astroschnautzer said:
abechap024 said:
astroschnautzer said:
Could someone suggest an output transformer, I am looking to be using this for mastering purposes + tracking, it can be a expensive one (lundahl)...
for output? just a 1:1 will work, there are literally thousands of possible options. Try a Jensen output transformer if you are in the states, or if lundahls are easier to get, I've heard very good things about them too. With 1:1s the difference of transformers can get harder to hear, (if they are decent quality to begin with) But if you are going for clean, try the jensen or lundahls. Sorry I don't have model numbers, as that takes the fun out of it for you.
Thanks, I got right there already, I'm just totally new to all this transformer stuff and am struggling with all kinds of info, like is 2:1+1 same as 1:1 and is balanced and unbalanced drive just the same as do I want to use a balanced or unbalanced output? And are you telling me that there probably won't be a audible difference if output transformers are used? How about the interstage transformers, how crusial are those transformers for the sound, saw some builds with lundahl input and some others (edcor?) in the interstage so was wondering that is the input that is the inportant bit?... Sorry for so many questions, totally new to all this stuff...
Hello,
Yes I totally understand, transformers are seemingly very confusing, with so many different options and the indepth math behind it all. I feel fairly comfortable with my view of transformers now, it could definitely be improved up, but I feel like its enough of a working knowledge...
Basically there are a couple things to worry about when selecting a transformer:
What level is it designed for?
You want to consider this because transformers have an optimum range of were they sound the best, hit them too soft and they don't sound as clean, hit them too hard and they start to saturate and distort. Usually the transformer designer worrys about this stuff, you don't have to worry about it. Unless you start using Mic transformers as line, etc etc etc switching them backwards etc etc etc.
What impedance are they designed for?
Thinking about transformers more of MIRRORS is an easier way that I find my brain can digest better. It reflects impedances to the circuit that has the output (sending the signal) and to the circuit input (receiving the signal) You want to match impedances for optimum transfer and frequency response. That is were the "600ohm" and "10kohm" transformers come from. Like speakers, the lower the ohm the more difficult it is for the output circuitry to drive the transformer. Yes transformers are a load, and you need adequate power to drive them. Also ratios are a part of this. Say you want to use a 1:2 output transformer for the output, cause you want a little more color...well your going to have to consider that whatever load you put on the output is going to look harder to drive (lower impedance) to the output because the transformer is 1:2. But also you will have an increase of gain on the output. On the other hand if you wanted to use a 2:1 output transformer for the output for more color, you would lose gain (not a problem here because the 176 has a bunch) but whatever load you drive will be easier for the output circuitry because it "looks" like a higher impedance to the circuitry thanks to that reflection of the transformer. Remember Higher impedances are easier to drive.
a 1+1:2 transformer is that same as a 1:1 they are just telling you that there are 2 completely independent windings on the primary. They could either be wired in series (in phase) to make it just like a 1:1 or in parallel to give it better bass response (more inductance) and a 1:2 ratio.
There are not free lunches in transformers, no free gain, as you can see you need the proper circuitry to be able to drive the various loads...
To answer your question a lundahl 1+1:2 would work fine just make sure you wire it correctly. If your going for transparency just wire the 2 primary windings in series to make it 1:1 (or 2:2, which is the same thing)
