Transformers for 5E3 with 6L6 upgrade

[Spexicola]

Does anyone know what good replacements are for the Allen transformers @robrob recommends for this modification? They've stopped producing them due to supply chain issues. I'd like to rebuild my amp to get some clean/edge of breakup headroom for jams, so I'm trying to get it up to 25-30 watts with fixed bias. I've already switched out to a 102db CanRex, which helped a lot. I just need another bump. If this has already been discussed, forgive me. I did a brief search.

 

[sds1]

Some of the Mercury Magnetics stuff has 4A filament secondaries, but they don't publish the current ratings for the HT secondary and I think the Allen upgrade PT was 150mA primary instead of 120mA? Something like that?

Otherwise I haven't seen anyone advertising the type of Deluxe upgrade transformers like Allen had.

I wonder if you emailed him if he might just happen to have old stock...

 

[Spexicola]

He might.

Could I use a transformer set for another model? Something spec'd for a 5F4 or 5E5?

 

[sds1]

Could I use a transformer set for another model? Something spec'd for a 5F4 or 5E5?

I think the problem is going to be the transformer size and the PT chassis cutout especially.

Maybe someone else knows of something specific that will work for you.

 

[dan40]

As sds1 mentioned, the cutout for the laydown PT will be your biggest hurdle. A larger OT will also require drilling new mounting holes. If you don't object to covering the chassis cutout with a metal plate and going with a standup PT, your options increase quite a bit. Any of the transformer sets for a 6L6 Fender will work fine.

 

[Spexicola]

As sds1 mentioned, the cutout for the laydown PT will be your biggest hurdle. A larger OT will also require drilling new mounting holes. If you don't object to covering the chassis cutout with a metal plate and going with a standup PT, your options increase quite a bit. Any of the transformer sets for a 6L6 Fender will work fine.

I've got the room to go with a standup. I'll take a look at what's out there.

 

[dogmeat]

I might have a power x-former for you I think. a Classic Tone I got for a Super Tweed 5E3 build (40 watts with two 6L6s). I ended up using a different tranny on that build (long story), then tried this one on an 18w Plexi but the voltages were too high for that design, so I took it out. maybe 20 minutes run time. I've built several amps with CT trannies and they are rockin' stuff. too bad they went under during the C19... they were my go to.

 

[archetype]

Some of the Mercury Magnetics stuff has 4A filament secondaries, but they don't publish the current ratings for the HT secondary and I think the Allen upgrade PT was 150mA primary instead of 120mA? Something like that?

Otherwise I haven't seen anyone advertising the type of Deluxe upgrade transformers like Allen had.

I wonder if you emailed him if he might just happen to have old stock...

Right: no current ratings, unfortunately. OP can always email MM and ask if any of their PTs and OTs will support a 6L6 setup. MM is usually responsive to tech questions.

 

[schmee]

A BF/SF Deluxe PT should be fine. They are for 9 tube amps and your 5E3 layout has what... 5? Many guys have put 6L6's in DR's with the standard tranny without issues. A DR PT may fit the 5E3 hole....? Seems I have done that... cant remember.

A Vibrolux Reverb PT is a good one with low voltage, 325? I think. I used one in a hot rod 6L6 Princeton Reverb.

Hmmm.... 5E3 with fixed bias, I guess is more of a Harvard really ....right?

If you dont want to carve a chassis use Elongated Nuts to raise the PT away from the chassis a bit.

 

[archetype]

A BF/SF Deluxe PT should be fine. They are for 9 tube amps and your 5E3 layout has what... 5? Many guys have put 6L6's in DR's with the standard tranny without issues. A DR PT may fit the 5E3 hole....? Seems I have done that... cant remember.

A Vibrolux Reverb PT is a good one with low voltage, 325? I think. I used one in a hot rod 6L6 Princeton Reverb.

Hmmm.... 5E3 with fixed bias, I guess is more of a Harvard really ....right?

If you dont want to carve a chassis use Elongated Nuts to raise the PT away from the chassis a bit.
View attachment 1068829

That's a fine solution that has never entered my head, before.

 

[Spexicola]

I might have a power x-former for you I think. a Classic Tone I got for a Super Tweed 5E3 build (40 watts with two 6L6s). I ended up using a different tranny on that build (long story), then tried this one on an 18w Plexi but the voltages were too high for that design, so I took it out. maybe 20 minutes run time. I've built several amps with CT trannies and they are rockin' stuff. too bad they went under during the C19... they were my go to.

PM me. I have CTs in it now. Damned shame about them. Now we're left with Mercury. Good stuff, but so spendy.

 

[sds1]

PM me. I have CTs in it now. Damned shame about them. Now we're left with Mercury. Good stuff, but so spendy.

I use Hammond for everything.

There's also Pacific Audio Magnetics in CA, they appear to have some nice stuff as well (no personal experience).

 

[dan40]

Musical Power Supplies is another manufacturer with affordable prices and decent selection. Of course there is always Heyboer but they have been pretty backed up with orders since CT went out of business.

 

[Spexicola]

Musical Power Supplies is another manufacturer with affordable prices and decent selection. Of course there is always Heyboer but they have been pretty backed up with orders since CT went out of business.

How do their OTs sound? I gave them a look and the price is definitely right.

 

[lowatter]

^^^+1 on MPS^^^

 

[loopfinding]

i'm sort of in the same boat. i was considering the high power tube town PT for the 6L6 version. that might be too expensive for you with shipping, idk. i might just buy a generic stand up PT intended for a bassman style project if i can get it cheaper though.

there are also some stand up transformers pulled from stuff like the hot rod deluxe and other "undesirable" production amps, but those vary wildly in price (either dirt cheap cause no DIYers want, or expensive cause someone wants to use the exact same PT for a repair).

in my case i'm probably going to do it cathode biased for around 30W though (and split the cathodes so i can attenuate the amp with a pot after the bypass caps), and just have the fixed bias for 50W there "in case of emergency."

 

[Wyatt]

I wonder if you emailed him if he might just happen to have old stock...

Just a note that Dave Allen has retired and sold the business to new owners. But even before that, he did halt most chassis and iron sets because the supply chain has been very tight on both. When Magnetic Components and Marvel Electric suddenly shut their doors, it completely reshuffled the pecking order for transformers from remaining suppliers (I know Allen Amps used to rely on Marvel for PTs).

 

[Powdog]

The Deluxe Reverb power tranny does in fact have the same footprint as a 5E3, fits right in the chassis with no mods. And the 250mA will handle 6L6s. Mojotone carries the Heyboer version but is out of stock.

Mercury Magnetics makes an output transformer (FTDO-59M) for a 5E3 that has two primary windings to accommodate both 6L6 and 6V6 power tubes. Again, bolts on with no new holes needed.

 

[Peegoo]

A BF/SF Deluxe PT should be fine. They are for 9 tube amps and your 5E3 layout has what... 5? Many guys have put 6L6's in DR's with the standard tranny without issues. A DR PT may fit the 5E3 hole....? Seems I have done that... cant remember.

A Vibrolux Reverb PT is a good one with low voltage, 325? I think. I used one in a hot rod 6L6 Princeton Reverb.

Hmmm.... 5E3 with fixed bias, I guess is more of a Harvard really ....right?

If you dont want to carve a chassis use Elongated Nuts to raise the PT away from the chassis a bit.

I've used them as standoffs for the same reason.

If you're looking for them, the part name is "coupling nut."

 

[cousinpaul]

I've got Weber's version of that amp. The Weber transformers used are W025130 For the PT and W404248 for the OT. The amp sounds very good but I have no basis for comparison with other transformers.

BTW, I opted for cathode bias on mine with a 12AY7 for V1