I’ve had great results with the HiFi Equis SE outputs. The 30 watt units are very good and not that expensive. Shipping is expensive and can cost the same as the transformer! Hayboer in the US makes some nice outputs that will be just a little more than the Chinese units after shipping is added. I’d avoid the no name Chinese outputs as quality is hit and miss. There’s always Edcore too but the big HiFi Equis are much better and ship now not in three months!
Certainly wise. But market is apparently different and not many original brands as such (at least that can be identified by non Chinese speaking people). I assume that some/many products get an English/international sounding name from the vendors (relabelled???)
I also look at the number of sales abn feedback. Yes, it could be fake, or distorted, but I definitely would be wary of an item that has not sold at all, and has zero feedback.
Maybe We’re not necessarily dealing every time with long established trade companies like we may have in our own countries. Many small vendors who buy batches from manufacturers and who sell them in their spare part shops and the internet platforms???
To be honest I think the information in this thread reflects the current situation with Chinese OPTs. Now, it would be great of someone was willing to tests some samples, with the public chipping in to buy the transformers. But that's not probably going to happen....
The problem I see is the following:
In the absence of reliably identifiable brands and models, and thus experiences that can be replicated among DIYers, there’s a risk that any misfortunate test ends up in a bashing of OPT made in PRC, or on the contrary that a successful positive test ends up in false promises.
Hence the need to first understand who does what and what is what.
In the absence of reliably identifiable brands and models, and thus experiences that can be replicated among DIYers, there’s a risk that any misfortunate test ends up in a bashing of OPT made in PRC, or on the contrary that a successful positive test ends up in false promises.
Hence the need to first understand who does what and what is what.
Hifi exquis is a vendor, and one that I actually like (good communication, good stuff, fair prices, reliable etc). Bur They’re not a manufacturer of OT, hence the brand Raphaelite they have on offer. The only brand (?) recognisable so far. (?)
Interesting about Equis being a middle man. The 30 watt and 22 watt SE transformers I’ve purchased from them appear to be from the same manufacturer. The same hardware and paint was used. At any rate, they are large, well built and sound excellent. I’ve used Transcendar and Hayboer outputs and the Chinese units are of equal sound quality. I won’t hesitate to use any of these makers. Sadly, Transcendar is not making new units anymore. I tend to get oversized outputs so I can always use them for other projects and the low frequencies are usually better. The Hayboer outputs are excellent and priced fairly for a customizable product. They are faster than Edcore too!
a friend suggest that one for my SE EL84 (DG SE-1) build last year. listening thru the amp right now. sounds good.