Difference between Power Conditioner, Isolator Transformer and Voltage Regulator

baboon

what is the difference between Power Conditioner, Isolation Transformers, and Voltage Regulator.

And which is best to have? The Monster Cable brands are a bit pricey compared to Tripp Lite.... Thanks.

mantis

Like anything else you get what you pay for. The Monster power centers are well constructed and perfrom there duties well. They cost more because you get more.

I actually perfer Panamax over Monster. In my opnion I find they tend to sound better. I know different sound power centers , what a joke right?? Not in my case. I heard a difference 3 times in my system swapping out power centers. I owned 3 different Monster centers and I currently own the Panamax Max5500ex.
One thing I really like about the Panamax is the removeable power cord. This comes into play for not only custom install but for not have 10 feet of power cord when you only need 3 or 4 feet. This keeps things clean. I use all Kimber Kable power cords.
For the money I like the Signal Cable magic and digital power cords. Very well built and sound good.

Dan

F1nut

Power Conditioners help to eliminate noise in the line and usually provide surge protection.

Isolation Transformers provide isolation between the input and output windings.

Voltage Regulators maintain a constant voltage output level.

Power Regenerators convert AC to DC and then back to pure, balanced AC power.

Some units combine two or more of the above. Which is better? That depends, but probably the Power Regenerator. However, they are expensive.

Whatever you buy, make sure it's designed for audio and not just some $20.00 power strip.

baboon

Thanks for the clear definitions.

would this one be a bad buy: Tripp Lite LC1800

F1nut

Madmax uses a Tripp Lite, ask him which model.