power transformer why expensive ?

[ger56]

I do not many things in ellectronics so be patient .

I have seen on ebay some 1980's hifi power amplifier in Usa at a very low price . problem I have to change the transformer for 200 vac 50 hz .
transformer seems to cost over 100.00 $ , more than the amp .

Question : Can I jut use a standart trensfo instead of high end ! and what is the main difference .

also why should some use tyroidal transfo ?

Thank for info

ger56

[dutch diy]

Hi Ger56,

first of all you need a transformer which can deliver the required VA rate.


A toriod transformer is smaller than a similar vA rating "old style" EI block construction.

High-end toriods are usually a a good toriod which is filled with a plastic compound and a good shielding for the magnetic field.

a simple solution might be to get a dump big 220v > 110V transformer and run your USA amp on this.