geraldfryjr
Member
So it should then be possible to construct a crazy-wattage audio amp (3000+ Watts?) without a transformer (i.e. the most expensive component) if you use the 240V mains (U.S.A.) on a dedicated pair of circuit breakers and directly rectify the mains voltage so you can have a split supply. I.E. two hot 120VAC (180° out of phase) and one common ground between them and also the rest of the building... Just like a typical electric furnace would connect. You may have to do a little house rewiring but for the do-it-yourself crowd this may be a far superior option than shelling out a thousand bucks for a 100 lb transformer. Our homes are already conveniently wired for 240V with a center tap if you go all the way back into the circuit breaker box. Essentially you'd be using the pre-existing huge transformer on the utility company's pole as part of your design. Anyone agree or disagree?
I have contemplated such a design for many years ,But every time I have tried to discuss this it gets thrown in my face as how dangerous it is ,But back in the old days lots of stuff ran directly off of the line and there are many new designs in solid state format these days that are off line supplies that are not isolated or use power transformers.
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