Here the designer himself is making a step down that should be consistent with the sound he wants, as compared to someone buying a third party step down that he uses on various amps
Japanese SET amp compete with other high end brands
- Thread starter Lautreamont
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Here the designer himself is making a step down that should be consistent with the sound he wants, as compared to someone buying a third party step down that he uses on various amps
There is certainly, absolutely and definitely a difference in SQ. Because there is an additional transformer. Most probably better than alternatives but never, ever as good as without the step down transformer. I heard many 100V amps and other audio components with a step down transformer.
The same is true for amps rated for US or EU voltage used in Japan with a step up transformer but it's a rare situation I think.
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Keep in mind this is the same transformer he uses for a sound quality improvement for when there is no step down or up involved.
Correct, I’m just saying there are better stepped down transformers out there compared to the $50 Chinese ones on Amazon.
I am a big advocate for Torus Isolation transformers. I find they make most amps and front end equipment sound better.
I have at times looked at Japan or EU gear and not considered it because of the need to adjust the voltage. Pondering my experience with Torus, it makes me wonder if having a isolation transformer that has a voltage adjustment might not make the unit play better.
Having to deal with the hertz is also an issue. I have been told, don't worry. It will only play like it has more power.
Pondering again, I am very curious about Battery Inverter options. And I have had a lot of people ask about it. Now I can make a extremely low distortion sine wave in most any voltage/hertz configuration I want. And its free of so much utility noise. And possibly less RF depending on where its located and shielded.
Well, lack of voltage compatibility is a challenge - sure, and while I agree that any step down transformer will affect the overall presentation, i also know that the change doesn't have to be for worse by default. For example in my system I am using a KECES BP-5000 which is 5000VA isolation, balanced transformer. For me, this was one of the best purchase I've ever done with outstanding price/performance value. If for example we could (and we can) use a step down which is also balanced and highly oversized - I can imagine when such transformer will even improve the overall presentation of 100v gear.
But will it really?
I can picture it struggling with a high current draw amp, but a SET powering efficient speakers?
It is not 100% clear that there will be an issue.
I did run a step down for a while with other gear and was not convinced that there was any problem, and somewhat wondering if the use of it might have acted like a choke for RF or whatever else might have on the AC line… if anything.
But it sounded the same after connecting it to 230V and changing the internal transformer taps to 230v.
I want to correct this. I bought a new phono pre this week from Audio Tekne and had the choice of USA or JP voltage. Imai suggested I get JP and use a step down because noise will be slightly less with the voltage conversion. This may be known for the technical people here.
I do not find it surprising.
This is where someone with an O-scope or a digital capture of the line ripple might be able to show it.
If we use a good transformer IMO the difference can be be lower than moving the amplifier from two houses in different cities ...
For a long time the anti step down song was a favorite of european high-end audio distributors to dissuade and avoid grey market or self imported high-end from the US. With the advent of high quality high power transformers from high-end specialized companies it is no more an issue - in fact the transformer can be beneficial. .
As always, everything makes a difference in this hobby, priorities can differ.
Hello,
Yes, it is indeed a custom build. I built this amplifier decades ago with the help of my great friend ( he goes by SET12 on AudioKarhma, etc ) He is an electrical genius and has built many great sounding tube circuits from MC/MM phono stages, pre-amps and power amps (both single ended and PP) as well as massive outboard crossovers for speakers.
I built the wooden frame and did the custom brass top plate. We utilized the vintage iron from an amazing Pilot amp that I had. The circuit was inspired by Pilot Corp, but he enhanced the dynamics, speed and the power reserve. We used bespoke capacitors and carbon resistors and massive Cardas copper binding posts. I'm using NOS Vintage German EL84's, NOS Vintage Mullard Rectifier, and alternate between NOS Vintage Mullard or Tele drivers.
This was an all out assault on building the best sounding EL84 amp that we could at that time. He did the schematic and he sat at my side, coaching me while I soldered away - all hard wired, point to point, no circuit boards whatsoever. It was a great experience working together side by side... doing all the bread board trials, the A/B sessions, tweaking the circuit, experimenting with different resistors/capacitors, etc. Something that I will never forget and will always treasure forever!
This amp plays with so much beauty. It's rich in sound texture, but not syrupy; it's explosive in dynamics ( both in the micro and macro sense ) it's fast and it plays with intense emotion. It sounds so much powerful than what it's power rating would imply. I'm in awe with it every time I listen to it. In fact, I'm listening to it right now as I type this
Thank you for your interest in it!
Best wishes,
Don
@No Regrets
Thanks for the description. It sounds like it was a great project!
Thanks for the description. It sounds like it was a great project!
All you need is a transformer that can make 20 Volts or so and can handle the current the amp draws. The transformer is then used to 'buck' 120V down to 100V. Such a transformer is inexpensive, but you do have to have someone hook it up for you if you don't know how this is done!
I've seen them introduce noise FWIW. Probably the exception rather than the rule.
Looks fabulous!Hello,
Yes, it is indeed a custom build. I built this amplifier decades ago with the help of my great friend ( he goes by SET12 on AudioKarhma, etc ) He is an electrical genius and has built many great sounding tube circuits from MC/MM phono stages, pre-amps and power amps (both single ended and PP) as well as massive outboard crossovers for speakers.
I built the wooden frame and did the custom brass top plate. We utilized the vintage iron from an amazing Pilot amp that I had. The circuit was inspired by Pilot Corp, but he enhanced the dynamics, speed and the power reserve. We used bespoke capacitors and carbon resistors and massive Cardas copper binding posts. I'm using NOS Vintage German EL84's, NOS Vintage Mullard Rectifier, and alternate between NOS Vintage Mullard or Tele drivers.
This was an all out assault on building the best sounding EL84 amp that we could at that time. He did the schematic and he sat at my side, coaching me while I soldered away - all hard wired, point to point, no circuit boards whatsoever. It was a great experience working together side by side... doing all the bread board trials, the A/B sessions, tweaking the circuit, experimenting with different resistors/capacitors, etc. Something that I will never forget and will always treasure forever!
This amp plays with so much beauty. It's rich in sound texture, but not syrupy; it's explosive in dynamics ( both in the micro and macro sense ) it's fast and it plays with intense emotion. It sounds so much powerful than what it's power rating would imply. I'm in awe with it every time I listen to it. In fact, I'm listening to it right now as I type this
View attachment 146387
Thank you for your interest in it!
Best wishes,
Don
EL84s are at just the right power level where the output transformers can really shine and show what push-pull can really do. I expect such an amp, properly designed and built, will put any SET on notice.
Dynaco made something like that called the ST35. Fixed up properly they can be surprisingly musical. I've seen them take out SETs costing quite a lot more.
Thank you, Ralph!
I absolutely love my custom EL84 amp! You are right about it being able to put SET's on notice. It has indeed humbled several very costly amplifiers over the years.
Wowza, the Dynaco ST35 is a flash from the past. I had one that was refurbished decades ago powering my Klipsh Kornerhorns and it was indeed very musical. It seemed to pair very nicely with my Walnut K-horns.
It's always fun reminescing about previous systems one has had along with the journey that you've traveled to get where you at now
Best wishes,
Don
I thought you said at one time a isolation transformer should not be loaded more than 30%. I am assuming their is little difference between an isolation transformer and a buck and boost.
A Torus dealer friend was using a 7 kva transformer on a Accuphase amp that drew 3.2A. It was constrained. Moving up to a 15 kva unit removed some constraint in the playback. I always advise staying under 30% peak load.
I don't even understand your comment. I thought you took a 120 volt transformer that bucked the line voltage down to 110 volts. What do you mean a 20 volt transformer.
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I went looking for Japanese SET last night. Not much out there. There is some guy out there, Welbourne Labs that sells point to point SET. I wonder what quality his equipment is. My 845 has Eectroprint output transformers too. They work well. That amp that I have had so much work done too actually plays very well. Its a darn good amp. French. Not Japanese.
KingRex, I had both DRD45 and Starchief.
Google Ron Welborne or Welborne labs and see the negative info.
I too was probably taken in paying for partial silver outputs that may not have been.
Yamamoto amp better btw.
Google Ron Welborne or Welborne labs and see the negative info.
I too was probably taken in paying for partial silver outputs that may not have been.
Yamamoto amp better btw.
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