Upgrading Transformer in Crate Practice Amp

Jameson Styles · 24th December 2009, 05:51 AM

I'm looking to replace the transformer in my Crate GTD15 practice amp for something with a little more oomph. I'd like to be able to use it as a small head amplifier, but its 15 watts makes it very limited. As it stands, is simply clips when given any significant demand running an external speaker.

What's in it is a 24vac, .625a transformer, and what I have is a 13.5vac, 3.5a transformer. The new transformer has roughly 3 times the mass of the old one, and is pushing a lot more wattage.

Now, I know very, VERY little about this kind of electronics. I do know that if I used a higher voltage transformer that it would be dangerous. What I don't know is if using the lower voltage, higher amperage transformer will yield better results, and if there's any danger in the higher amperage.

What do you guys think?

Jameson Styles · 24th December 2009, 07:21 AM

Nevermind, I guess something's wrong with the preamp stage. It's all overdriving like mad with the stock transformer. I'm thinking I must've run too loud of line level out of my distortion box and killed it. Shoot.

nigelwright7557 · 24th December 2009, 01:12 PM

I think i would be starting again with something considerably more powerful.
Just increasing the transformer is not the way to go.
There are loads of designs on DIYAUDIO if you do a search.

24th December 2009, 05:51 AM	#1
Jameson Styles diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2009	Upgrading Transformer in Crate Practice Amp I'm looking to replace the transformer in my Crate GTD15 practice amp for something with a little more oomph. I'd like to be able to use it as a small head amplifier, but its 15 watts makes it very limited. As it stands, is simply clips when given any significant demand running an external speaker. What's in it is a 24vac, .625a transformer, and what I have is a 13.5vac, 3.5a transformer. The new transformer has roughly 3 times the mass of the old one, and is pushing a lot more wattage. Now, I know very, VERY little about this kind of electronics. I do know that if I used a higher voltage transformer that it would be dangerous. What I don't know is if using the lower voltage, higher amperage transformer will yield better results, and if there's any danger in the higher amperage. What do you guys think?

24th December 2009, 01:12 PM	#3
nigelwright7557 diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Carlisle, England	I think i would be starting again with something considerably more powerful. Just increasing the transformer is not the way to go. There are loads of designs on DIYAUDIO if you do a search. __________________ http://www.murtonpikesystems.co.uk PCBCAD40 pcb design software.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Best Practice : Bridging amp modules	soundengine355	Solid State	3	2nd September 2009 08:10 AM
crate amp help	mahlin	Solid State	0	7th May 2006 01:24 AM
transformer help! Marshall and crate.. cross-reference?	madflower	Parts	1	5th June 2005 09:11 AM
Help with transformer theory and practice	Ulas	Digital Source	4	12th July 2003 03:35 AM
Bass practice amp	FBLEAGH	Instruments and Amps	4	19th November 2002 03:57 AM

New To Site?	Need Help?
Register to Participate Search Privacy Statement Contact Us	Frequently Asked Questions Did you forget your password? Mark Forums Read


	Please consider donating to help us continue to serve you. Ads on/off / Custom Title / More PMs / More album space / Advanced printing & mass image saving

24th December 2009, 07:21 AM	#2
Jameson Styles diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2009	Nevermind, I guess something's wrong with the preamp stage. It's all overdriving like mad with the stock transformer. I'm thinking I must've run too loud of line level out of my distortion box and killed it. Shoot.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)