What transformer brands are good, but not incredibly expensive? I want something better than Hammond, maybe double the price. I'm going to make a 300B SE amp and I'm having a surprisingly hard time finding something.
Also, is it worth paying for a more expensive power transformer? I understand how the output transformers will perform better or worse, but does power really make any audible difference between brands?
Also, is it worth paying for a more expensive power transformer? I understand how the output transformers will perform better or worse, but does power really make any audible difference between brands?
Consider Lundahl for your OPT.
Power transformers *can* make a difference, but there aren't many options there, either. Hammonds are generally fine. If you use quality components in the power supply, you're not going to notice the difference, I think.
Lundahl C-core transformer is my favorite. They have power transformer, filter choke, output transformer, interstage and line transformers as well.
kandkaudio.com is the web site you can get information and place the order.
Johnny
kandkaudio.com is the web site you can get information and place the order.
Johnny
Unless you're looking for a custom wound model, these guys have a few options:
Antique Electronic Supply: Antique Electronic Supply
Triode Electronics: Triode USA Tube Amp Kits Transformers Tubes Dynaco Upgrades and Parts
Tom
Antique Electronic Supply: Antique Electronic Supply
Triode Electronics: Triode USA Tube Amp Kits Transformers Tubes Dynaco Upgrades and Parts
Tom
If I were in the US I would be very tempted to try those new LOW IMD transformers made by Electra-Print.
If do not use 4 R speakers, 3.5K/6R is about right for most 300B designs.
If do not use 4 R speakers, 3.5K/6R is about right for most 300B designs.
Surprised, nobody has mentioned Edcor. Not available off the shelf but the 8 week waiting period is worth it, if you're on a budget.
EDCOR - Single Ended Tube Output Transformers
George Anderson of Tubelab has done extensive testing and Edcor's are used by many on this forum.
Budget Output Transformers | Tubelab
Output Transformers | Tubelab
EDCOR - Single Ended Tube Output Transformers
George Anderson of Tubelab has done extensive testing and Edcor's are used by many on this forum.
Budget Output Transformers | Tubelab
Output Transformers | Tubelab
Absolutely nothing wrong with EDCOR,
I highly recommend Matt from Musical Power supplies Inc.
He wound me a pair of custom output transformers at a very reasonable price, and very high quality, have done the job nicely on my build.
Musical Power Supplies, Inc. - Custom Products
Ebay store
https://www.ebay.com/str/musicalpowersupplies
I highly recommend Matt from Musical Power supplies Inc.
He wound me a pair of custom output transformers at a very reasonable price, and very high quality, have done the job nicely on my build.
Musical Power Supplies, Inc. - Custom Products
Ebay store
https://www.ebay.com/str/musicalpowersupplies
Matt is in the middle of moving and wont be winding any transformers till august according to his website
When I spoke with Jack his opinion that low-IMD was not really worthwhile unless you were building his low-IMD designs. I know it sounds self-serving but I elected to follow his advice out of respect for his expertise and ordered a pair of SE output transformers for a pair of parallel single-ended pentode amplifiers using EL34s using his ISO-Linear plans.
I have a pair of Electra-Print low IMD OPTs for an SE 300B amp and love them. They sound even better than his more traditional SE OPTs. In fact I’m planning to order two more pairs for upcoming projects. Definitely recommend.
Wasn't Jack getting his stuff wound by Magnetic Components/Classic Tone? And they have shut down, haven't they?
Yes I would recommend Electraprint in a second.
+1 for Edcor.
Read this article: why I use low inductance transformers in all my builds. Edcor low power / low inductance iron is just fabulous.
A Consequence of The Quest for 20Hz Roll Off | Cascade Tubes
One-Electron from Antique Electronic’s supply (what they have left in stock)
Read this article: why I use low inductance transformers in all my builds. Edcor low power / low inductance iron is just fabulous.
A Consequence of The Quest for 20Hz Roll Off | Cascade Tubes
One-Electron from Antique Electronic’s supply (what they have left in stock)
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The Cascade Tubes article is deeply flawed. Primary inductance appears in shunt with the "transforming" part of the transformer, so has no effect on "transient response". Whatever that is intended to mean, since it's never defined.
All good fortune,
Chris
All good fortune,
Chris
On top of that, poor inductance will also mean a lot of distortion (easily double digits) already below 150Hz....
There is an argument there, what is the negative effect on cost, midrange and upper ranges just to achieve a lower octave you rarely or cant hear. I'm a subwoofer man big time, so I can always balance out the bass or fit it to the room. If using a sub then this approach is the way to go a high pass filter at 70hz to the amp and a full range tap off to the sub feed just ahead of that.
No, it is your opinion that the writers assumptions are flawed and that he doesn’t go far enough in his explanation. However, It was written by an engineer who makes a solid case that chasing the last octave of low frequency performance can lead to unnecessary compromises.
The article has to be taken with the concept of severalty: he makes multiple and distinct arguments for using lower inductance transformers.
Chris, if you really want “All good fortune” then answer the OPs question (which I don’t see that you have).
🙄