Hagerman Castanet amp (new)

Hi.

I have read this great comparison of the Castanet Vs Cavalli EHHA: http://www.head-fi.org/t/503622/review-of-my-4-diy-amplifiers-updated-2011-02-12/45 and I like the descriptions of the Castanet as a warm amplifier (I prefer soft tones rather than cold and analytical precision)

I have doubts about the Hammond 119DA output transformer of the Castanet http://www.hammondmfg.com/collins.htm

The secondary of that transformer is designed for 4 Ohm and 8Ohm, but the Castanet use it for running low and high impedance headphones. Is it OK?

The transformer specs says: Frequency response 30Hz to 20kHz, and the amplifier specs 12Hz to 75kHz. Is it possible?

http://www.hagtech.com/castanet.html

EDIT:

I remove the schematic, since I notice that it's copyrighted. Please refer to the link above if you want to see it.

mmm.. I just found a project with similar SE topology and 6H30, by andrea Ciuffoli, using Lundhal instead of Hammond.

http://gilmore2.chem.northwestern.edu/projects/ciuff4_prj.htm

 Interesting...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pingfloid 

 

I have doubts about the Hammond 119DA output transformer of the Castanet http://www.hammondmfg.com/collins.htm

 

The secondary of that transformer is designed for 4 Ohm and 8Ohm, but the Castanet use it for running low and high impedance headphones. Is it OK?

 

The transformer specs says: Frequency response 30Hz to 20kHz, and the amplifier specs 12Hz to 75kHz. Is it possible?

http://www.hagtech.com/castanet.html

 

Re the transformer: Maybe its OK. Run a 10Khz square wave through the amp. If it overshoots/rings on the leading edge load it down with a resistor. If you like the way it sounds dont worry, sometimes what you dont know is better than what you do know, you know?

Hammond rates -1db bandwidth, hagerman rates -3db. The posted numbers by both parties could both be right! When you play the square waves check the frequency response with sine waves too. If you like the way it sounds dont worry, sometimes what you dont know is better than what you do know, you know?
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pingfloid 

mmm.. I just found a project with similar SE topology and 6H30, by andrea Ciuffoli, using Lundhal instead of Hammond.

http://gilmore2.chem.northwestern.edu/projects/ciuff4_prj.htm

 Interesting...

 

Despite using affordable parts, there is a zilion times more design-coolness in the hagerman amp than the Cufffoli amps on that page. 

Hi Nikongod. I agree with you: if it sounds good, leave the papers and specifications at the library and enjoy the sound