Express build transformer pferference

[Big Jim]

Hi folks, I'm getting prepared to do an Express build. Question, do Pacifics or Heyboer get closer to the original sound? I know it probably seems like a newbie question! (It is) I know they are both great parts..I just want to know if the Pacific is worth the extra dough.

[ampmike]

Yes,I have the same guestion,Its a difference of 60 bucks or so and If we are going to go for it we may as well do it the very best !!

[fishy]

I haven't used the Pacifics just the Heyboers. Some who have used both have stated the Pacific OT was an improvement over the Heyboer OT; less aggressive?
On the power side, I am not aware of anyone stating a preference either way.

Maybe you should consider the Heyboer PT and a Pacific OT which makes the costs a bit more managable. The OT is where you need to focus.

Try the search function if you have not already, you should find plenty of comment.

[ampmike]

Thanks Fishy,Thats a great idea"pacific output"Thats what Im going to do.
Have a good weekend Mike

[paulster]

I like the combination of the Heyboer power and the Pacific OT in an Express.

The comparisons between Heyboer and Pacific OTs, as far as I'm aware, have all been between the early Heyboer OTs and the Pacifics, not the later (vintage) Heyboers and the Pacifics. In that specific case then the Pacific is certainly less aggressive and smoother. That's a comparison I've done myself in the same amp.

I don't think you can go wrong with either OT to be honest.

[FYL]

I'm getting prepared to do an Express build. Question, do Pacifics or Heyboer get closer to the original sound?

There's *no* original sound: even if the Express family shares a number of traits, KF voiced differently each amp and used whatever parts were available.

First models used Stancor OT's, later ones Pacific - reportedly other brands/models were also used.

From my limited experience, Stancor-fitted models sound much smoother than those using Pacific, but the iron is only a variable in a complex equation.

So get whatever set fits your fancy...

[Cliff Schecht]

My latest build used a Stancor with oil and paper/polystyrene caps and I must sound it sounds incredibly smooth. I'm still working on finding that perfect tube compliment but even with a Tele, the amp has an absolutely fantastic sound that is aggressive yet still retains the character that one would want from their guitar (i.e. definition). I'm surprised I didn't get the cops called testing an amp at 1:00AM cranked through a 4x12, talk about an amp with some presence (that knob was set on 3 ). I finally got it stable with the bottom plate off and now just need to figure out the source for the AM that I occasionally pick up with single coils..

For now my tubes are: Amperex 7025 V1, GE 12AX7's in V2 and V3, 1945 Sylvania 6V6's in the power amp. Cleans up a little less but the distortion sound is oh so creamy and thick without losing character. Hard to describe such a nice sound!

[bigbeck]

I finally got it stable with the bottom plate off and now just need to figure out the source for the AM that I occasionally pick up with single coils..

Did you put a grid stopper on V1a?

[Cliff Schecht]

Not yet, but I was thinking about that. What size is typical?

[FYL]

Not yet, but I was thinking about that. What size is typical?

A low noise 10K to 33K 1/4W works fine. I routinely use Dale CMF55's resistors there.

[Cliff Schecht]

I'll try 10k when I get home. I've got some Dale 10k resistors come to think of it.

[JamesHealey]

I've used the following in wreck based builds: Danbury, Heyboer (Old Spec, Dual Primary), Vintage Drake OT and I've just ordered the Pacific.

Personally so far my favourite is the Heyboer, I'm awaiting the pacific eagerly and I hope it sounds great, I've heard it sounds smoother and less agressive than the Heyboer.. we shall see.

[Big Jim]

I'm just waiting for the word from Rj, I should be getting some Pacifics headed my way early this week! Jim

[marcoloco961]

I'm just waiting for the word from Rj, I should be getting some Pacifics headed my way early this week! Jim

I have used the Heyboer and the Pacific's. I do have to agree that the Pacific sounded smoother. Less of the stinging highs. I would probably lean towards the Pacifics if either were available. Good luck on your build. You will love this circuit once you get it fine tuned.