Just saying better has been done with the same resources. Not saying it can’t be enjoyable, that is why we started the journey we went on.
dave
I may drive the Sony transformers with a pair of 500V depletion mode mosfets with Schade-style feedback from drain to drain. It would make a neat and petite package, especially if I use a current-fed push-pull DC-DC converter to generate the B+ from the output of a switchmode wall adapter, so no power transformer.
These are very good sounding OPTs for the usual SE tubes. I'm using various EL12 types. These are in my daily system.
Of course try other ideas, but don't ignore the obvious!
Of course try other ideas, but don't ignore the obvious!
Long ago when this thread started--by wrenchone no less--I don't recall there being as many options for budget OPTs. Specifically, I'm thinking that these still sometimes sell for at or near what one can pick up a pair of "10W" or "15W" Edcor GXSEs and usually more than XSEs. About the same as those 4K "12W" Heyboers new on Ebay.
Additionally, we've gotten much more accessible capable measurement tools, especially the Audio Analyzer Suite. I'd be curious to know if anybody has ever measured these in the same amp comparing. I suppose that person could be me on my RH84 (a pair of these) or SSE (the 15W GXSEs), but like so many of us, I already have too many projects!
Not saying I question the greatness of the old Tamradio transformers. They are well recognized to sound good a bargain by any measure if you pick them up locally in a cheap R2R and can use or sell the PT and/or the NEC 12AD7s and/or the Holey Basket Corals. No idea what they bring now, but I remember breaking even on the whole R2R just on selling the 12AD7 pair.
Finally, until ... like last week ... I didn't know that the TC-521 was another frequently findable source. I always got them from TC-500As.
Paul
Additionally, we've gotten much more accessible capable measurement tools, especially the Audio Analyzer Suite. I'd be curious to know if anybody has ever measured these in the same amp comparing. I suppose that person could be me on my RH84 (a pair of these) or SSE (the 15W GXSEs), but like so many of us, I already have too many projects!
Not saying I question the greatness of the old Tamradio transformers. They are well recognized to sound good a bargain by any measure if you pick them up locally in a cheap R2R and can use or sell the PT and/or the NEC 12AD7s and/or the Holey Basket Corals. No idea what they bring now, but I remember breaking even on the whole R2R just on selling the 12AD7 pair.
Finally, until ... like last week ... I didn't know that the TC-521 was another frequently findable source. I always got them from TC-500As.
Paul