What are the Tube amp manufacturers doing for transformers? I’m talking about US made companies that make production run products, like: Audio Research (RIP), Conrad Johnson, Woo Audio, Decware, Amps and Sound, Raven, Rogue, Rogers, etc…. Do most of these companies wind their own, or use...

Domestically (US, that is), do we have good manufacturers of transformers?

How about Hammond? I think AmpsandSound uses Hammond. I’m not sure how much of a change they make vs on the shelf Hammond transformers, they use; however, Hammond appears to be commonly used in company’s that do production models…

I wish I fully understand what you are saying; however, the end result is what I truly enjoy in a system…. Soundstage and depth are key for me, along with trying to emulate the tubey sound of yesteryear… I guess my question is: can using carbon composite resistors bring in the old tube sound...

This is based on the Helix Image philosophy... I'm a big fan of how they contribute to my system... What you will get is a blacker background (meaning better image definition); however, at the same time, they create a more rounded sound, all without losing detail...

No, he and I are speaking about another Tom. This Tom owned Advanced Audio, in Cary, NC.

Tom. Tom and I have been friends since he moved here, from NY. We speak several times a week.

I’ve never heard anyone speak of Audio Artistry speakers. My friend was one of the people involved with that company. It’s a sad story, primarily because the people involved, outside my friend, had primary jobs that didn’t allow their time to be dedicated to the company. So, delivery suffered...

Do you think Moon Audio would be open to people bringing their own equipment to share with others? Meaning equipment they don’t sell…

That’s awesome!

I think this is where my general lack of understanding comes in…. I need an engineering course…. I just don’t get it. Nonetheless, I appreciate the help.

Thanks everyone for the reply’s…. I understand the damping ratios now! That said, based the Lundahl data sheet, how are you getting 17 ohms out of the second tap. I’m not seeing the connections, for B, equaling 17 ohms… BTW, yes, I’m a new to this stuff; however, it’s all extremely...

Ok, I have the Audeze LCD-2 (fazor) at 70 ohms. Based on this article, my output tap should be somewhere around 8-12 ohms, right?

Thanks

I know we discussed impedances; however, I’m still struggling understanding this… what output transformer are you using? what are the taps on them? then, what is the understanding on impedance matching? Is it all about having enough wattage, for a given headphone impedance? Also, is it about...

Not sure really…. I’d like to hear some from ZMF, HiFiMan, Audeze and some of the classic Sennheiser. More importantly, I’d like to hear some Tube amps.

I got away from tube equipment for a number of years and have recently gotten back into them. One thing I’ve noticed is that newer built tube amps are “generally” less warm sounding than older amps. I understand that circuits haven’t really changed; however, something has… I used to love that...

Yea, that sounds like a good idea; however, I don’t plan on using the Node as my streamer very long…. I bought this as a background system solution and was never intended to be my primary streamer. also, the only reason I’m using headphone was due to my wife and me downsizing since our...

My source is Roon, on a MacBook, and latest Bluesound Node, as a streamer and currently using the DAC as well. I do have a Denefrips Ares2; however, I haven’t plugged it in to this system, yet. It’s one of my next steps.

One thing I don’t like is a system having a hard sound. Some may call it it a glare. This make the system fatiguing. This is prevalent in my current system. So, either I figure it out or I’m going in a different direction. This thread has really made me have interest in the Aegis.

So, now take the rule of 8ths…. His 1.5 ohm output impedance is not going to be ideal on my 70 ohm headphones. So, adding more resistance (like 7.5 ohm resistor at the jack) will get this rule in a more solid parameter, right? if not added, could the sound be a little thinner or harder sounding?

Ok, I think I’m understanding better…. When he says 1.5 ohm output impedance and the output transformer has a 32 ohm tap, then that is matching to the headphone impedance…

So, the low Z tap on this amp is 5 ohm. Why would this engineer have a tap at 32 ohm and 68 ohm? Also, he has an 8 ohm tap being used for speakers. They appears to be closer than the other two impedances he’s offering, right? What am I missing?

Actually, I read the following on Headphonesty: The term ‘rule of eighths’ is used as a rough guide. Divide the headphone impedance by 8, and that is the maximum source output impedance (32 ohm headphones / 8 = 4 ohm maximum source output impedance). In practice, it isn’t that strict a rule and...

I’m not an engineer; however, source impedance can help with headphone matching. I didn’t see it in the thread…. what is the source impedance of this amp?