MoonBassAlpha Posted December 1, 2015 Share Posted December 1, 2015 Why are these not used in Valve amplifiers? (or are they these days?) I'd have thought it would help in the trend to make stuff lighter and probably have a lower noise floor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandomBass Posted December 1, 2015 Share Posted December 1, 2015 Toroids in valve amps? This will just go round and round in circles... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoonBassAlpha Posted December 1, 2015 Author Share Posted December 1, 2015 Let's stick to the core issue please. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted December 1, 2015 Share Posted December 1, 2015 Stop winding us up and answer the question..! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taunton-hobbit Posted December 1, 2015 Share Posted December 1, 2015 Jokes aside, I have an (overworked) amptech down here (Devon) who has designed a 400watter using valves and torodial trannies, so it can be done..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Fitzmaurice Posted December 1, 2015 Share Posted December 1, 2015 [quote name='MoonBassAlpha' timestamp='1448981103' post='2919766'] Why are these not used in Valve amplifiers? [/quote]Price, and demand, which are closely related. Aside from valve amps high voltage transformers are rarely used, so there's no economy of scale. Take a look here, you can count the number of 400-500v secondary toroids with no fingers: http://www.hammondmfg.com/182.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted December 1, 2015 Share Posted December 1, 2015 I think it's basically just a question of economics. The raw materials and build techniques for traditional transformers are less costly than the more sophisticated materials and winding techniques for 'doughnuts'. High quality efficiency and weight were not, back then, major considerations for makers of amps, in general (one or two exceptions, of course...), and the final selling price was a more important factor. Anyone, back then, ordering a 200w amp had a van, and maybe roadies, plus a couple of 4 x 12 cabs of birch ply. Heavy..? Of course it's heavy. The more it weighed, the more it was considered 'quality', 'durable', 'rugged' etc. There are, nowadays, several makers of valve gear using toroidals; the few I've seen are very good. Worth the difference..? Why not, but it's not a huge factor, I'd suggest. The old Partridges still retain their mythical edge for connoisseurs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Handwired Posted December 1, 2015 Share Posted December 1, 2015 Weber use them in Mywatts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taunton-hobbit Posted December 1, 2015 Share Posted December 1, 2015 I have Mathias amps with Partridge Transformers, and one that is a Matamp 're-creation' using Sowter..... Hate to burst any bubbles, but they sound identical (& excellent)........ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandomBass Posted December 1, 2015 Share Posted December 1, 2015 I think there was a relatively inexpensive Ashton branded 300w valve amp that used a toroidal as the mains transformer, but maybe not for the output side. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pentode Posted December 1, 2015 Share Posted December 1, 2015 [quote name='taunton-hobbit' timestamp='1448998226' post='2919973'] I have Mathias amps with Partridge Transformers, and one that is a Matamp 're-creation' using Sowter..... Hate to burst any bubbles, but they sound identical (& excellent)........ [/quote] Sowter transformers are quite simply superb pieces of work! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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