Big fan of Monolith as well. Expensive but they sound great snd exude quality. Total time from ordering online to receipt if goods was 2 weeks. Par Metal has a 20 series chassis in a few standard sizes. I ordered a custom size and received it in 8 days. About $80 for a 12x12x4.
@Skunkie Designs Electronics I had an idea for for a chassis that should not be terribly expensive: 8020 T-slot rails. Take a gander at 8020 Part Nos. 1530 and 1545. Those are just "natural" aluminum anodized, but they have counterparts that are black anodized, too. A fairly inexpensive piece of acrylic or polycarbonate could be utilize at the bottom (or top) and a sheet of aluminum or steel could be utilized for the top. It might not be as pretty as a smooth Hammond box, but it might might give a chassis a 1960's space-age look 😉 Also, I found some metal enclosures at the "Antique Electronic Supply," but I am not sure they have any better prices that one would find at Mouser.
Very interested to see how the Thermionic Lab transformers work out, it does seem they have made a few things to fill the void left behind after Classictone went out of business for the guitar amplifier world. I know that's not apples to apples in the audio amp world, but if the quality is there, it helps guide you.
HURRAY!...my Quad transformer s are good and I do not require new one's and my Russian made Genelex KT -66 Gold Lion power tubes have arrived at my repair person s lab and I am excited I can't wait to listen to the system, thank you Skunkie for the videos you make as I enjoy learning audio very much
I think I understand why you chose KT120's. The big transmitter tubes like 211's, 805's, and 845's require enormous power supplies and much higher drive voltage.
Good points about the Edores. They make good stuff at their price point but shipping is kind of high. I think it's because of the volume of shipping that Mouser and some of the other big distributors enjoy. I've started up my next project and was braced for the long lead times. Their website does warn of it but, I ordered one last week and it shipped yesterday. I was really surprised at the turn around. I'm also not really wild about the blue. For my power supply I'm going to give a torroidal a shot. As usual, nice monologue. Great subject, thank you.
So I have only built solid state amps. However, I have had really good luck with Antek. All of my amps have been pretty quiet with no reliability issues and I have built several. The office seem to be fairly inexpensive and are in the US
Triode USA sells an excellent Dynaco ST70 replacement power transformer with a huge lamination stack. The quality is outstanding, but the price is quite high. I used to buy these when the price was lower. Antek sells excellent toroidal transformers. I found them to be cool running, quiet and great looking. Plenty of models to choose from, but the majority of these have no bias winding. Covers are optional. Triode USA sells a Dynaco ST70 replacement output transformer with ruler flat response across the audio band; vastly superior to the poor-quality stock transformers on the ST70.
Once again a hugely entertaining video about things I barely understand but enjoy wholeheartedly. What sort of music do you listen to and what is the name of your dog?
Again dealing with all solid state stuff, DIY audio has some nice chassis. Also I have ordered chassis from China and they are exceptional quality as well. DIY audio is a nice standard though. You'll have to drill your own holes. You could have holes drilled by the chassis manufacturer, it'll cost you though.
I have a semi-order on monolithmagnetics transformers to build a TriodeDick design when i'm confident enough. The price is very high.over €2000 for the lot. Not really into my budget but i am saving for it. I can pick it up as the company is close to me. The time i need to save money i can spend on learning.
I bought a pair of Monolith output transformers for my 300B push pull (fully balanced) based on Lynn Olson Karna Kay amplifier (6SN7 + 2x6V6 + 2x300B) They sound better than the Lundahl transformers. Additionally, I purchased four of their Nano-X IT because I wasn't happy with the sound of RC coupling. I had also tried very expensive coupling capacitors, but the Nano-X IT sounded much better. Worth noting that while the Lundahl IT were better than the expensive coupling capacitors, the coupling capacitors were a lot more expensive then the Lundahl IT.
@@Franky2A3 Wow, that’s some deluxe project, Finemet Core OPT’s, etc.. Lynn recently updated the Karna that lowered the output impedance further (not the Karna Kay, AFAIK.)
In a recent video Paul McGowan noted that PS Audio uses all toroidal transformer. Is there a reason (other than cost) that you don't (at least as I can tell from your recent projects)?
@@SkunkieDesignsElectronics I recently read an Audioxpress article that recommends toroidal transformers due to their negligible flux leakage (thus lower noise) compared to other transformer designs. Of course mounting them may be problematic.
I always cringe when I'm looking at tube amps on the second hand market or ebay and people want to test and show pictures of the amp powered up... with no speakers or dummy load
Could you please advice if Hammond 1628SEA is good loudspeaker transformer for Single Ended EL 84 tube amp? Is there anything better on the market in similar price? And what about amorphousaudio transformers? Is this good direction? Thank you.
DON'T throw out defunct transformers! Those silicon-steel laminations are valuable! There are books out there on designing & building audio & power transformers.
That's not a bad price for the R8 I build things everything takes So much time I think you should get $600.for labor at least one mistake and there goes a lot of money for a DyI er for me that $600 dollar hassle And a big hassle chasing parts There is only so much time in a day Can't wait for the kt 120
@@SkunkieDesignsElectronics Hi Stephe, this is my 3rd post, LOL.. Name is “hma60” in that famous a*ction site.. They used to have a website, IAG DIY tube audio.. I bought a small chassis from them before decades ago..
@@SkunkieDesignsElectronics yeap like rick said "hma60". i used a DIY Tube amplifier linestage preamplifier DAC audio chassis 3.5" Height from him also..it's eaiser to drill than steel and thick enough
had a few issues with Edcor here in uk albeit bought from a supplier in germany - had a big mains short out and even though the amp circuit was confirmed sound by a tech Edcor refused to show any concern after they checked it out - said nothing in production was at fault and basically hard luck !! -- well i have spread the word wide and far and i will never buy another of their products - worse customer service i have ever known !!
Hello Skunkie from Scott in Canada, Skunkie Majestic transformer Co. In England make sweet transformers I may have to order a Quad 2s output transformer from them arrrrrgggg $$$$$ GADZOOKS!
@@greenlanternseven they were not that bad when I bought them years ago but my brother enquired recently and he was shocked at the prices. Many hundreds of pounds I think. If you are into q2's have you seen the Keith Snook page, think I read somewhere that he works with Majestic on RandD on Quad stuff.
Great Monday Monologue Skunkie!
I did use TL audio PT and OPTs in my Skunkie 300B.
I'm very very satisfied with them, and TL audio, and their customer support is seriously good too.
Big fan of Monolith as well. Expensive but they sound great snd exude quality. Total time from ordering online to receipt if goods was 2 weeks.
Par Metal has a 20 series chassis in a few standard sizes. I ordered a custom size and received it in 8 days. About $80 for a 12x12x4.
@Skunkie Designs Electronics I had an idea for for a chassis that should not be terribly expensive: 8020 T-slot rails. Take a gander at 8020 Part Nos. 1530 and 1545. Those are just "natural" aluminum anodized, but they have counterparts that are black anodized, too. A fairly inexpensive piece of acrylic or polycarbonate could be utilize at the bottom (or top) and a sheet of aluminum or steel could be utilized for the top. It might not be as pretty as a smooth Hammond box, but it might might give a chassis a 1960's space-age look 😉
Also, I found some metal enclosures at the "Antique Electronic Supply," but I am not sure they have any better prices that one would find at Mouser.
Very interested in seeing the performance on these, I've been eyeing them, but haven't heard too many reviews to make the jump. Can't wait!
You and me both!
Very interested to see how the Thermionic Lab transformers work out, it does seem they have made a few things to fill the void left behind after Classictone went out of business for the guitar amplifier world. I know that's not apples to apples in the audio amp world, but if the quality is there, it helps guide you.
Fingers crossed!
HURRAY!...my Quad transformer s are good and I do not require new one's and my Russian made Genelex KT -66 Gold Lion power tubes have arrived at my repair person s lab and I am excited I can't wait to listen to the system, thank you Skunkie for the videos you make as I enjoy learning audio very much
Thanks Skunkie for yet another fun session
Got a few dj mixers from late 70's with Hammond power transformers. Still absolutely quiet.
I think I understand why you chose KT120's. The big transmitter tubes like 211's, 805's, and 845's require enormous power supplies and much higher drive voltage.
Good points about the Edores. They make good stuff at their price point but shipping is kind of high. I think it's because of the volume of shipping that Mouser and some of the other big distributors enjoy. I've started up my next project and was braced for the long lead times. Their website does warn of it but, I ordered one last week and it shipped yesterday. I was really surprised at the turn around. I'm also not really wild about the blue. For my power supply I'm going to give a torroidal a shot. As usual, nice monologue. Great subject, thank you.
I'm thinking of Toroidy myself.....
id like a kit for my La Scalas
So I have only built solid state amps. However, I have had really good luck with Antek. All of my amps have been pretty quiet with no reliability issues and I have built several. The office seem to be fairly inexpensive and are in the US
Thanks 😁
You're welcome!
Triode USA sells an excellent Dynaco ST70 replacement power transformer with a huge lamination stack. The quality is outstanding, but the price is quite high. I used to buy these when the price was lower. Antek sells excellent toroidal transformers. I found them to be cool running, quiet and great looking. Plenty of models to choose from, but the majority of these have no bias winding. Covers are optional. Triode USA sells a Dynaco ST70 replacement output transformer with ruler flat response across the audio band; vastly superior to the poor-quality stock transformers on the ST70.
Once again a hugely entertaining video about things I barely understand but enjoy wholeheartedly. What sort of music do you listen to and what is the name of your dog?
Lately I mostly listen to horn type jazz and like some piano mixed in. Her name is Dolly!
Again dealing with all solid state stuff, DIY audio has some nice chassis. Also I have ordered chassis from China and they are exceptional quality as well.
DIY audio is a nice standard though. You'll have to drill your own holes. You could have holes drilled by the chassis manufacturer, it'll cost you though.
I have a semi-order on monolithmagnetics transformers to build a TriodeDick design when i'm confident enough. The price is very high.over €2000 for the lot. Not really into my budget but i am saving for it. I can pick it up as the company is close to me. The time i need to save money i can spend on learning.
I bought a pair of Monolith output transformers for my 300B push pull (fully balanced) based on Lynn Olson Karna Kay amplifier (6SN7 + 2x6V6 + 2x300B) They sound better than the Lundahl transformers. Additionally, I purchased four of their Nano-X IT because I wasn't happy with the sound of RC coupling.
I had also tried very expensive coupling capacitors, but the Nano-X IT sounded much better. Worth noting that while the Lundahl IT were better than the expensive coupling capacitors, the coupling capacitors were a lot more expensive then the Lundahl IT.
@@Franky2A3 Wow, that’s some deluxe project, Finemet Core OPT’s, etc.. Lynn recently updated the Karna that lowered the output impedance further (not the Karna Kay, AFAIK.)
@@Franky2A3 Hey Frank, can you give me some advice in this?
In a recent video Paul McGowan noted that PS Audio uses all toroidal transformer. Is there a reason (other than cost) that you don't (at least as I can tell from your recent projects)?
Well one reason people use them is they are much cheaper. I don't believe there is any advantage other than cost.
@@SkunkieDesignsElectronics I recently read an Audioxpress article that recommends toroidal transformers due to their negligible flux leakage (thus lower noise) compared to other transformer designs. Of course mounting them may be problematic.
@@mddawson1 I've heard them recommended for pre-amps for that very reason.
I always cringe when I'm looking at tube amps on the second hand market or ebay and people want to test and show pictures of the amp powered up... with no speakers or dummy load
Could you please advice if Hammond 1628SEA is good loudspeaker transformer for Single Ended EL 84 tube amp? Is there anything better on the market in similar price? And what about amorphousaudio transformers? Is this good direction? Thank you.
Sorry, I've never personally used Hammond output transformers.
Ok, is there anything else that you can recommend in similar price? Thank you.
15W Edcor GSXSE transformers are good performers.
Hi, do you know the primary impedance of the OPT you will use for the SE KT120 ?
And is it a SE or a PSE build ? Thank you 😀
It's a SE and I'm going with just under 5K with the tube run at higher voltage.
I would be happy to help out with your workload on the R8 mods. If any of your viewers wish to contact me for my help.
Send me a msg at my website plz
DON'T throw out defunct transformers! Those silicon-steel laminations are valuable! There are books out there on designing & building audio & power transformers.
I'll hang on to it! :)
That's not a bad price for the R8
I build things everything takes
So much time I think you should get $600.for labor at least one mistake and there goes a lot of money for a DyI er for me that $600 dollar hassle
And a big hassle chasing parts
There is only so much time in a day
Can't wait for the kt 120
It's not like the labor is less because the amp is lower cost, it's actually the inverse of that!
Hmm.. My comments have vanished when I was suggesting a US based Chassis supplier..
What is their name?
@@SkunkieDesignsElectronics Hi Stephe, this is my 3rd post, LOL.. Name is “hma60” in that famous a*ction site.. They used to have a website, IAG DIY tube audio.. I bought a small chassis from them before decades ago..
@@SkunkieDesignsElectronics yeap like rick said "hma60". i used a DIY Tube amplifier linestage preamplifier DAC audio chassis 3.5" Height from him also..it's eaiser to drill than steel and thick enough
Nice! I just ordered a pair for my KT120 monoblock build.
had a few issues with Edcor here in uk albeit bought from a supplier in germany - had a big mains short out and even though the amp circuit was confirmed sound by a tech Edcor refused to show any concern after they checked it out - said nothing in production was at fault and basically hard luck !! -- well i have spread the word wide and far and i will never buy another of their products - worse customer service i have ever known !!
They still haven't replied to my email about my dead transformer.
Hello Skunkie from Scott in Canada, Skunkie Majestic transformer Co. In England make sweet transformers I may have to order a Quad 2s output transformer from them arrrrrgggg $$$$$ GADZOOKS!
Yep used majestic 20yrs ago for quad ii Trans. Sowter also do stuff too but both are £££
flyingmattyboy:can you tell me how much those Majestic transformer s are ?...I have yet to get a hold of anyone there having email problems
@@greenlanternseven they were not that bad when I bought them years ago but my brother enquired recently and he was shocked at the prices. Many hundreds of pounds I think. If you are into q2's have you seen the Keith Snook page, think I read somewhere that he works with Majestic on RandD on Quad stuff.
Scott if your in uk like me give Trans-Tronic Transformers a shout
Christopher : thank you I will