DC blockers, mains regenerators & balanced mains transformers

[CageyH]

After discovering I have DC on my mains (probably down to the heat pump or reversible air con) I am wondering what would give the best improvement in sound - if any.

I have a DC blocker on my power amp to stop transformer hum. Is it worth adding one to the pre amp and CD player? There is no hum from the pre amp.

A mains regenerator would solve the DC as it converts AC to DC and back to AC.
Would a balanced mains transformer would still create hum? I was looking at an Airlink 3000VA but if I understand correctly, this will likely hum due to the DC offset on the mains.

Can anybody share the benefit of their experience of mains regenerators compared to balanced power supplies? It all seems a bit of a gamble if it will improve the system sound not, so part of me is saying to forget playing with mains accessories and just enjoy the music.

[Hipper]

I posted this a while ago which may be of interest but I didn't knowingly have your specific problems:

http://www.pinkfishmedia.net/forum/showthread.php?p=2664430

Doing some trials at your home is the only practical way.

[Oldpinkman]

The only real issue with DC offset is when it sets a toroidal audibly buzzing - as apparently happened with your power amp. Both balanced mains and mains regenerators are in turn likely to contain big toroidals which could rattle. It depends how tightly they are toleranced and how big the offset is. Balanced mains, has no benefit over any other isolating transformer, unless you are going to run the whole house off it, and some fairly well documented safety issues which make it probably inappropriate for domestic use. Ask the question on Wigwam for a robust response.

And if it ain't broke don't fix it.

[CageyH]

Alan made me a DC blocker that has fixed my problem.

[Oldpinkman]

Alan made me a DC blocker that has fixed my problem.

I know. You had a rattly toroidal - a higher voltage transformer or a DC blocker are the obvious fix. You used the obvious fix, and now there is nothing left broken. So now you don't have a problem - what are you looking to fix?

[CageyH]

I am not looking at spending any more on my mains now.
I have other worthwhile priorities.

[Simon_LDT]

Plus it's an old thread which was bumped. ;)

[Oldpinkman]

Plus it's an old thread which was bumped. ;)

Ah yes - very astute. I thought it was bloody odd :doh:

[Hipper]

Plus it's an old thread which was bumped. ;)

That is my fault although my excuse is it had not been answered so I put in my offering.