Transformers, transformers, transformers...

[Doz]

Hi All,

Can I call upon the collective brains to comment on output and supply transformers.

With completion of a project nearing (I've actually got OPT's for this one) I'm going to need a supply transformer.

4 options:
Sowter in the UK (Expensive)
Hammond from Canada (Not so expensive)
Amplimo from Holland
vt4c.com from China.

Any comments on Quality. I moved away from Sowter a few years ago, as I had received a couple of OPT's with imbalanced windings, not good for such an expensive transformer.

Hammond always seem to be OK and work out of the box.

Amplimo are an unknown for me, as are vt4c

One question arises from looking at the (now missing it's webshop, but coming soon) Amplimo site, is why do they spec 5ohm secondaries for their OPTs?

Any comments duly appreciated.

Thanks,
Doz

 

[andyjevans]

I've used many Hammond parts and the UK distributor Bluebell Audio is really good - efficient, not expensive and flexible about combined orders. Some of their transformers are very good, period. The 126C is a great interstage for instance. Prices make them very competitive, and you can source a lot of parts together and get combined shipping. I haven't used Edcor yet, and thats worth looking at. I don't use Sowter at all.

andy

 

[DF96]

In the UK there is also VVT and Danbury.

 

[Soonerorlater]

Used a Danbury power supplies transformer in my Baby Huey, satisfied with it and the people who supplied it.


Valve Mains Transformers


Here are vvt http://www.vvttransformers.co.uk/index.htm

 

[Doz]

Used a Danbury power supplies transformer in my Baby Huey, satisfied with it and the people who supplied it.


Valve Mains Transformers

I've used Danbury mic transformers from Maplin about a hundred years ago. They were OK.

Not heard of VVT though, will do a google.

 

[Stixx]

get a quote from AE Europe in Holland...

Automatic Electric Europe

Ordered a pair of C core parafeed transformers from them. Excellent build quality, recommended...

 

[dennusch]

One question arises from looking at the (now missing it's webshop, but coming soon) Amplimo site, is why do they spec 5ohm secondaries for their OPTs?
Doz

A modern 8 ohm loudspeaker often dips to 4 ohm or even lower in the bass region. Therefore a 5 ohm OPT is a good choice in most cases.

 

[johnrtd]

output transformers

Amplimo transformers are designed by Menno van der Veen and the specifications (and sound quality) are better then most others. Mostly the bandwidth is wider too.
Some designs are coprighted to Plitron in Canada.
The cheapest one for 2 x EL84 is the http://www.amplimo.nl/images/downloads/ds output/VDV8020.pdf

John

 

[Matt BH]

Check out the Antek torroids here:

http://www.antekinc.com

Also available through ebay. I would reccomend shipping them USPS though because you could get stung with import duty with other courier type services. If you are willing to wait a while for them to turn up you will not be dissapointed.

Also try JMS here:

1 PH Trans

I have never used them but the prices are just amazing.

Cheers Matt.

 

[tomchr]

The Antek power transformers are solid, but I haven't heard much good about their output transformers. There's a thread discussing those somewhere in the Tubes forum...

The Edcor OPTs are solid performers. I've tried both their CXSE25-series and XSE15-series with good results.

~Tom

 

[Matt BH]

Sorry, I should have said for power trannys. I have read that the Antek output trannys are not that great.

You could also ask Siga in the UK:

Toroidal Transformer, Bobbin Wound Components, UL Approved Transformer by SIGA

They were very helpfull when I enquired about some massive transformers for a TIG welder project (still not started, although I have all the bits) I also asked about having some C-core output trannys wound and they were more than helpfull. I didnt have them made in the end as I got some cores from work and decided to make my own. They were very helpful and prompt in their correspondence though and I would recommend them.

Dont hesitate to get some wound to your exact specs. You will be surprised at the price and quality. I guess this goes no matter where you are in the world and in this so called deppression it also helps support local business.

Cheers Matt.

 

[ckniker]

Lundahl?

Any reason why you're not considering Lundahl transformers?

I have been very happy with both the transformers (opt and power) and the support I get from the US distributor, Kevin Carter.

 

[Doz]

Sorry, I should have said for power trannys. I have read that the Antek output trannys are not that great.

You could also ask Siga in the UK:

Toroidal Transformer, Bobbin Wound Components, UL Approved Transformer by SIGA

They were very helpfull when I enquired about some massive transformers for a TIG welder project (still not started, although I have all the bits) I also asked about having some C-core output trannys wound and they were more than helpfull. I didnt have them made in the end as I got some cores from work and decided to make my own. They were very helpful and prompt in their correspondence though and I would recommend them.

Dont hesitate to get some wound to your exact specs. You will be surprised at the price and quality. I guess this goes no matter where you are in the world and in this so called deppression it also helps support local business.

Cheers Matt.

Thanks Matt, I'll PM you in a bit, I work in Tewkesbury!

 

[richwalters]

Hi All,

Can I call upon the collective brains to comment on output and supply transformers.


Any comments on Quality. I moved away from Sowter a few years ago, as I had received a couple of OPT's with imbalanced windings, not good for such an expensive transformer.

Any comments duly appreciated.

Thanks,
Doz

Thats unusual for them.

Try Majestic transformer, Poole, Dorset, UK
Supplier & Manufacturer of Transformers, Chokes and Power Supplies in UK: Majestic Transformers

richy

 

[Matt BH]

Doz your welcome to PM me anytime.

Cheers Matt.