Yesterday, I had a new transformer (50KVA) installed by the power company and the old 4ga 100AMP service replaced by a 700Amp service with 2X120V 2/O (+ 1/0 ground) cables to the studio. 14 ground rods installed (I though only 7 until I counted the copper grounds on input) at each room and separate service to the various types of sockets.
Mic pre level devices are on separate circuits than line level or power amp level. The internal wiring is new, 10/3 stranded, not solid.
Off power was from 9Am until 8PM yesterday and it got so damned hot here, I had to drive to wal-mart and push a shopping cart around for a few hours and mount up the usual 400 dollar wally world tally.
So, I began calibration today. I have some relatively discernible shifts in fq balance on some modules and others are minor. The entire signal chain does not sound exactly what I am used to...as I have more dynamic range on the mids and a more locked in bottom end, As for the top end with the chain, it is solid, clean and definitive as it has been but the mids certainly like to "poke above it" at times on familiar material. The bottom end power below 30Hz is rock solid, not really louder to the ears but more physical.
I think their is something to be said at least about the power from the transformer to the house through the meter.
I also feel that replacing a transformer that was made in 1957 with a modern transformer of 5 times the capacity, and having one that goes to no other buildings or homes may have something to do with it.
Nevertheless, the system seems to have a slight shift in midrange dynamics and bottom end force. As for translation, this is what this weekend is all about. Fine calibration with know sources and masters.
Is it better?
Well...I feel subjectively that it is a shade "different"
Time will tell.
Don't even ask me if the wires by not being broken in have anything to do with this.....
BTW, the pre transformer volatge is 7.2KV not 2.4 (which would be a very old, obsolete grid on substation secondary. Most sub/sec's are 11.7kv or 7.2kv actually.
Voltage is a steady 120.0 no matter what I do (including the electric dryer and HW heaters being on or switched in) and I have not even entertained the idea of connecting the power conditioners yet. Perhaps no need.