WTB gainclone-suitable (18-0-18 to 25-0-25) transformers, MUR860's,soldering station.

[Spasticteapot]

I'll cut to the quick.
I need a transformer suitable for a Gainclone, or multiple smaller transformers. The voltage would need to be between 36VCT (or 2 18v windings) and 50VCT (2 25v windings.). Alternately, multiple transformers between 18 and 24 volts would work. I can't pay more than about 20$, though.

I also need diodes, such as MUR860's. I can't pay more than fifty cents per; this is the going price on Ebay, when there are any availible. MUR820's would also work, if you have them.

I'm also interested in a decent soldering station. My budget's about 40$. Anyone have one handy?

[slowhands]

You need to specify the voltage and current of the transformer you want. I assume this is a 50 VCT 4 amp transformer, about a 200 VA rating? Should not be hard to find, but you need more spec than you gave.

For the rectifiers, if you have a bunch of old PC power supplies, they have 8A bridge rectifiers in the input that will more than suffice, and usually have a couple of higher current fast rectifiers in the output circuit. I have no idea why people are building these with discrete fast rectifiers. Looks cool, I suppose.

As for the soldering iron, get a temperature controlled one from either Weller or Hakko. You can find the Wellers all over cheap, the Hakko 936 is better and not much more. You don't want to burn traces, but at the same time you need the reserve heat these irons have for chassis and heavy soldering. So these are good all around irons.

[Spasticteapot]

Originally posted by slowhands
You need to specify the voltage and current of the transformer you want. I assume this is a 50 VCT 4 amp transformer, about a 200 VA rating? Should not be hard to find, but you need more spec than you gave.

For the rectifiers, if you have a bunch of old PC power supplies, they have 8A bridge rectifiers in the input that will more than suffice, and usually have a couple of higher current fast rectifiers in the output circuit. I have no idea why people are building these with discrete fast rectifiers. Looks cool, I suppose.

As for the soldering iron, get a temperature controlled one from either Weller or Hakko. You can find the Wellers all over cheap, the Hakko 936 is better and not much more. You don't want to burn traces, but at the same time you need the reserve heat these irons have for chassis and heavy soldering. So these are good all around irons.

You're probbably right. The electronics goldmine has absurdly large rectifiers for 1$ each; that'll cut a lot off the cost . (I honestly doubt it's going to hurt the sound much.) Alternately, 1N5404's are really, really cheap, but they're only rated for 3A, and I've heard that they have problems with ringing, or some such.

Circut Specialists makes a decent iron for about 35$. It's got an ordinary dial, but it's temperature controlled, and it works. I'll probbably get one, but I'd rather get a fancy Weller iron used.

You're right, I should have specified VA. I need transformers of at least 2A; monoblocks can be made with 100VA per channel transformers without much trouble. Alternately, two matching transformers of 18-24v (center tap not necessary) could be used, of at least 100VA each, or four matching transformers at 50VA.

[klm1]

check parts express they have a 25V xfrmr for $3.00(!) 12.5V-0-12.5V @ 2.0 A here http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...number=129-035
now you can get to work!

[Spasticteapot]

The problem is, each of those transformers is only rated for 48VA. I'd need four to actually power a Gainclone. (Admittedly, this would be a nice solution for monoblocks, but if I were actually going to get monoblocks, then I'd just get toroidial transformers.)
Come to think of it, I remember seeing some 60VA 20v Avel-Lindberg transformers a while back for about 5$. The shipping's likely nasty, though.