What does the power rating of an output transformer mean?
I've read about people extracting more power from output transformers than their erstwhile ratings would indicate.
Is this safe?
What are the results on sonics?
How much is too much?
Supposing I have some output transformers that are being used in an amplifier that is capable of more power than the transformers are rated for BUT I never turn up the gain so high as to actually produce more output power than the transformers are rated for. What then?
Do the answers vary depending on whether the amplifier is class A or A/B?
I've read about people extracting more power from output transformers than their erstwhile ratings would indicate.
Is this safe?
What are the results on sonics?
How much is too much?
Supposing I have some output transformers that are being used in an amplifier that is capable of more power than the transformers are rated for BUT I never turn up the gain so high as to actually produce more output power than the transformers are rated for. What then?
Do the answers vary depending on whether the amplifier is class A or A/B?
It refers the maximum power output level it can pass over it's entire frequency range without overload distortion. The lowest octave is the main limiting factor.What does the power rating of an output transformer mean?
This is true, but there are restrictions and/or consequences. If you do not need the lowest octave (30-60Hz), then you can pass more wattage then it's rating. As an example, I use 60 watt OPTs with PP 6550's and because I crossover at 60Hz before the amplifier, I can easily push 100 watts through it. And that's a nice clean sine wave, not simply music. The lower frequencies would overload and distort at that level.I've read about people extracting more power from output transformers than their erstwhile ratings would indicate.
Within the constraints noted above it is safe for normal program material. I would not consider steady state high power waveforms (sine waves) to be safe for the transformer's useful life.Is this safe?
For a quality transformer, not much provided you stay within the limited frequency range.What are the results on sonics?
This is dependent on the individual transformer. But I would speculate no more then 50% above maximum above 60Hz.How much is too much?
No sweat, provided you keep the power level below maximum rating. You'll hear the distortion when it goes above.Supposing I have some output transformers that are being used in an amplifier that is capable of more power than the transformers are rated for BUT I never turn up the gain so high as to actually produce more output power than the transformers are rated for. What then?
Generally no. Power is power regardess of the class of operation.Do the answers vary depending on whether the amplifier is class A or A/B?
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