New output transformer break-in ?

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benitor
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Feb 16, 2012 10:58 am

Re: New output transformer break-in ?

Post by benitor »

hi Pula,
I do not think the tone of the OT will change. If the new OT is brighter, this means that is a better transformer with higher roll-off frequency (and perhaps lower too). However for guitar amps, not always a larger frequency response OT is a good thing.
IMO a Fender BF will sound harsh with an OT with too large frequency response.
Perhaps you can get rid of unwanted brightness trying to tame the trebles with the guitar tone control.
Ifr you have a VOX AC30 the treble-cut pot would be very useful for that.
regards
benitor
Smitty
Posts: 304
Joined: Thu Mar 16, 2006 3:35 pm
Location: St Louis
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Transformer break in

Post by Smitty »

The laminations actually move when the transformer is working. That's why there is varnish in between the layers. Transformers also get hot. The heat cycling might change the hardness of the metal in the lam a little. Try running a square wave (I like 5K) overnight at full power into a resistive load and then let the whole deal cool down. See if you here a difference. I do. Do that every night for a really long time and voila vintage iron. Works on cap jobs too.
tubeswell
Posts: 2337
Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2008 6:42 am
Location: Wellington. NZ

Re: New output transformer break-in ?

Post by tubeswell »

I've never heard of breaking in a transformer before (unless it just means powering up a new tranny for the first time?)?
He who dies with the most tubes... wins
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