[JoshK]

I have the James 6123 in my E-linear amp.  I haven't compared others in that amp.  The 6123 is probably the most praised OPT in their lineup, and may be the value/perf leader in their class.   The 6112 I'd hazard a guess to say is marginal at the 3-4 watt op.point of the 2A3 and more optimal at the 45 op.point.   I think the core is just a bit too small for 3-4watts. 

[Quiet Earth]

AudioNote is not known for good value, IMO.  I am sure they are good, but they are beyond ridiculously expensive for what you are getting.  I am 100% confident you could go toe-to-toe measurably or subjectively with something from Electraprint, Intact or Magnequest for example for a tiny fraction of the price of the top tier AN OPTs.

You know that without trying them huh? I know that you are only dreaming.

Someone mentioned the best. Audio Note makes the best from what I have heard, and from what I have owned. I don't like their prices either but you often get what you pay for. Especially in a hand made product. I'm sure all of those OPTs on your list are a good value, but the thread was asking about the best sound, not the best price.

FWIW, their very "best" transformers may not be for sale as parts to the DIY'er. Not that it matters, since they are overpriced anyway and easily beaten or matched.

 

[JoshK]

Exactly why I couched my prior comments, foreseeing replies like this. 

[Quiet Earth]

All I did was share a link, and said check this out. You did the rest all by yourself.

Let's let it go. 

[JoshK]

Well, just to be clear you said you knew I was dreaming.  Implying either 1) I couldn't afford them, which is a mistake to presume, or 2) that I don't know what makes a good transformer.   I gaurantee you if you and I sat down at a table and were tested on our transformer design, quality and measurement understanding, I would not be embarrassed.   OPTs are one thing that objectively correlates extremely highly with the subjective.   I've seen the objective data and I stand behind what I've said previously.

[Quiet Earth]

Josh,
I wasn't implying either. I was just saying that you are "dreaming" the way others do when they see something ridiculously expensive and immediately think they can beat it before they even hear it. Sometimes we run into things in life and go " oh, shit, I didn't know it could do that...". Audio Note stuff has been that way for me.

I have tried to find lesser expensive "equivalent" non AN gear for myself, but so far I cannot. I'm also probably the only one here on AC that would even say positive things about Audio Note. Everyone wants to knock them down. They are an easy target.

Enough about that. They make good OPTs, and maybe someone would consider them as a candidate. Maybe not.

All is well. 

[sebrof]

The 6112 I'd hazard a guess to say is marginal at the 3-4 watt op.point of the 2A3 and more optimal at the 45 op.point.   I think the core is just a bit too small for 3-4watts.

Could be right about the 6112, I don't know. My first "real" low power amp was one built around the 807 tube. It came with Heyboers and I got the James to replace those. The 6112s made a big improvement over the Heyboers.
The EPs in question are huge, probaly weigh 3 or 4 times what the James weigh. So no surprise that they offered what better transformers offer. I was just surprised that the diff between "pretty good" and what I guess could be called "bad ass" transformers was as big as it was.

[FullRangeMan]

Talking of OPT prices, the praised SILK from Sac-Thailand was priced around 500 dollars/pair for a 6C33 SET at the factory in 2011.

P.S.: The model was S1000A, now the new S-6-6C33F model cost only $300/pair.

[Quiet Earth]

I have the SILK brand in my TVC. I like them a lot. Good call. 

[JoshK]

Josh,
I wasn't implying either. I was just saying that you are "dreaming" the way others do when they see something ridiculously expensive and immediately think they can beat it before they even hear it. Sometimes we run into things in life and go " oh, shit, I didn't know it could do that...". Audio Note stuff has been that way for me.

I have tried to find lesser expensive "equivalent" non AN gear for myself, but so far I cannot. I'm also probably the only one here on AC that would even say positive things about Audio Note. Everyone wants to knock them down. They are an easy target.

Enough about that. They make good OPTs, and maybe someone would consider them as a candidate. Maybe not.

All is well. 

Fair enough   its all about music and the enjoyment in the end...not worth the quibble.

[planet10]

If money is no object, I'd...

... get Bud to make me a set of his (O'netics) Level III OPTs. The Level 1s i have afforded are very good.

dave