Lafayette single ended from the 60's

[Bas Horneman]

In the Netherlands imported and distributed as Kontakt. The particular model is NS-12. Output tube 6BM8 / ECL82.

The question I have. Does anyone know what model that was in the Lafayette catalog? And more importantly if the output transformers were made with nickel as magnetic material? The reason I ask is they look like nickel.

Thanks for any info you may have.

Picture of the front included.

 

[Bas Horneman]

The transformer in question.

 

[JonSnell Electronic]

In all types of transformer construction, the central iron core is constructed from a highly permeable material made from thin silicon steel laminations. These thin laminations are assembled together to provide the required magnetic path with the minimum of magnetic losses. Not nickel.

 

[piano3]

Well, Audionote use Radiometal/Permalloy type cores for their higher performance transformers and so do Sowter for their parafeed transformer.
I see what you mean Bas, it looks whiter than usual steel; maybe it is a nickel-iron alloy.

 

[Bas Horneman]

Thanks Piano3. Comparing it to other nickel-iron alloy transformers I have ...it does look like nickel. Anyway...was just curious. I'll put up some more pics tonight.

 

[wrenchone]

A view of the bottom of the transformer would be instructive. What you see on the sides may well be the mounting bracket. Usually the lams can seen directly in a bottom view. I doubt that a lowish-end product like this would bother with nickel-iron laminations.

 

[Bas Horneman]

What you see on the sides may well be the mounting bracket.

Got rid of the mounting bracket. I always remove magnetic and conductive mounting brackets. The picture above is of the second one where the bracket has not been removed yet.

I doubt that a lowish-end product like this would bother with nickel-iron laminations.

I doubt that too. It's just that nickel probably only makes sense in low powered amps. And it sure looks unlike "other" laminates and transformers found in similar amps. So I thought I might have gotten lucky. OTOH it might be that it is extra cheap without the usual electrical "insulation" to reduce eddy currents. The last is most likely ofcourse....since the transformer edges are wrapped in plastic in order not to make contact with the bracket.

 

[Bas Horneman]

The second one with bracket removed...

 

[wrenchone]

The lams are pretty thick - I have seen that sort of cheap steel before in line frequency power transformers. Another scheme is being used for inter-lamination insulation. The deep grey silicon steel uses an oxide coating, accounting for its color.

 

[Bas Horneman]

Yup.. Looks just like a cheap power transformer material..pic is of a transformer I had lying about.