Puritan Audio products in Oz

[57John]

Has anyone tried Puritan Audio power products here in Oz? I don't see any discussions here although there's lots of tests and presentations on YouTube, for example:

 

 

 

Made in the UK, these are the right voltage but likely not the right plug for Australia, never mind certification.

 

Its seems these are a unique design, with not introducing another transformer into the signal path etc.

 

Just keen to know if anyone has tried these here in Oz...

 

John 

Edited January 23, 2023 by 57John
spellcheck!

[Robbiefest]

I'm looking into it. I have a hum and buzz on my line. Haven't been able to get rid of it. Been told power reconditioners wont get rid of it ( not that I want to spend $10 000 ). 

[MrBurns84]

21 minutes ago, Robbiefest said:

I'm looking into it. I have a hum and buzz on my line. Haven't been able to get rid of it. Been told power reconditioners wont get rid of it ( not that I want to spend $10 000 ). 

Try a simple DC blocker first if that will fix the issue.  

[Robbiefest]

unfortunately it's not a physical hum or buzz from a transformer. IT's a hum that's actually on my power lines . It happens on both my computer sound system and my HiFi system. I'll look into dc blocking but really doubt it's going to do anything. I've already spent $170 on the Ifi ground hum eliminator , which didn't eliminate anything. 

[Robbiefest]

On 17/09/2024 at 9:05 AM, MrBurns84 said:

Try a simple DC blocker first if that will fix the issue.  

Tried it.. useless in my system. No difference at all. This must be a noise actually on my AC line. My power supplies aren't humming or buzzing so it's possibly not DC. 

[andyr]

On 17/09/2024 at 9:45 AM, Robbiefest said:

unfortunately it's not a physical hum or buzz from a transformer. IT's a hum that's actually on my power lines . 

 

2 hours ago, Robbiefest said:

Tried it.. useless in my system. No difference at all. This must be a noise actually on my AC line. My power supplies aren't humming or buzzing so it's possibly not DC. 

 

25 years ago, after we had moved into a newly built house, I wanted to connect the RCA outputs from our Foxtel box to my preamp - so I could use external speakers for sound, instead of the in-built TV ones.

 

Unfortunately, I got a nasty hum through the spkrs, whenever Foxtel was selected on the preamp.

 

Plugging all the TV gear (TV, Foxtel box, VCR) into a 1KVA isolating transformer ... solved the hum problem!  So we could listen to movies through the hifi system.

 

[Robbiefest]

3 hours ago, andyr said:

 

 

25 years ago, after we had moved into a newly built house, I wanted to connect the RCA outputs from our Foxtel box to my preamp - so I could use external speakers for sound, instead of the in-built TV ones.

 

Unfortunately, I got a nasty hum through the spkrs, whenever Foxtel was selected on the preamp.

 

Plugging all the TV gear (TV, Foxtel box, VCR) into a 1KVA isolating transformer ... solved the hum problem!  So we could listen to movies through the hifi system.

 

Thanks for that. I'll do a bit of research on that one. For me, the hum is actually mainly amplified by new preamp, even with nothing plugged into it other than the preamp, so my sources aren't actually causing the issue. Other preamps I have don't amplify the noise as much as my new preamp, but i prefer the overall performance and sound of my new preamp. oh boy.. what a journey. 

 

[andyr]

OK, so with no sources plugged into your new preamp, you get noise from your spkrs, when your power amp is switched on - right?

 

Does this noise increase when you wind up the preamp volume knob?

 

Do you have the same noise after you've turned off the preamp?

 

And what about the noise from the spkrs when your power amp is on ... but the preamp has been disconnected?

 

[Robbiefest]

35 minutes ago, andyr said:

OK, so with no sources plugged into your new preamp, you get noise from your spkrs, when your power amp is switched on - right?

 

Does this noise increase when you wind up the preamp volume knob?

 

Do you have the same noise after you've turned off the preamp?

 

And what about the noise from the spkrs when your power amp is on ... but the preamp has been disconnected?

 

 

Ok.. So if power amp is on, but no connections other than speaker cables. It's totally silent. 

 

 

Once I plug my preamp into it via RCA or balanced. It immediately goes noisy, especially if theres no power cable into the preamp. If I put the power cable in, the level of the noise goes down.

 

Once I turn the preamp on, the level of the noise goes down even further. However, I'm sure as the night goes on, the hum gets louder. This is a hum that is only heard through the speakers, it's not a physical DC hum causing the transformers to vibrate. 

When i turn the preamp off, the hum dissipates, but then it really comes back loud after about 10 seconds. 

 

I have 2 other preamps. 

1 of the preamps doesn't really amplify the hum although it's there. ( OAD preamp ). Noise level very low and is very usable. 

The last preamp, ( Parasound ) will be silent when all is on, and i've got a source selected. When I switch between sources the hum goes very loud. When the source switches in fully, the noise is very minimal if there at all. 

 

I've tried 3 power amps. 

My main power amp ( OAD UF1 ) , picks up noise from my main preamp, Advance Paris x-p700

My 2nd power amp, Dynavector HX.1 does not pick up as much noise ( but it's not as detailed, overall as the OAD ). The OAD is a much more detailed power amp. 

3rd power amp ( Ampzilla )  was just as noisy , if not more, than the OAD and Paris combination. 

 

So the noise is not specific to one of my power amps, but different preamps pass different levels of the noise, which is always there in some way. 

 

Complex, yes? 

 

I purchased and IFI ground eliminator. It did zero to change the issue. 

I've tried numerous power cables and the noise never goes away. 

I tried grounding the chasis of the Advance Paris preamp directly to the ground of a 240V plug. Didn't change anything

I've tried filtered power boards and it does little if anything, to reduce the hum. I'm not a fan of filtering because it changes the overall sound too much. 

 

So that's where I'm at. 

 

 

 

Noise does NOT increase or decrease with volume, and if it does change, it's minimal. 

 

I'm now talking with these guys. Possibly this is the solution? 

 

https://www.radioparts.com.au/product/54153600/iso300es-240v-300va-isolation-transformer-mains-electrostatic-screen-mains-electrostatic-screen

Edited November 18, 2024 by Robbiefest

[parrasaw]

Hello there.

Because you are using some OAD products, it may be worth messaging Jon.

As you know, he is not only a brilliant designer/manufacturer, he is also very helpful and approachable.

Good luck

 

Edited November 18, 2024 by parrasaw

[andyr]

Wow, that is certainly bizarre, @Robbiefest.    And frustrating.

 

When you say "I tried grounding the chassis of the Advance Paris preamp directly to the ground of a 240V plug." - is this bcoz it only has a 2-wire power cord (without an earth)?

 

That Tortech isolating transformer (which reads very similar to my Siros - although smaller) might solve your hum problem; you would plug the Advance Paris preamp into it - with your OAD power amp into the wall.

 

One Qu: does either of your OAD amp or the preamp use RCA sockets which aren't insulated from the metal case?  IE. the RCA sockets don't have the coloured PVC/teflon insulating washers that you normally see on RCA sockets?  (I ask because once, when I borrowed a Chinese tube amp from Trevor Lees, to try out in my system ... I got a loud buzz from the speakers.  It turned out that this Chinese power amp didn't bother to use insulating washers on the RCA sockets ... and that generated a ground loop in my system.)

 

[Robbiefest]

41 minutes ago, andyr said:

Wow, that is certainly bizarre, @Robbiefest.    And frustrating.

1 hour ago, parrasaw said:

Hello there.

Because you are using some OAD products, it may be worth messaging Jon.

As you know, he is not only a brilliant designer/manufacturer, he is also very helpful and approachable.

Good luck

 

Oh I've bugged him quite a lot, unfortunately, with other issues. He's been very kind and generous with his time and hours spent on my gear. The amp is fantastic I must say. 

 

 

[Robbiefest]

43 minutes ago, andyr said:

Wow, that is certainly bizarre, @Robbiefest.    And frustrating.

 

When you say "I tried grounding the chassis of the Advance Paris preamp directly to the ground of a 240V plug." - is this bcoz it only has a 2-wire power cord (without an earth)?

 

That Tortech isolating transformer (which reads very similar to my Siros - although smaller) might solve your hum problem; you would plug the Advance Paris preamp into it - with your OAD power amp into the wall.

 

One Qu: does either of your OAD amp or the preamp use RCA sockets which aren't insulated from the metal case?  IE. the RCA sockets don't have the coloured PVC/teflon insulating washers that you normally see on RCA sockets?  (I ask because once, when I borrowed a Chinese tube amp from Trevor Lees, to try out in my system ... I got a loud buzz from the speakers.  It turned out that this Chinese power amp didn't bother to use insulating washers on the RCA sockets ... and that generated a ground loop in my system.)

 

yes, bizarre and frustrating. I do reckon my 240v in my block of flats is very dirty. I live across the road from a railway station, Have 2 tv towers in visible site, 5g tower line of sight. My goose is slowly being cooked! 

 

Regarding the grounding... Yes.. it only has 2 pin 240v coming out of it. I presume somehow it's internally grounded. Not sure how they do this. 

 

Agreed, I would isolate the Advance Paris preamp from the rest of the system. It does seem to be the only unit that's actually amplifying the issue. The OAD preamp is very quiet. I just prefer the sound and features of the Paris. I don't know siros. I'll check them out. 

 

Re the non insulated RCAs . I really can't say. I'd have to physically look I suppose. It is a thought!!! One would think not, as Advance Paris seem to know what they're doing. I have also tried XLR from preamp to power amp and it didn't make any difference. Same noise. 

 

 

[parrasaw]

I posted earlier because Jon De Sensi is VERY knowledgeable, and may have something useful to offer in relation to possible causes of @Robbiefest's issues, not because I think that the OAD products may somehow contribute in any way.

I use an OAD pre and two OAD power-amps in my own system, and I have an idea about the measures which Jon goes to in his designs to help to avoid/prevent issues like the ones which have been described.

e.g some of the measures which Jon uses in his Vajra power amps (taken from Jon's website):

"Single ended and true balanced input stage using super-matched transistors to eliminate use of DC servo loop

World's first known use of Power Supply Slit Foil Electrolytic Audio Capacitors

Large high-efficiency toroidal transformer (with DC Blocker) and large filtering capacitors

Built-in Mains Filter

Built-in DC Blocker

DC Coupled from input to output for highest possible accuracy

Fully electrically isolated from incoming power supply"

 

Edited November 18, 2024 by parrasaw

[andyr]

12 minutes ago, Robbiefest said:

Regarding the grounding... Yes.. it only has 2 pin 240v coming out of it. I presume somehow it's internally grounded. Not sure how they do this. 

 

They don't!  

 

I really can't understand why mfrs don't always use 3-pin power cords - as the earth wire enables the (metal) case to be grounded ... thus providing a shield for the circuitry inside the case.

 

However, if the Advance Paris doesn't earth the case - then it doesn't matter whether the RCA sockets are insulated ... or not.

 

12 minutes ago, Robbiefest said:

Agreed, I would isolate the Advance Paris preamp from the rest of the system. It does seem to be the only unit that's actually amplifying the issue. The OAD preamp is very quiet. I just prefer the sound and features of the Paris.

 

Aah, OK.  So there would seem to be nothing wrong with the OAD amp itself (as there's no noise when the OAD preamp is used).

 

12 minutes ago, Robbiefest said:

I don't know siros. I'll check them out. 

 

Unfortunately, they closed down a while ago.    But Tortech is certainly a quality mfr!

 

[Robbiefest]

2 hours ago, andyr said:

 

They don't!  

 

I really can't understand why mfrs don't always use 3-pin power cords - as the earth wire enables the (metal) case to be grounded ... thus providing a shield for the circuitry inside the case.

 

However, if the Advance Paris doesn't earth the case - then it doesn't matter whether the RCA sockets are insulated ... or not.

 

 

Aah, OK.  So there would seem to be nothing wrong with the OAD amp itself (as there's no noise when the OAD preamp is used).

 

 

Unfortunately, they closed down a while ago.    But Tortech is certainly a quality mfr!

 

OAD is totally silent with no load on it. Thanks re the RCA and no grounding. I just tested the noise frequency.  It's smack bang on 50hz. 

[Robbiefest]

2 hours ago, parrasaw said:

I posted earlier because Jon De Sensi is VERY knowledgeable, and may have something useful to offer in relation to possible causes of @Robbiefest's issues, not because I think that the OAD products may somehow contribute in any way.

I use an OAD pre and two OAD power-amps in my own system, and I have an idea about the measures which Jon goes to in his designs to help to avoid/prevent issues like the ones which have been described.

e.g some of the measures which Jon uses in his Vajra power amps (taken from Jon's website):

"Single ended and true balanced input stage using super-matched transistors to eliminate use of DC servo loop

World's first known use of Power Supply Slit Foil Electrolytic Audio Capacitors

Large high-efficiency toroidal transformer (with DC Blocker) and large filtering capacitors

Built-in Mains Filter

Built-in DC Blocker

DC Coupled from input to output for highest possible accuracy

Fully electrically isolated from incoming power supply"

 

I've got the older generation gear. The amp is quiet without a load. The amp is reasonably quiet when I use the OAD preamp. I just can't warm to the sound of it unfortunately, hence my use of the Advance Paris. I really enjoy the sound of the Paris preamp but, there's that noise!!! I just tested it. It's right on 50hz. One would think it's a ground hum ( loop ) . However I've removed everything from that circuit other than the OAD power amp and Paris preamp, and the noise is still there. I do think it's likely to be in the building. Our intercom system can have a very loud hum in it, so i reckon it's related, although they're on different circuits. 

[andyr]

51 minutes ago, Robbiefest said:

I've got the older generation gear. The amp is quiet without a load. The amp is reasonably quiet when I use the OAD preamp. I just can't warm to the sound of it unfortunately, hence my use of the Advance Paris. I really enjoy the sound of the Paris preamp but, there's that noise!!! I just tested it. It's right on 50hz. One would think it's a ground hum ( loop ) . However I've removed everything from that circuit other than the OAD power amp and Paris preamp, and the noise is still there. I do think it's likely to be in the building. Our intercom system can have a very loud hum in it, so i reckon it's related, although they're on different circuits. 

 

It may well "be in the building" ... but it's affecting the Advance Paris preamp and not your OAD preamp.

 

So I suggest using that Tortech isolating transformer on the Advance Paris preamp is a possible solution.  (If you were in Melbourne, I could lend you mine to try out - but as you're in Sydney, its weight makes postage an expensive exercise.)

 

[parrasaw]

11 hours ago, andyr said:

So I suggest using that Tortech isolating transformer on the Advance Paris preamp is a possible solution.  (If you were in Melbourne, I could lend you mine to try out - but as you're in Sydney, its weight makes postage an expensive exercise.)

A nice offer Andy!

Tortech are located at Greenacre in Sydney. @Robbiefest, might it be worth giving them a call to discuss your matter with them? They have a range of products which might give a possible solution (as suggested above by @andyr, and they can also custom make products (probably a bit expensive) where needed. Also much cheaper than power conditioner options which are out there.

They might even let you briefly trial one of their products to see if it can help with/solve the issue(s)? Worth asking?

When living in a block of flats, it is so much harder to put into place some of the likely solutions which could be tried in a standalone residence (dedicated lines etc).

Best of luck. 

Edited November 18, 2024 by parrasaw

[Robbiefest]

18 hours ago, andyr said:

 

It may well "be in the building" ... but it's affecting the Advance Paris preamp and not your OAD preamp.

 

So I suggest using that Tortech isolating transformer on the Advance Paris preamp is a possible solution.  (If you were in Melbourne, I could lend you mine to try out - but as you're in Sydney, its weight makes postage an expensive exercise.)

 

Would have taken you up on that offer but unfortunately we are just that tad too far apart. 

[Robbiefest]

6 hours ago, parrasaw said:

A nice offer Andy!

Tortech are located at Greenacre in Sydney. @Robbiefest, might it be worth giving them a call to discuss your matter with them? They have a range of products which might give a possible solution (as suggested above by @andyr, and they can also custom make products (probably a bit expensive) where needed. Also much cheaper than power conditioner options which are out there.

They might even let you briefly trial one of their products to see if it can help with/solve the issue(s)? Worth asking?

When living in a block of flats, it is so much harder to put into place some of the likely solutions which could be tried in a standalone residence (dedicated lines etc).

Best of luck. 

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll contact Tortech. 

 

[Ed369]

Anyone tried yet? If it makes a improvement on SQ?

[David A]

6 minutes ago, Ed369 said:

Anyone tried yet? If it makes a improvement on SQ?

My friend has a Puritan power strip & said it audibly beat his previous Gigawatt power strip. The general feedback is that they're good value and perform as claimed. That said, there's many ways to skin a cat.

[Robbiefest]

4 hours ago, David A said:

My friend has a Puritan power strip & said it audibly beat his previous Gigawatt power strip. The general feedback is that they're good value and perform as claimed. That said, there's many ways to skin a cat.

It's the $3500 price tag that I balk at. Then you have to buy a power cable to run it! 

[Ed369]

Any one tried the ground master?