[LAU] OT: isolating transformers, redux

[Ken Restivo]

On Tue, Dec 21, 2010 at 08:04:29PM +0000, linuxdsp wrote:
> Ken Restivo wrote:
>> I've been looking around for a 1:1 line level transformer to lift the ground when connecting the headphone stereo output jack of a laptop or iPod to a consumer-grade amp that takes a headphone jack input.
>>
>> All I've been able to  find is insanely expensive, like US$200.
>>
>> http://www.jensen-transformers.com/prices.html#ci2rr
>>
>> That's ridiculous. I just need the transformer itself; I can connectorize it myself.
>>
>> But my searches (Jameco, Mouser, DigiKey) aren't turning up anything except POWER transformers, much larger than what I need.
>>
>> Can anyone point me to some part numbers and (reasonable) prices for a 1:1 line level transformer?
>>
>> Thanks.
>>
>> -ken
>
> I don't think that's insanely expensive :) given that jensen are  
> probably one of the best at this sort of thing and their transformers  
> are used in many professional grade applications - and if you are going  
> to transformer-couple things then the quality of the transformer is  
> absolutely critical (even to get consumer grade performance) and  
> requires specialist knowledge and manufacture to get right (or a lot of  
> luck!).  There may be other options that don't require a transformer -  
> it depends upon the problem you are trying to solve.

The amp is a Cambridge Soundworks that cost US$100. I will not buy a transformer for it that costs more than the amp.

-ken