As anyone used the tube-related products from Antec? PS transformers and chokes? What's the word? Any good? Has anyone built anything using those?
I am not sure toroidal is the right type of core for OPT, none of the majors OPT manu are doing that, and the high freq response seems to reflect that. Not sure about chokes application.
Another issue I have with PS transformer from Antec is the 115V primary. I really wish they went to 120V, as the 4% higher voltage is not ideal and elevates the output voltage. That is an annoyance in itself.
The prices are an absolute bargain though..
Apologies if this topic has been discussed before.
I am not sure toroidal is the right type of core for OPT, none of the majors OPT manu are doing that, and the high freq response seems to reflect that. Not sure about chokes application.
Another issue I have with PS transformer from Antec is the 115V primary. I really wish they went to 120V, as the 4% higher voltage is not ideal and elevates the output voltage. That is an annoyance in itself.
The prices are an absolute bargain though..
Apologies if this topic has been discussed before.
They are all very good products. I have seen better build quality, but only at 3 to 5X the cost. For what you pay for them they cannot be beat. The only thing “wrong” with them is they are butt ugly without the covers, which they only recently added. Quiet at 120V/60 Hz. I’ve purchased a couple dozen now, for solid state and tube amps.
They are not really a 115V primary - even the spec tables show performance (loaded and unloaded voltages) at 120. Just design with these values in mind.
Ive only used their power transformers. Even turned around as tube output trafos. They work well when used within their design flux density (Ie, keep the speaker output voltage at or below rated secondary voltage). I’ve got it in the plan to run some of the big (1600 to 1900 VCT) units with the 120 as the speaker output. Early experiments say it will work, but far to early to see if reliable, or if the HF performance is good enough. Plenty good for bass and mids, and it will be 3 way active. If they wont properly run tweeters (2” CD’s) then there are always traditional alternatives for the HF band.
The big mono blocks use two AS4T430 in parallel, and two little ones under the chassis. Traditional OPT (1650W). The little amp really sounds nice - and has no global feedback.
They are not really a 115V primary - even the spec tables show performance (loaded and unloaded voltages) at 120. Just design with these values in mind.
Ive only used their power transformers. Even turned around as tube output trafos. They work well when used within their design flux density (Ie, keep the speaker output voltage at or below rated secondary voltage). I’ve got it in the plan to run some of the big (1600 to 1900 VCT) units with the 120 as the speaker output. Early experiments say it will work, but far to early to see if reliable, or if the HF performance is good enough. Plenty good for bass and mids, and it will be 3 way active. If they wont properly run tweeters (2” CD’s) then there are always traditional alternatives for the HF band.
The big mono blocks use two AS4T430 in parallel, and two little ones under the chassis. Traditional OPT (1650W). The little amp really sounds nice - and has no global feedback.
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I like their toroidal power transformers. Compared to other manufacturers, Anteks have relatively high primary inductance, which translates into low magnetizing current, working safely away from iron saturation (most power transformers work at the point of saturation to save on copper, which causes considerable waveform distortion), and undistorted waveform. Most of their transformers have static shield between primary and secondary. They are dead quiet. As mentioned above, they recently added attractively-looking cases. Best deal for the money.
I've used the power trannies with very good results, not yet the chokes. As mentioned above, when fed 120VAC the secondary voltages are spot on.
I've used their transformers for over a decade now, and never a problem. I have used a number of their tube power transformers as well as lots of 10 - 100VA for solid state applications. (A few higher power)
They are generally quiet.
The quality to cost ratio is just about impossible to beat and they meet their specifications with margin to spare IMLE.
They are generally quiet.
The quality to cost ratio is just about impossible to beat and they meet their specifications with margin to spare IMLE.
I've used a couple of dozens of Antek power transformers and just recently started using their PTs as Push-Pull OTs. They're ugly but work like a champ! My daily listener is a MOSFET pre + 6360 PP output, no global feedback that is amazing. I use the AN-0206 as OT with secondary in parallel. Can't say that I've measured the FR, but to my ears, good to 17k, there is nothing lacking. I get covers from ebay that I like better than the cheezy antek covers with acorn nut on top. YMMV.
They seem to have even greater value potential if using series string heater tubes and voltage multipliers for your high power needs.
They seem to have even greater value potential if using series string heater tubes and voltage multipliers for your high power needs.
You probably right. 17KHz is good enough per se, maybe the only issue is that phase rotation may start earlier than that. Either way it's worth a try.
The old WE high freq trumpet driver (forgot the model) goes to 13kHz and the systems sound divine.
According to Joe Roberts anything above 13kHz are just "spurious resonances"...🤣
The old WE high freq trumpet driver (forgot the model) goes to 13kHz and the systems sound divine.
According to Joe Roberts anything above 13kHz are just "spurious resonances"...🤣