Output Transformers

[Structo]

I thought it would be interesting to have a discussion about our favorite output transformers for our Dumble clones.

Feel free to expound on the reasons you bought the one you use or what you like best about it.

Being expensive components, a lot of us don't have the resources to buy a lot of them and try just to evaluate them.

My first D amp was a Brown Note D'lite 44 which is a 2x 6L6 amp.
It came with a Heyboer power transformer and I think the OT was by them as well but it was tiny.
So I upgraded that to a Fender Prosonic OT from Angela.
It was much bigger in size and sounds much more substantial than before, I think was a worth while purchase.

On my 100w ODS clone I used Magnetic Components transformers and choke.
This was the first time I have used their transformers.
The power transformer has a bit of him to it which I can hear when it is on standby. But really isn't an issue once I start playing but perhaps in a studio it would not be good.

http://www.classictone.net/Fender-Style ... nchor_1786

The output transformer is a multi-tap secondary, 4-8-16 ohm.
2.1K primary.

The reason I went with MC xfmrs was mainly due to a tight budget and they were the most reasonably priced.
I think it sounds OK but frankly I don't know what to listen for when evaluating output transformers.
If I had the money I would buy three or four of them and try them one at a time.

I see now they offer a Project OT that has about a inch more of core laminations.
More beef if you will.
It's also much more expensive at double the price of the Twin Reverb OT they sell.
http://www.classictone.net/40-18072.html


So, what are your favorite transformer(s) for Dumble applications?
And why do you like them?

Thanks

[Dr d]

Hi Tom, I think this is a great discussion to start. The only experience I have so far is that of a custom made set and a set out of a silver face bassman. Both sound great to me but I have nothing else to compare them against. My understanding is that the beefier the output transformer, the better the frequency range. However, I think too beefy can also make the overall sound sterile. Who knows?!!

[Luthierwnc]

My problem is that I have liked them all -- at least well enough to not replace them trying to dial in a tone I already like. Unlike my tube rant of a month ago, I think the D-trannie market is pretty well documented. sh

[talbany]

For my taste's there are several things I look for in output transformers..
First and most importantly is the Voice!!. Does it it have a strong articulate chime to the top in clean mode.. When distortion occurs is it smooth and musical and does the tone stay transparent on up through various volume changes..

Check out the mid range throat!!.. This for me is what separates most OPT from others.. Like a good tenor listen for the deeper (3D like) mid range throat that adds another dimension to the tone..

The other is Regulation!!
Core and wire size dictates the amount of regulation (core saturation) begins to compress and you start to lose the bottom end..Too little regulation and the amps tight or a touch sterile.. To much regulation and the bottom drops out the tone gets darker especially in OD at loud volumes..(This is a bit subjective since some prefer a stiffer feel) In a 100w as long as you stick with a Twin/Showman size OPT made by one of the big boy's I think you would be safe..

Seasoned Iron also has an effect on both tone and regulation as the transformer becomes less efficant over extended periods of time. Some prefer the smoother softer feel/tone of properly seasoned iron..

Consistency is always in issue with OPT..If you build one with Heyboer or Mercury iron is the next set you buy going to sound the same as your last set or in our case if you recommend a set here.. Way back when I was doing kits the Weber's were the worst for being consistent.. Some actually sounded good and others a flat pancake.. This was the extreme and most of the transformers people use here are of decent quality and the tolerances might not be as wide but all the same still remain.. For me Mercury Magnetics get a high mark for being somewhat consistent..

Tony