Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: Eythor on July 23, 2024, 05:13:18 pm

Title: Step down transformer mounted inside cabinet? Thoughts?
Post by: Eythor on July 23, 2024, 05:13:18 pm

Just picked up this '66 Bandmaster head that needs a bit of work. It's not here yet, so I haven't had a chance to look at it myself.

Essentially, a previous owner has mounted, what I assume, is a step down transformer inside the cabinet. Not something I see often. I live in Europe and the amp runs on 120V, so I'll need one anyway, but I can't imagine it's a good idea to have it mounted in the cabinet, especially so close to the inputs. Does anyone have any experience with this?

I'm tempted to replace the power transformer with a high quality export one and install a repro voltage selector on the back panel. Ideally I'd find an original "X" transformer to install, but I can't see that happening.

The output transformer has been replaced with a Mercury Magnetics one, so it's far from a collector's item.

Title: Re: Step down transformer mounted inside cabinet? Thoughts?
Post by: tubeswell on July 23, 2024, 05:30:37 pm

If the step-down xformer works fine for use with euro-voltage mains, why not leave it as it is?

Title: Re: Step down transformer mounted inside cabinet? Thoughts?
Post by: Latole on July 24, 2024, 03:13:59 am

Quote from: tubeswell on July 23, 2024, 05:30:37 pm

If the step-down xformer works fine for use with euro-voltage mains, why not leave it as it is?

You are right tubeswell.

Like we often read ; " If it work, don't fix it. "