Japan vs US output tx

[wicked1]

Well, I thought I had made up my mind about new output TX's, but some people are starting to make me question my decision.

Are Japanese (and I guess all Asian, to include Silk & James) outputs really generally all better than US made, or is it just an exotic thing.. something different. They're all certainly much smaller than US made outputs. The specs certainly beat the US made ones, but then the US guys say they test them the wrong way and the results defy physics. (not possible to cover such a large frequency range)

And then logically I'd think if all the Japanese iron is better, there must be something similar between the Japanese iron, and if it was indeed better wouldn't the US guys copy it and make their iron better?
So that gets me thinking maybe it really is all hype.

Well. I'll understand if people don't reply and start yet ANOTHER output TX thread, but if anyone feels like chatting.. let me know...

[LinuksGuru]

Transformers do not have nationality, different cores may result in different physical dimensions. Additionally, there are no ISO/ANSII standardized way of testing audio output transformers, their characteristics are very dependent upon circuit. BTW, its not a problem to buy Japanese made cores in USA or anywhere else.

There is golden rule - audio output transformer should be wound on 3x core power rating compared to 220V/110V 50*60Hz power transformer.

[wicked1]

The nationality thing is a gross oversimplification, but just about every discussion on the "best" transformers ends up that way.

When the few US companies are brought up someone is quick to say "well sure they're alright, but should they really be in a discussion about high end" and things like that.....

But on the other hand, I don't see many complaints about any US companies either. Except maybe hammond.
Maybe I just don't want to believe this old country has declined so far it can't even get an output tx right...

[kavermei]

I think one could find both excellent and crappy units in every corner of the earth.

There are also excellent transformer houses in the UK, Sweden, The Netherlands, Germany, ...

[LinuksGuru]

Originally Posted by kavermei

I think one could find both excellent and crappy units in every corner of the earth.

There are also excellent transformer houses in the UK, Sweden, The Netherlands, Germany, ...

Can you please list these companies?

[Jeb-D.]

Originally Posted by wicked1

But on the other hand, I don't see many complaints about any US companies either. Except maybe hammond.

Hammond is Canadian.

US iron can remain guilt free

[Gordy]

Originally Posted by wicked1

Well, I thought I had made up my mind about new output TX's, but some people are starting to make me question my decision.

And there it is. The problem is not by transformer, or manufacturer, or country; but instead it is in your mind and of your own making.

No person makes you question your decision, except yourself. You alone choose to question your decision, Grasshopper.

Originally Posted by LinuksGuru

Can you please list these companies?

Your full investigation starts just one click away: TransformerSuppliers - diyAudio


: )

[pmillett]

I really think it has little to do with country of manufacture. It has more to do with materials and construction.

Most US transforners use EI cores, and use simple (ugly, some may say) end bells (not potted). James, for example, is also EI core but potted in a nice looking can. Tango transformers may be double C-core (like XE-20S) or EI (like U-808) depending on model. Tamura has EI and C cores too. Lundahl uses double C cores, but in an open construction. The list goes on and on...

Then there is core material. Different iron laminations, permalloy, amorphous, you name it. The exotic ones are expensive.

I won't even mention things like silver windings.

Personally, so far for OPTs I've tested/used Hammond, Electra-print, James, Tango, Sowter, and Edcor, one or two Japanese "domestic" brands, plus a couple of custom-made units from oddball builders. Electra-print, James, Sowter, and Tango have measured the best (not necessarily in that order!). James and Tango look the nicest (as does Tamura and Hashimoto, which I've seen but not tested). Which sounds the best? Depends on the circuit

So, what's important to you? If appearance is secondary, when you consider shipping cost, Electra-Print or Magnequest probably score highly, as might Lundahl (thanks to K&K Audio). If you want pretty on a budget, James wins IMHO. Next up I would go for Tango or Tamura, but I go to Japan all the time and can buy them in person so they aren't ridiculously expensive. If cost and delivery time is no object, maybe talk to Pieter Treurniet of Tribute in Holland or some of the more esoteric builders in Europe.

Not so simple an answer, eh?



Pete

[wicked1]

But Pete, do mention silver wire, as the EP w/ silver is cheaper than a Hashimoto which is also just an iron core, tho double C.

[wicked1]

Originally Posted by Gordy

And there it is. The problem is not by transformer, or manufacturer, or country; but instead it is in your mind and of your own making.

: )

You are partially right, but mostly the problem is in being unable to audition these products before choosing one.