Hum Eliminator/Isolation Transformers

[Vic Winters]

I've always run my HX Stomp in Hybrid Mode (Main Outs with Amp + Cab sim to FOH, FX Send to Amp). Recently I decided to move my VMT Deluxe to the other loop. Since the FX Send uses a shared ground between the two loops and the paths diverge, this caused a ground loop when the second loop was activated. I picked up a Pyle PHE300 since it's dirt cheap, and it solved my issue. There is some signal loss but it's not terrible.

I know Pyle is a cheap brand, and that better transformers equal better sound. I know Ebtech, Behringer, ART, Rolls and several other companies have their own boxes. I also know the same components occasionally get repackaged and sold by different manufacturers at different price points. My question is, at what price point am I actually getting a better transformers? I know the Radial SB6 does, but that's 5X the price compared to the sub $20 Pyle. Is there anything in between?

 

[Bob_Ross]

There are basically four (semi-)common brands of transformers that have better-than-respectable audio performance: Jensen, Marinair, Sowter, and Carnhill.
Not sure about the Ebtech units but I'd place a healthy wager that the ART, Rolls, and Behringer units do not use any of those transformer brands.
Radial as you may know uses Jensen transformers -- in fact, Radial now owns the Jensen company -- so that's why they're more expensive.
Ya gets what ya pays for.

But as far as "anything in between" ...maybe look into Sescom? I don't know whose transformers they use, but they've always been well respected in pro audio circles.