Author Topic: MagneQuest/Peerless B7 nickel output transformers  (Read 2842 times)

Offline mresseguie

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MagneQuest/Peerless B7 nickel output transformers
« on: December 18, 2019, 06:33:09 AM »
Question for those of you who understand transformers.

There is a small company in Taipei that makes custom tube gear. They proudly proclaim that they use Magnequest/Peerless B7 nickel output transformers. Are they really good? How good are they? Why are they so great?

Thanks....

http://s8audiolabs.com/Line-Stage.php
Daedalus Audio Apollos; Fritz Loudspeakers LS/5-R
SW1X NOS DAC III BAL/SPL; Holo Spring3 KTE
Don Sachs Model 2 preamp
Don Sachs dual mono 300b; Nuprime Evolution STA
Hapa loom
PI Audio UberBUSS, DigiBUSS, Uber-MiniBUS

Offline steve

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Re: MagneQuest/Peerless B7 nickel output transformers
« Reply #1 on: December 19, 2019, 09:37:51 PM »
Question for those of you who understand transformers.

There is a small company in Taipei that makes custom tube gear. They proudly proclaim that they use Magnequest/Peerless B7 nickel output transformers. Are they really good? How good are they? Why are they so great?

Thanks....

http://s8audiolabs.com/Line-Stage.php

I cannot answer the quality of the Magnequest OPT as I have never tested nor "heard" one.

I will address the quality of a typical output transformer, and list 4 points, but not necessarily in preference (to minimize debates).

1. Core materials used. Materials can substantially influence leakage inductance and capacitance.

2. Type of wire and insulation used.

3. Leakage inductance (insulation thickness, thinner for less leakage. However, capacitance increases and peak voltage rating lessens.)

4. Winding capacitance (lower Dielectric Constant of insulation means less capacitance, plus other variables involved).

Still, considering the above and other points not mentioned, a main consideration is the tonal balance of the OPT. Will the OPT be accurate, or will the OPT tilt towards the high frequency or becomes bass heavy. This must be accounted for when designing the rest of the amplifier. (Tonal balance accuracy is preferred imo.)

cheers
steve

« Last Edit: December 19, 2019, 09:51:33 PM by steve »
Steve Sammet (Owner, Electron Eng, SAS Audio Labs, Ret)
SAS "V" 39pf/m 6N copper ICs,
SAS Test Phono Stage
Acutex 320 STR Mov Iron Cart
SAS 11A Perfect Tube Preamp
SAS 25 W Ref Triode/UL Monoblocks
2 way Floor Standing Test Speakers

Offline mresseguie

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Re: MagneQuest/Peerless B7 nickel output transformers
« Reply #2 on: December 20, 2019, 04:41:40 PM »
Hi, Steve.

Thank you for your input.

I may someday go hog wild and commission a 'super' amp, but for the time being I'm just trying to broaden my knowledge base.

Michael
Daedalus Audio Apollos; Fritz Loudspeakers LS/5-R
SW1X NOS DAC III BAL/SPL; Holo Spring3 KTE
Don Sachs Model 2 preamp
Don Sachs dual mono 300b; Nuprime Evolution STA
Hapa loom
PI Audio UberBUSS, DigiBUSS, Uber-MiniBUS

Offline steve

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Re: MagneQuest/Peerless B7 nickel output transformers
« Reply #3 on: December 23, 2019, 06:52:12 AM »
Hi, Steve.

Thank you for your input.

I may someday go hog wild and commission a 'super' amp, but for the time being I'm just trying to broaden my knowledge base.

Michael

A book that is helpful is the "Radiotron Designers Handbook" by F. Langford-Smith. There are several editions; I own a 4th edition (red cover, 1960). A wealth of information covering many areas. Available in hardcover or cdrom/pdf.

cheers
steve
« Last Edit: December 23, 2019, 07:10:07 AM by steve »
Steve Sammet (Owner, Electron Eng, SAS Audio Labs, Ret)
SAS "V" 39pf/m 6N copper ICs,
SAS Test Phono Stage
Acutex 320 STR Mov Iron Cart
SAS 11A Perfect Tube Preamp
SAS 25 W Ref Triode/UL Monoblocks
2 way Floor Standing Test Speakers