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Transformer upgrade options

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Posted on December 7, 2016 at 14:54:15
banpuku
Audiophile

Posts: 1008
Joined: January 19, 2006
 Little by little, I am tweaking the 2A3 amp with schematic changes and part upgrades. I am considering 3 different upgrades and would like to know which of these 3 would give me audible impact.

1. I am considering new filament transformers for my 2a3 amp (schematic below). The amp currently uses Hammond 166m2 filament supplies. I am considering other brands of filament supplies.

2. Inserting a new choke between the filament supply and 2A3

3. New power supply to replace the Hammond 272 DX.

Which of these would you pursue first and what parts brand do you like?

Thanks!
Pat




 

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RE: Transformer upgrade options, posted on December 8, 2016 at 13:11:51
drlowmu
Manufacturer

Posts: 9730
Location: East of Kansas City
Joined: January 10, 2005
 (1) You will not improve the sound with a Ef XFR swap, that one is plenty good.

(2) You can NOT add chokes to the secondary of a 2A3's Ef XFR. Its the filament return to ground, it is critical to be clean and as short a path as possible.

(3) For number 3, do you mean a new power TRANSFORMER ? Not an entire supply?

Low hanging, easy to do - is to try a good , different type of rectifier tube, a directly heated one. I used to like Tung Sol 5U4GBs, but now, prefer a simple reasonable JJ 5U4GB. I can PSUD that for you, and find out VDC differences, to be sure all is cool, before actually buying and trying.

Regarding (3) , I would now advise two power transformers, and filter chains, one for each channel. But THAT circuit is limited, and is not worth the expense, time, effort IMHO.

Cheers,


Jeff

 

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