Power transformer for audio amplifiers.

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grigore

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Power transformer for audio amplifiers.
« on: 30 Apr 2010, 12:29 pm »
In any audioequipment the power source is one of the most important stage.
I would like to know what do you think, from your experiences, what is the best power transformer for power source of an audio power amplifier, for tranzistores and for tubes!? What type and what brand?

Thanks!


P.S. Here in Romania we only have 2 manufacturers of power transformers and I've allready used one of this transformers which are toroidal transformers, for a tranzistorized amplifier but I just feel there are better transformers. Thanks again!

NagysAudio

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Re: Power transformer for audio amplifiers.
« Reply #1 on: 30 Apr 2010, 06:11 pm »
Hammond.

FullRangeMan

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Re: Power transformer for audio amplifiers.
« Reply #2 on: 30 Apr 2010, 06:30 pm »
Seems everybody agree Toroidal core is the best option for a power audio transformer, I prefer Toroids than Laminate cores.
I can not say the same for tube output transformers due my lack of expertise in this field.
Gustavo

Niteshade

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Re: Power transformer for audio amplifiers.
« Reply #3 on: 30 Apr 2010, 06:56 pm »
Edcor and Antek make very good transformers. Antek makes toroids. Hammond makes a good one as well. Their best models have a universal primary. You'll get the best selection from Antek & Edcor. Edcor can make affordable modifications to their lineup to exactly fit your needs. Antek may as well, I don't know.

Seems everybody agree Toroidal core is the best option for a power audio transformer, I prefer Toroids than Laminate cores.
I can not say the same for tube output transformers due my lack of expertise in this field.
Gustavo

Occam

Re: Power transformer for audio amplifiers.
« Reply #4 on: 30 Apr 2010, 07:20 pm »
Grigore,

Toroidal transformers have some significant advantages, specifically, their EMI fields (which can introduce hum into circuitry) are limited and what does exist tends to be perpendicular to the torus, and they are efficient in terms of bulk and cost. But as generally available, their disadvantage is that they have extremely wide bandwidth, and whatever noise enters the primary, exits the secondary(s). If the toroids that are available to you are custom built, you should inquire as to whether they can provide a grounded electrostatic shield between primary and secondary. This provides a capacitive shunt for noise and makes the toroid and excellent choice. If your source is actually going to wind your transformer on spec, the addition of such a shield should be of minimal cost.

Other types of transformers, EI core when properly implemented, double 'LL' core, R-cores 'C' and double 'C' core are actually preferable to the typical toroid, save for those first two mentioned advantages. But they are usually far more expensive than toroids in the sizes required by amplifiers.

To whatever extent you believe power line noise is a problem, besides an internal shield, you can implement power line conditioning external to the transformer. Toroids, whether shielded or not, also have the advantage that rectifier noise is minimized due to their low leakage inductance.

Regards,
Paul

grigore

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Re: Power transformer for audio amplifiers.
« Reply #5 on: 1 May 2010, 03:33 pm »
Thanks guys to all of you for your nice and good answers!
Yes Paul, the romanian factory can make the transformers up to my specifications. I will tell them what you have told me. Thanks!
In the future I will try the brands you have told me about.

Occam

Re: Power transformer for audio amplifiers.
« Reply #6 on: 1 May 2010, 03:57 pm »
Grigore,

Be sure to tell them you want a shield between primaries and secondaries. This will have its own wire (typically green in the States) which you would tie to safety ground.

Varrog,
Paul

FullRangeMan

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Re: Power transformer for audio amplifiers.
« Reply #7 on: 1 May 2010, 05:46 pm »
Edcor and Antek make very good transformers. Antek makes toroids. Hammond makes a good one as well. Their best models have a universal primary. You'll get the best selection from Antek & Edcor. Edcor can make affordable modifications to their lineup to exactly fit your needs. Antek may as well, I don't know.
Many Thanks for this Edcor/Antek tips, this may be useful in the future.
Best Regards,  Gustavo

Lyndon

Re: Power transformer for audio amplifiers.
« Reply #8 on: 1 May 2010, 05:51 pm »
Occam said:
Quote
Grigore,

Be sure to tell them you want a shield between primaries and secondaries. This will have its own wire (typically green in the States) which you would tie to safety ground.

Varrog,
Paul

+1 on Paul's comment