What is a “Q” transformer?“Q” transformers were developed by Equi=Tech engineers to solve several problems common in typical toroid transformers. There are 3 areas where conventional toroid transformers miss the mark in performance.
1. Acoustical noise. Most of the time, standard toroid transformers will perform quietly and emit almost no audible noise. However, in residences and in other areas with poor utility power, the transformers react physically to excessive current distortion. The more distortion, the more the transformer vibrates. This dissipation of reactive energy, while being very helpful to equipment power supplies, can still be quite annoying. It is interesting to note that this problem has been worsening since the mid-90s. Our customer support technicians report acoustical noise problems in as many as 2 out of 5 residential locations whereas in the early 90s, the frequency of reported noise problems was perhaps 2 out of 50 locations. This recent decline in power quality is due to the increased use of microwave ovens, personal computers, HDTVs with large switching power supplies, home security systems, lighting controllers and other types of home theater equipment, especially digital audio and video components. All of these types of loads produce excessive current distortion which distorts the power in an entire neighborhood. The problem continues to worsen. Commercial users, though somewhat protected are not immune to this problem either. Most states have minimum power quality standards and tarrifs for commercial occupancies which may alleviate the problem at times, but none at all for residential neighborhoods. “Q” transformers are immune to current distortion and operate much more quietly than any other type transformer.
2. Inrush current -- the "achilles heel" of toroid transformers. While toroids are the most efficient of all transformer designs, their comparatively light core saturates very quickly which means that there will often be a large current surge when first turned on. This causes nuisance circuit breaker tripping. Many manufacturers of balanced power products use soft start relays to alleviate the inrush current problem inherent in typical toroid transformers. That is a band aid solution intended to compensate for an inexpensive transformer design. Furthermore, more parts means more that can go wrong and sooner or later it does. Q transformers handle the inrush current problem passively and need no soft-start circuits. The greater mass of the “Q” transformer as well as the type of core material and winding specifications used eliminates the need for any soft start device.
3. Slow or lagging current response. "Q" transformers respond to sudden peak current demands more quickly than any other type of transformer. Power conditioners and filter networks of all kinds choke current which adversely affects the performance of electronic components with large peak current transient demands such as power amplifiers. When current response is slow, the first noticeable change is loss of low frequency definition. Bass begins to break up and sound bloated. Deep bass resolution gives way to “boominess.” Q transformers are engineered to operate with a much lower magnetic flux density which provides more headroom for large current transients. The difference Q transformers provide in bass performance is something truly remarkable to experience.