transformers, HELP!!

[jack butler]

so many choices i don't know which way too go!!

this is my first build
basically its a jtm45 with exceptions
i've talked too mercury, marstran, heyboer, but i havn't talked too oei.
my deal is i have no interest in cloning exactly.
i want a nice amp that has a great response all the way through the volume. i wat too run a gz34 (like jtm45) but i want too use el34's instead of kt66's
am i getting too involved in the tranny myth?
i mean my wants are not that demanding i just really like the response and dynamics of my other amps (komet 60 and matchless dc-30) and i would like too have just as good of quality iron as those (not the same) but just as good!
the cool thing about the mm is they have a power tranny that would deliver 360 volts too the plates with tube rectification!
which i assume would allow me some lower headroom but on the other side of that i hope that 360 would give the el34s enough juice too work the magic!!
remember this is my first build so if i said something that doesn't make sense, please take it easy on me.
just correct me in a proper manner or i'll slap your dog in da tooth!!

 

[101jumper]

I have tried various transformers for my JTM-45 amps..
I realy think you need to speak to cerram of Merren Audio..He should be at the Plexi Palace newsgroup.
I bought his JTM45 iron and it smoked all the rest of them..
Wasn't even close.
I am glad I got turned on to his stuff.

Mark

 

[V846]

Jack,

Sounds like you want to build a JTM50 in which case the OT will be different to run EL34's..Just my opinion but I like the voltage on 34's around 430 or so..
I built a similar amp using OEI iron and it sounds great, also have used OEI and Marstran iron in several JTM45 alike with great results..

This is my homebrew 50
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/v846italy2002/detail?.dir=862d&.dnm=14b6.jpg&.src=ph

Actually all the the iron is very good but different, I wouldn't say one smokes all the rest , everyone has their own taste

more useful links
http://www.firebottle.com/fireforum/fireBB.cgi?cfg=ga&enter=go
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/JTM45/

David

 

[Gearbuilders]

Being your first build, I would just get a hammond.

I guarantee you'll have more things to worry about besides the transformer.

Later on, when you get better at building you can look at different tranny brands.

My $.02

 

[jack butler]

thanks for the input, but i don't think i should comp any of my parts due too my experience

 

[Gearbuilders]

Okay.

I'm just saying that the tranny is the least of your worries. Getting an amp to work and sound good is the important stuff, plus if you make a mistake and fry a tranny then it won't cost you a fortune.

 

[V846]

Jack,

Gearbuilders makes a valid point this being your first build, actually it might not be a bad idea to build a champ or other single ended amp first which will teach you useful building and troubleshooting skills.
Not saying that you can't build a JTM50 clone and have it work on the first shot but if something goes wrong it will be more difficult to troubleshoot and more expensive to repair if something smokes than the champ

David

 

[jack butler]

i'm already aware of all of this, my tech has explained this too me in great detail. actually he will be doing the final assembly. i don't have too do any research at all! he would gladly gather parts and assemble himself but i wanted too do the research and part gathering for educational purposes. which brings me too the current question. ofcourse my tech has his fav (marstran) but i want too get some outside opinions.
i feel 100 percent confident that with this guy doing the soldering and such i will have an "almost" trouble free build!
the only thing that i will be doing is hardware assemble (screwing parts too chassis)
thanks for the buzz guys
i'll get back with ya on the progress
btw do a search for turret board pics and check out the board i had built
also, i just bought some rv4 pots from pec and they are solid as a rock a little pricey but when you turn'em it feels like your turning something thats gonna make a difference!

 

[V846]

I was under the impression you were doing the building but your having a builder build it so that’s a horse of a difference color isn't it??
Do you have a board already? PEC's are very nice, I used them in my JTM50 alike though cheap ol Alpha pots have served surprisingly well in this amp..

http://45watt.18watt.com/gallery/DBaileyClone