Vote for your favorite OPT

[Gaz]

I don't want to troll, honestlty. Very Happy My best sounding amp has a New Sensor Corporation generic Marshall 100W OT in it. It is the only amp I ever built with a NSC OT, and my favorite one out of every single amp I have ever played. I will never know whether the OT is to be credited for that distinction because I do not intent to build any more D-style amps (I have been "D build-free" for almost two years already! I think I've made it.).

Gil

Funny, the New Sensor genenric replacment trannies are Magnetic Components trannies!

And a long aside:

I've been using these in Marshall Plexi style amps and like the tone very much, however I noticed like others that the PT was getting quite hot, even when using a 100-watt model for a 50-watt build. Trying not to be assumptive, I wrote the company about it, and they replied:

"Yes, these are built to withstand high continuous running temperatures without any problems. All of the magnetic wire and layer insulation in this unit is rated for these high temperatures. It is normal for these particular units to run hot. Please rest assured that these should perform well for you."

I'd heard a lot of gossip about these running hot, and became a bit paranoid myself after hearing the 'if you can't hold your hand on the PT for 5 seconds, it's too hot!' This may be true for some, but I'd also read about certain transformers being designed to run hot, and simply using parts to withstand those temperatures. I wanted to trust the authority of Magnetic Comp., but figured it wouldn't hurt to ask; I'm glad I did.

So my vote is for Magnetic Components.


[/i]

[Structo]

I don't understand their response:

It is normal for these particular units to run hot.

To me it would seem if you use too small a gauge wire or some other parameter that doesn't meet the current demand, then that will result in heat.

I have always understood that if a PT is correct for the circuit it supplies voltage to, that it should not run hot at all.
Just warm and mostly from the heat of the tubes.

Their statement really gives me pause to use their PT.

[M Fowler]

I cannot substantiate Magnetic Components trannies as running hot.

I have many amps with those trannies and I purposely checked for heat based on this report of running hot on my gig. The trannies were not hot at all.

This company has been building transformers for quite some time so I think they know how to properly built them. Best of all the price is a great deal.

Mark

[Gaz]

Having you been using the Marshall style trannies? My builds have been non-master volume types, unlike Dumbles, so perhaps the power tubes are just being pushed harder? I don't know...

The response was fine for me, and with my little knowledge of transformer design, I am willing to trust the authority of the company's VP, who wrote me. Heat doesn't particularly bother me, especially if the parts within the transformer are 'meant to withstand high temperatures'. What does bother me are component failures, and I will definitely be posting here if one of these guys happens to fail....personally, I have read many reports of these running hot, but no reports of inexplicable failures.

And there may be just a smidge of self-rationalization on my part...I'd buy Heyboers if I cold afford them. Unfortunately I'm just a poor kid with a liberal arts degree who builds electric skateboards for a living in another guy's basment!

[M Fowler]

Yes I built a JCM800 2204 head using MC iron. The 2204 is a 50 watt amp.

[Gaz]

You should crank it for a good 45 minutes, and tell me if the PT's hot - Now I'm paranoid all over again! However, I have built 3 amps with these, and they all get equally hot, so I just don't think you are rocking hard enough for long enough! haha.

[M Fowler]

You need to set your beer on top of the amp.

[johan]

Just some info on the TAD (Tube Amp Doctor) transformers.
I got an Twin Reverb Export PT and a Marshall Plexi 50W OT.
I expected Mojo (Heyboer) but (EDIT) the Twin PT has the 1052 (Pacific) stamp...maybe NOS

The Twin Reverb PT is HUGE

[markusw]

Just some info on the TAD (Tube Amp Doctor) transformers.
I got an Twin Reverb Export PT and a Marshall Plexi 50W OT. I expected Mojo (Heyboer) but they have the 1052 (Pacific) stamp...maybe NOS

Thanks for the information!

[boodle]

I have a Princeton that I built with New Sensor (due to cost) iron meant as a direct replacement for a Fender Deluxe. It is the best sounding amp that I currently have (also have...VibroChamp with Hammond iron, Ceritatone 18W with Heyboer iron, and a AX84 with Hammond iron...they all sound good, but the Prince is the best).

Lots of variables in there, but I know for sure that the New Sensor iron is not holding things back!

[groovtubin]

Here is a pretty good sample of today's most popular Marshall style 50w OPT's in action.. in what I think is a pretty honest no BS assessment of what each bring to the table.. Keep in mind this is a JTM 45 style amp still a good platform for comparison purposes..

http://www.classictone.net/PaperVsPlastic.html

My ear put them in this order... Cast your vote!!

Mercury Magnetics
Magnetic Comp close 2nd
Heyboer
Weber

Tony

I don't want to troll, honestlty. My best sounding amp has a New Sensor Corporation generic Marshall 100W OT in it. It is the only amp I ever built with a NSC OT, and my favorite one out of every single amp I have ever played. I will never know whether the OT is to be credited for that distinction because I do not intent to build any more D-style amps (I have been "D build-free" for almost two years already! I think I've made it.).

Gil

and Gil, i second and third a amen on that!

jim@Omega