhere prompted me to have a quick pop over to The Wam for a looksie, as I really like what Gary has done here and also relate to Gary's work. I think I have spent maybe 30 ~ 40 or so mins on The Wam in total, each time thinking there's not much there for me - this latest visit has reaffirmed that mindset . . .

I particularly liked these two comments;

:lol:

OK then, each to their own I guess, but it does make you wonder why some people listen to music or what they are actually listening to it on?

Anyway, said it before and I'll say it again - good work Gary and thanks for sharing. Its been added to my long to do list, when I get my own place. I'm messing with batteries next, but I want good mains as well, which isn't an option in my present abode unfortunately.

Judging by the number of posts some make they don't listen to music at all but spend 1/2 their lives typing, winding people up and generally being confrontational. Gary should really know better as posting anything mains related on certain forums is bound to stir things up. :)

Gazjam

02-07-2013, 23:06

true 'dat.
Discussions never a bad thing though. :)

Gazjam

02-07-2013, 23:07

As I said over there Tim,
put me in the "cant be arsed arguing" group. :)

Always best to be open minded about this stuff, to say you wont listen to it...but pass comment on it anyway?
Seems an odd thing to say, but hey ho, were all diffrent and some of us are measurebators i guess.
Just wanted to get the upgrade in my system out there for others to have a think about.
Don't thank me Tim thank Ali Tait, it was he who knew this was a good upgrade.
I think though the level of it in my system surprised him, my mains were really quite bad.

Brian was over for a visit last night, think he will be posting what he thought in a few days.
(clue...blown away)

Well the reference to a debate going on elsewhere prompted me to have a quick pop over to The Wam for a looksie, as I really like what Gary has done here and also relate to Gary's work. I think I have spent maybe 30 ~ 40 or so mins on The Wam in total, each time thinking there's not much there for me - this latest visit has reaffirmed that mindset . . .

I particularly liked these two comments;

:lol:

OK then, each to their own I guess, but it does make you wonder why some people listen to music or what they are actually listening to it on?

Anyway, said it before and I'll say it again - good work Gary and thanks for sharing. Its been added to my long to do list, when I get my own place. I'm messing with batteries next, but I want good mains as well, which isn't an option in my present abode unfortunately.

brian2957

09-07-2013, 13:22

I've been following developments in Garys system for the last couple of years now and his system with the M2 Tech Young DAC and the valve amp was sounding a bit special . It had a sense of realism which is difficult to achieve IMO . However I paid him a visit last week when I knew the BPS had a few hours under its belt . I have to say that the BPS has taken his system into another league entirely . I was a bit taken aback at first . The SQ defies description . When we go to live gigs we don't dissect the music and describe it in terms of bass , treble etc. We just listen to the music . This was my experience the day I visited Garys place . The system just plays music . 'Live ' music at that, which I found difficult to describe . I just had to listen . I don't understand the technology , and I don't particularly feel the need to understand it . I only know that the noise floor was so low as to be non-existent , letting all the music shine through.
I opted for an AG500 over the BPS , and I'm very pleased with it . However improvements are subtle compared to the BPS . If / when funds become available I will indeed go down the BPS road and follow Garys excellent set of instructions .

TheMooN

09-07-2013, 13:49

Gazjam

09-07-2013, 14:19

Good reading here on the principles of balanced mains.
http://www.equitech.com/articles/widescreen.html

The key phrase for me (having experienced the discussed level of improvement in my own system) is:
"Something to understand about balanced power is that it is a system of providing electricity that is different from "wall power." The design configuration and the voltages on the electrical circuit wires are not the same. The balanced power topology delivers electrical energy to electronic equipment power supplies in a different way than any other system of AC power delivery."

Sovereign

09-07-2013, 15:51

Sorry to say not, work at the moment is relentless. Sat down to me hifi at midnight last night,

Gazjam

09-07-2013, 16:28

no hurry from this end James....take yer time. :)

Yomanze

09-07-2013, 16:31

Just fitted my BPS, yes, a huge upgrade. Seems to be less restraint, a lot more air around instruments, even smoother highs, I guess in one word the BPS adds more 'freedom' to the sound.

Gazjam

09-07-2013, 16:44

Which one did you go for Neil?

Yomanze

09-07-2013, 16:47

Which one did you go for Neil?

Same as yours, MCB on the input with a custom request for a 16A 2-pole RCBO on the output. This is hardwired into it:

http://www.britishaudiostore.com/metal-clad-mains-distribution-box-6-way/

brian2957

09-07-2013, 16:48

Just fitted my BPS, yes, a huge upgrade. Seems to be less restraint, a lot more air around instruments, even smoother highs, I guess in one word the BPS adds more 'freedom' to the sound.

Wait til it burns in Neil :eek:

Yomanze

09-07-2013, 18:42

Wait til it burns in Neil :eek:

Soundstage is definitely much bigger, and it was huge before I plumbed in the BPS...

Gazjam

09-07-2013, 18:50

give it a few weeks and the sound will settle down.
It can be a bit up and down meantime, always a lot better than before though. :)

Gazjam

09-07-2013, 18:50

Same as yours, MCB on the input with a custom request for a 16A 2-pole RCBO on the output. This is hardwired into it:

http://www.britishaudiostore.com/metal-clad-mains-distribution-box-6-way/

looks like a good quality mains block.

Yomanze

09-07-2013, 18:55

looks like a good quality mains block.

Awesome, the best I've used by a long way. You can pick the whole thing up by a plug. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a more flexible BPS & fits in with the 'industrial' quality of the BPS unit.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i405/neil_yeomans/rsz_img_1370.jpg

Yomanze

10-07-2013, 11:54

give it a few weeks and the sound will settle down.
It can be a bit up and down meantime, always a lot better than before though. :)

Cool, weird how such a device burns in though. Am open to it happening nonetheless. Another thing I noticed last night was increased dynamics and slam, it would make technical sense that a drop in the noise floor would result in increased dynamic range.

Perhaps the increased slam is due to the gear drawing from a very nearby transformer instead of whatever is behind the consumer unit...

Oh and I spoke to Airlink and it is safe to plug in my DAC with a built in balanced mains transformer.

Gazjam

10-07-2013, 12:10

Trust me Neil, there's more to come...
I s'pose in my case though I had a lot of new wired connections/ cable lengths all going in at the same time, so perhaps the level of change over the first couple of weeks was down to those things too.

Something worth considering (as your not going hardwired) is to reterminate the plugs on all your kit, fresh copper can make a good improvement and cleaning all the pins, screws etc with DeOxit is well worth it. Get everything really tightened up too.
Even your new mains block...clean the sockets with DeOxit...assuming it hasn't been already.

Just a couple of little things here and there I've found can further make the most of what you have. :)

TheMooN

10-07-2013, 12:32

Hmmm , I have been mulling upon asking AL about taking the plug n play connectivity of the BPS3110S a stage further with either an custom fitted IEC or additional mains plug IN .

Gazjam

10-07-2013, 14:05

Additional mains plug in?
An extra 13A socket?
Sure airlink will do a custom job as per your wishes. very helpful when I was dealing with them.

Sovereign

10-07-2013, 17:46

MOON,
what size BPS are you thinking of getting?

TheMooN

10-07-2013, 18:56

MOON,
what size BPS are you thinking of getting?

Ogling the 3KV , BPS3110S James .

Indeed Gary , Mains IN IEC or 13A Socket .

brucew268

09-08-2013, 20:23

Gary,

It looks like the spur is used prior to the transformer, and the MCRU 4mm mains cable is used after the hydra junction box. Did you also use the mains cable between the transformer and junction box, or did you use spur cable in that segment... and what led you to the choice made? I was actually playing with the idea of a hydra junction box, with a built in RCBO and no wall plug (wired into the wall mains).

Bruce

Gazjam

09-08-2013, 21:25

Hiya Bruce.

I wired it up like this:
(Ringmain - Hardwire) <6mmx2 cable> Balanced Mains Unit < 6mmx2 cable > Hydra Junction Box < 4mmx2 cable > Hifi Equipment

From listening to a LOT of different mains cables of varying thickness' it was obvious to me in my system that thicker copper sounded better than thinner copper when delivering mains. That simple.
I wanted to ensure the best connection between the supply and the balanced mains and to the junction box so that (at least in my head :)) all the kit hooked up to the junction box had the best possible mains quality feeding it.

Interestingly, the 4mmx2 cable sounded better to me between the junction box and the equipment, otherwise I would have used that.
Some mains leads are made up using 1.5mmx2 core, so 4mm was plenty I thought.

Your idea of the Hydra box with built in RCBO?
Without the balanced mains in place Im not sure you would reap much benefit other than eliminating a fuse/plug in the chain.
I'd also make sure you get a spark to look at it as well, not sure how you would wire up an RCBO to a hydra and Im not qualified to give out electrical advice.
Do what I did, get a spark in!

Gaz.
:cool:

Gary,

It looks like the spur is used prior to the transformer, and the MCRU 4mm mains cable is used after the hydra junction box. Did you also use the mains cable between the transformer and junction box, or did you use spur cable in that segment... and what led you to the choice made? I was actually playing with the idea of a hydra junction box, with a built in RCBO and no wall plug (wired into the wall mains).

Bruce

brucew268

09-08-2013, 21:44

Yes, I'll have to look into whether it is even feasible/practical to use an RCBO that way... haven't looked at them technically yet. But the plugs are always the weak links, and are pretty dear for good ones. Whereas, if I could put in an MCB or espec RCBO (like a fused switch) for perhaps £20 and lose a clamp junction (plug) in favour of a screw junction.

Bruce

Gazjam

09-08-2013, 22:34

losing a plug/fuse would improve things for sure Bruce, but a proper balanced mains system would be a lot better (unlesss your mains quality is very high, which is unusual!)

brucew268

10-08-2013, 09:30

I most definitely agree and planning to do so. This is seen as an interim step, since I probably won't get the budget and time for an balanced unit until next spring or summer. And need to do the hydra junction box anyway. Putting RCBO in the junction box instead of the transformer unit is the main question that determines whether I have a smooth, safe, and efficient upgrade path, taking it in steps. After all, your RCBO is from the output terminal and at first blush seems to afford the same safety if put at the input to the junction box instead. I'll check with my electrician friend in the next week or so.

Gazjam

10-08-2013, 10:27

keep us informed how you get on. :)

Freddiekaberman

15-01-2014, 13:32

Hi Gazjam,

Bit late to the party, but I have just read this thread with great interest. I currently have a dedicated consumer unit in the listening room, this is wired underfloor back to the main board outside the house. Even so, we have a huge variation in mains quality, enough to make me question the whole hobby at times, although when it is good, well that's another story.. So balanced mains looks more than worthy of investigation for me.

First question - you have mounted your transformer in another room - is that due to the noise it produces, or just for aesthetic or safety reasons? I ask because in my case I could hardwire directly to the dedicated CU in my listening room very easily and cheaply - as long as it is reasonably quiet (I have naim kit and already live with a bit of transformer buzz). Wiring it into another room is possible, but more complicated.

worrasf

15-01-2014, 13:44

Yomanze

15-01-2014, 17:19

My transformer makes an intermittent buzzing as it picks up on DC riding the mains, can't hear it when the music is one, but if it's not playing and the washing machine is running...

Freddiekaberman

15-01-2014, 19:37

Never even thought of the loft, now that could work...

Gazjam

16-01-2014, 19:06

Hi Mark,

My BPS is in the next room for both the reasons you state...its a big metal box and looks a bit industrial.
Also there is a SLIGHT DC hum from it, which can be fixed by a DC blocker board, but I'd only worry about it if the BPS is in the same room as your kit.
I've really finnicky about background noise so wouldn't have ever had it in the listening room anyway.

Have it out of site in another room, cupboard, loft etc and forget about it.

One thing I'd say is that I found a substantial improvement in hardwiring as much as possible, ie.. not having 13A sockets on the end of it but a "hydra" junction box.

This takes breaks in the connection/wire fuses out the picture and improves the sound.
Safety wise no problem if you get the breakers fitted to your BPS as is detailed in the thread.

Hardwiring to the CU is a good shout, you could still technically have the BPS in another room if you do a bit of through wall drilling the way I did?
That to me would be the ideal install in your case.

Hope this helps mate.
My BPS install was signed off by a spark as A-OK.

Freddiekaberman

16-01-2014, 21:29

Thanks for the advice, this is very interesting indeed for me as both my system and ears seem to be very much tuned into the mains issue (thankfully Friday nights seem to be consistently good right now!). I have a great sparky who fitted the CU for me, so ill have a think about exactly where to house it and then talk to him.

Hi Mark,

My BPS is in the next room for both the reasons you state...its a big metal box and looks a bit industrial.
Also there is a SLIGHT DC hum from it, which can be fixed by a DC blocker board, but I'd only worry about it if the BPS is in the same room as your kit.
I've really finnicky about background noise so wouldn't have ever had it in the listening room anyway.

Have it out of site in another room, cupboard, loft etc and forget about it.

One thing I'd say is that I found a substantial improvement in hardwiring as much as possible, ie.. not having 13A sockets on the end of it but a "hydra" junction box.

This takes breaks in the connection/wire fuses out the picture and improves the sound.
Safety wise no problem if you get the breakers fitted to your BPS as is detailed in the thread.

Hardwiring to the CU is a good shout, you could still technically have the BPS in another room if you do a bit of through wall drilling the way I did?
That to me would be the ideal install in your case.

Hope this helps mate.
My BPS install was signed off by a spark as A-OK.