First, rectifying an AC signal to full DC is not hard at all, just 4 diodes and you're done. Especially when talking about diodes, as they are not sensitive to non-uniform signals (you don't need a filter).
Second, depending on the LED voltage drop, you technically do not need a transformer at all. Granted, it can get stupid sometimes, but if you had an LED with a 3V drop, then if you wired 40 in parallel 40*3=120V. Bingo, no transformer needed.
Also, technically, you don't need a rectifier either, depending on the LED response time. You might be able to see the 60hz flicker out of the corner of your eye, but probably not.
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First, rectifying an AC signal to full DC is not hard at all, just 4 diodes and you're done. Especially when talking about diodes, as they are not sensitive to non-uniform signals (you don't need a filter).
Second, depending on the LED voltage drop, you technically do not need a transformer at all. Granted, it can get stupid sometimes, but if you had an LED with a 3V drop, then if you wired 40 in parallel 40*3=120V. Bingo, no transformer needed.
Also, technically, you don't need a rectifier either, depending on the LED response time. You might be able to see the 60hz flicker out of the corner of your eye, but probably not.