I'm currently planning out a future 300B SET build, and I'm running into some analysis paralysis with output transformers. I'm investing a nice chunk into this build, but still trying to keep costs relatively under control. I believe I've narrowed my choices down to the Edcor CSXE and the Lundahl 1623.
The Lundahls are about double the price, but are they substantially better quality than the Edcor? I've tried to do some forum searches for direct comparisons, and haven't been able to extract some good info. I've had good luck with the Edcor GSXE, which leads me to believe the Edcors won't leave me wanting, but some info on other threads might lead me to believe Lundahls are of better quality?
I'll be running the amp into a pair of Klipsch RP-260F speakers.
Thanks for any assistance!
The Lundahls are about double the price, but are they substantially better quality than the Edcor? I've tried to do some forum searches for direct comparisons, and haven't been able to extract some good info. I've had good luck with the Edcor GSXE, which leads me to believe the Edcors won't leave me wanting, but some info on other threads might lead me to believe Lundahls are of better quality?
I'll be running the amp into a pair of Klipsch RP-260F speakers.
Thanks for any assistance!
if it's the amp of your life, then do not hesitate, take the Lundahl.
they are unanimously recognized as being among the best of the current market.
if I will have to mount an amp with final triode SE, I will not even ask the question, I would take the best.
they are unanimously recognized as being among the best of the current market.
if I will have to mount an amp with final triode SE, I will not even ask the question, I would take the best.
Yes I know, so the local distributor will add the shipping expenses. Why not to buy local, it's ecologic if you get more or less the same quality and lower price.
I would go for James 6133HSF transformer
I've tried both Lundahl 1623 and James 6135 (3k/5K version) on My DIY 300B amp.
To my ears the James beats the Lundahl in every aspect and was even cheaper.
I've tried both Lundahl 1623 and James 6135 (3k/5K version) on My DIY 300B amp.
To my ears the James beats the Lundahl in every aspect and was even cheaper.
I wonder how I should distribute the budget on 300B tubes and the OPT. Better transformer with cheaper tube, or vice versa? I'm also planning to build my first 300B amp. (Sorry for highjacking the thread. )
The One Electron UBT-3 worked very well in the last 300B amp I made (years ago!). The output transformer is available for $109USD.
James 6123HS - if you can find them - were also very good in SEP amplifier I built.
James 6123HS - if you can find them - were also very good in SEP amplifier I built.
I used the James too, and thought it was extremely good for the price, but I don't think they're available anymore.
Even the best 300B can't overcome a poorly-made OPT. You can always upgrade the tubes later.
Thanks for the feedback so far! And to plasnu, hijack away, that's a great question.
Does anyone have any direct experience with both the Lundahl and the Edcor? Those are pretty easily available and in the right budget range, but I wouldn't want to pay 100% more for the Lundahl to get 10% better performance (understanding this is purely subjective)
Does anyone have any direct experience with both the Lundahl and the Edcor? Those are pretty easily available and in the right budget range, but I wouldn't want to pay 100% more for the Lundahl to get 10% better performance (understanding this is purely subjective)
in my (short) experience, it is better to invest your money in a very good opt because a good opt remains, but not necessarily with the same scheme.
a good opt is a safe bet, while a diagram, you can change.
a good opt is a safe bet, while a diagram, you can change.
I have used the same pair of TFA204 output transformers for 4-5 different 2A3 SET in the last 20 years or so. I love the way they have worked. Others were not so hot.
The Transformers last and last but, the circuits change(hopefully improve) and the tubes etc. wear out.
Here's some prices and a few other brands.
Acoustic-Dimension, high-end audio and components for tube audio
I switched from a LL1623 to a Hashimoto H-203S and I'm satisfied. The H-203
is a small OPT and has limited frequency response in the lower areas but it's
great at what I'm using it for (C3m / KR300b xls).
Acoustic-Dimension, high-end audio and components for tube audio
I switched from a LL1623 to a Hashimoto H-203S and I'm satisfied. The H-203
is a small OPT and has limited frequency response in the lower areas but it's
great at what I'm using it for (C3m / KR300b xls).
Those mesaurement are not significant.
The 4 volt on primary says nothing.
The real test on that type of trafo are different.
If you need 8 volt on 8 ohm for a s.e. of 300B, 8 watt rms, and your trafo ha 22:8 as ratio ( is only an example) you need 8x22 volt at primary = 176 volt rms / 496 volt pp
In addition you have a bias current that tend to put lower the L
Walter
The 4 volt on primary says nothing.
The real test on that type of trafo are different.
If you need 8 volt on 8 ohm for a s.e. of 300B, 8 watt rms, and your trafo ha 22:8 as ratio ( is only an example) you need 8x22 volt at primary = 176 volt rms / 496 volt pp
In addition you have a bias current that tend to put lower the L
Walter
