Don, I'm pretty convinced that Transcendar's 'quality' is better than most. I have used their output transformers in projects going back as far as perhaps 20 years ago? I think I bought my first set of them for use in a 'clone' of a Dynaco ST-70.....and they were GREAT. Since then I've probably purchased 15 to 20 sets for various projects. I'd also mention that our good friend Dave Gillespie has had rather good impressions of the Transcendar units he's actually tested, where his results on other manufacturers like Heyboer, Hammond, and Edcor fail miserably according to him. I've used many an Edcor OT in projects, and never been disappointed. And, I've also used Heyboer on some Fisher projects as well as for some Power Transformer repairs. Again, I"ve never been disappointed. So, all that said.....my feelings are that if I'm to spend a good buck on output transformers, might as well go with the 'better' versions as supplied by Transcendar! About 1.5X the price, but probably worth it in the end. On the other hand, when it comes to the Power Transformer part of this, I think Heyboer produces products that are perfectly satisfactory, and are a bit less in cost than those from Transcendar. So, I've actually just sent Phil at Heyboer an email with an 'order' for one each of the 222B and 222C power transformers. He has specs for both on file, and sent me the info to confirm that it was what I needed. His price was $140 for the 222C unit with the bias winding, and $130 for the 222B unit with no bias winding. Both are dimensionally equal, though the lam stack in the 'B' may be about 1/8" shorter on the actual 'stock' and proper original units. I didn't actually measure a 'B' unit, but I did measure the 'C' unit I have in the LK-48 I've been working on, as well as the lam stack on the 200 PT. Both were 1.5" on the button! Phil indicated in his records that the 'B' unit was 1 3/8" thick, but I wrote back and told him both the B and C were 1.5. Guess we'll see what happens when I get them. I also asked him if by ordering the two I could get any price break. I guess we'll see what happens there as well. I'll let you know when I get any further info from him.
As to my 'spare' 200 PT, I'm thinking that it might be the basis of a nice 'scratch build' power amp with 4 EL84s, and a couple of driver tubes. Since all the filaments can be powered from the two individual filament windings (much like a Dynaco ST-35 or SCA-35), that part of the amp won't be a problem. The HV is perfect for a build like this. AND......I can use the bias tap and make the thing 'fixed' bias! About 2 years ago I build a spin-off version of the Dynaco ST-35 using a driver stage developed by Shannon Parks from over on the DIY Audio forums. He took Dynaco's 7235 driver stage and separated the two triode sections and used a single 12AX7 and 12AU7 vs two 7235s. He beefed up the Power Supply some, added a choke and some larger filter caps. I did NOT incorporate Mr. Gillespie's Enhanced Fixed Bias into the amp. But, even without it, it sounds really nice! I may try to build something like that again, use this TR12-12-1 power transformer, and go with 'fixed' bias this next time around........
Anyway........onward! Long day today. I had a new roof put on my house and garage today. Unfortunately they had to replace about 20 pieces of plywood @ $90 each, plus some rotten facia boards for another $500! Gonna be a lean Christmas!!
Catch you later Don!
Tom
