OT - Why not go big?

[StarTrucker]

Got my RS124 output transformers from Sowter and they fit in my palm. They sound great but physically small. If size means bass, why not go big as your project enclosure will allow if prices are about the same? Just a sound and flavor choice? 15 watter for everything Sta-Level style?

 

[gyraf]

..because of Barkhausen distortion..?

 

[My3gger]

My experience is that smaller cores of certain compositions can help bring instruments and vocals more forward, making mixing easier.

 

[emrr]

You have to somewhat understand the 6dB/oct bass headroom effect, along with Barkhausen. Then play it as you will.

 

[ruffrecords]

Got my RS124 output transformers from Sowter and they fit in my palm. They sound great but physically small. If size means bass, why not go big as your project enclosure will allow if prices are about the same? Just a sound and flavor choice? 15 watter for everything Sta-Level style?

Many Sowter transformers use mumetal in their cores. This increases the inductance per turn of the coil so for a given low frequency response which means a corresponding primary inductance, mumetal transformers need less turns and can therefore be smaller than the steel equivalent. They also have much better mid range distortion figures than steel. On the other hand, mumetal have level sensitive distortion below 100Hz that is greater than their steel equivalents.


So if you want the best bass handling use steel or a bigger mumetal core

Cheers

Ian

 

[vitopower]

David @ Cinemag had custom tooling made to create the lams using the same alloy as the orig. They are quite heavy and about the size of an hs56. I'm wrapping up my 1st of two builds right now and there is no lack of low end. I have not a/b'd but the tone is of the circuit through these is something very special.