• WARNING: Tube/Valve amplifiers use potentially LETHAL HIGH VOLTAGES.
    Building, troubleshooting and testing of these amplifiers should only be
    performed by someone who is thoroughly familiar with
    the safety precautions around high voltages.

How important is it that monoblock power transformers are identical?

I want to use two identical mono amplifiers salvaged from 1960's consoles as a pair of mono amps for stereo use. From there, to improve and adapt them as a test-bed. Should be a fun learning experience.

However, one half of one of the power transformers to be complete open-circuit. If I can't quickly find another identical chassis/console, I can buy a similar, generic small-amplifier PT for about £50.

So... is it sensible to just buy one transformer, or should I replace both?

(What I'd really like to do, of course, is catch another console on its way to the skip 🙄

Cheers
 
The absolute purist would say they should be a matched pair, but any transformer with the same or similar specs would do. It would need to have the same windings. Also you need to make sure that the current ratings are at least as high as the one you are replacing. Higher is OK, but lower will cause problems.
 
Thanks zacster. Two take-aways for me. 1) It's probably ok in 'real' life. 2) I have more work to do regarding power supplies, current loading and rectifiers. I matched up the voltages (250-0-250v and 6.3) but will think again re the current ratings.

And since I'm only doing for myself, I can try things out on the chassis that's ok in the meantime.