Japanese SET amp compete with other high end brands

[Kingrex]

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.

Disappointed to hear. I really should quit fiddling with amps and get my Swarm of Subs built.

 

[mtemur]

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!

Let me make it more simpler; lets assume it is a 1:1 isolation transformer, no step up or down but there is still a transformer in series to the AC line. It will absolutely, most definitely and without any doubt degrade the sound by killing dynamics and liveliness. Anybody says otherwise surely needs more experience or a better setup in my opinion.

 

[Atmasphere]

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.
View attachment 146860

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

Actually a properly refurbished (or properly built new kit) Dynaco ST35 is a very competent amp! Its the sort of thing any SET manufacturer would not want you to know about.

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.

I take your point! Its always a good idea to overrate transformers. Recently I dealt with a Torus introducing buzz into a system, although I think that had something to do with proper grounding. As soon as the preamp was plugged directly into the wall the buzz was gone.

WRT to a bucking transformer:
When the 20Volt transformer is energized, its output is put in series with the 120V of AC line, but out of phase with it. The result is 100VAC. A simple and much cheaper way of running something designed for 100VAC on 120VAC. Obviously this can be done the other way 'round if running on 100V with equipment designed for 120V. You'd need a different transformer though since its primary would be running on the 100VAC.

Let me make it more simpler; lets assume it is a 1:1 isolation transformer, no step up or down but there is still a transformer in series to the AC line. It will absolutely, most definitely and without any doubt degrade the sound by killing dynamics and liveliness. Anybody says otherwise surely needs more experience or a better setup in my opinion.

Agreed!

That is why I like using a bucking transformer; most of the work is being done with the AC line rather than the transformer.

 

[Kingrex]

I take your point! Its always a good idea to overrate transformers. Recently I dealt with a Torus introducing buzz into a system, although I think that had something to do with proper grounding. As soon as the preamp was plugged directly into the wall the buzz was gone.

WRT to a bucking transformer:
When the 20Volt transformer is energized, its output is put in series with the 120V of AC line, but out of phase with it. The result is 100VAC. A simple and much cheaper way of running something designed for 100VAC on 120VAC. Obviously this can be done the other way 'round if running on 100V with equipment designed for 120V. You'd need a different transformer though since its primary would be running on the 100VAC.

Agreed!

That is why I like using a bucking transformer; most of the work is being done with the AC line rather than the trtransformer.

Interesting on the buck 20 volt unit. I have never seen that done.

As per a noisy Torus, there are a lot of people who think filters are there to fix bad electrical infrastructure. That is absolutely wrong. A filter works best with an excellent power supply to it. All it has to do is filter noise.

It is also possible the unit had a loose ground. I have never heard of manufacturer issues with Torus. But things could come loose. People might also get inside and change duplex out. Its a tight fit in there. Hard to do properly.

 

[DasguteOhr]

Interesting on the buck 20 volt unit. I have never seen that done.

As per a noisy Torus, there are a lot of people who think filters are there to fix bad electrical infrastructure. That is absolutely wrong. A filter works best with an excellent power supply to it. All it has to do is filter noise.

It is also possible the unit had a loose ground. I have never heard of manufacturer issues with Torus. But things could come loose. People might also get inside and change duplex out. Its a tight fit in there. Hard to do properly.

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