| Few |
Could someone provide a reality check on my transformer description? Based on previous threads, I contacted Victoria Magnetics to check on the cost of transformers for the GainClone amps. I was surprised when their response was that each transformer would cost $63. I've pasted below the description that I sent them. Have I asked for more transformer than is necessary, or made some other mistake? Just to be clear, their emailed response makes it clear that $63 is for each transformer, not the pair I'd be interested in.
Here's what I sent them:
"Could you please provide a price quote on a pair of toroidal power
transformers to be used in audio amplifiers? I'm looking for two
transformers with the following specifications: 120 VA: 2 x 24 volts @ 2.5 A."
Thanks in advance.
Few |
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| Guiness |
| Transformers are expensive and Vic Mag. prices are really good compared to other I have used. I actually just order a transformer for the gainclone and I think it came to 70 with shipping. |
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| tool49 |
I don't know if this might interest you, but Parts Express has the Avel Lindberg Transformers for much less money. For example, you can get the AVEL Y236503 160VA 22V+22V TOROIDAL TRANSFORMER for ~$39 plus shipping.
Hope this helps!
Sébastien |
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| Kofi Annan |
I actually just picked up my second transformer from Victoria Magnetics today. I paid $63 for 22-0-22 320VA, so if you only want 160VA, then you may want to ask if they can build them smaller or go elsewhere.
I personally will continue to get my transformers from Victoria (BrianGT actually turned me on to them when I needed a trafo... FAST!). John from Victoria is a really nice guy and his trafo made the amp made with Brian's boards sound FANTASTIC!
I have 160VA transformers in my old IGC (1 for each channel) and I have always felt like it was underpowered. I made a lot of changes in the second amp (PCB instead of point-to-point, soft-recovery FREDs instead of crappy rectifier bridges, etc.) so there is probably more than one reason that the new one sounds better than the old one, but I really feel like its mostly due to the increased headroom in the trafo (320VA vs. 160VA). My Lyras really sound great when powered by the new amp and since I had to give that away for a friend's birthday, I HAD to make one for myself as well. I don't really play it loud very often, but even the low-medium volume playback seems to have an increased "fullness" about it. At higher volumes, my old IGC feels like its trying a little too hard, while the new one sounds more effortless.
Please note that I am not an expert. I'm just a Secretary General of the United Nations trying to learn a new hobby. I agree with Guiness, however, that for what you're getting (320VA) VM's prices are good.
There. My first posting NOT related to a stupid question I have is now complete.
Kofi |
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| Few |
Thanks to everyone for the replies. I had seen the Parts Express prices, which is why I was surprised by the Victoria Magnetics quote. I just wanted to be sure I wasn't somehow misunderstanding what I should be looking for; the responses have helped. Now I just have to make some decisions... Thanks again.
-Few |
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