[richpjr]

I just picked one of these up on Friday and was wondering how most of you listen to your amp: Do you use OTL or the transformer? I haven't listened to it long enough to decide which I like better.

Thanks!

 

[dd3mon]

I find the transformer jack more detailed, especially in the higher frequencies, however very light on the bass (and overall fairly bright). The OTL jack is the polar opposite, with lots of bass, somewhat rolled off highs and less detail. I currently use the OTL jack with the foam-removal mod - sound is pretty balanced to my ears. The transformer jack is very enjoyable with very well recorded music, or bass heavy music that need toning down. I'd like my next amp to have the bass strength of the OTL jack, but the bass definition (as well as midrange and high detail) of the transformer jack. These comments are all made using the HD600 using Equinox cables, with JJ EL84's and Sylvania Gold Brand / Gold Pin 5751.

-dd3mon

 

[Sean H]

In the time I have owned it I have not given the time to really listen to the transformer mode and have only been using the OTL mode. The difference seemed fairly subtle when I briefly switched over a couple times.

I'm looking into having my outboard power supply modified with FRED's and larger value, better quality power supply caps.

 

[Sean H]

Quote:

Originally posted by dd3mon I find the transformer jack more detailed, especially in the higher frequencies, however very light on the bass (and overall fairly bright). The OTL jack is the polar opposite, with lots of bass, somewhat rolled off highs and less detail. I currently use the OTL jack with the foam-removal mod - sound is pretty balanced to my ears. The transformer jack is very enjoyable with very well recorded music, or bass heavy music that need toning down. I'd like my next amp to have the bass strength of the OTL jack, but the bass definition (as well as midrange and high detail) of the transformer jack. These comments are all made using the HD600 using Equinox cables, with JJ EL84's and Sylvania Gold Brand / Gold Pin 5751. -dd3mon

FWIW, I did an A/B tonight between the transformer and OTL modes and agree completely with dd3mon. He nailed the differences, I have nothing to add really. Ditto.

 

[richpjr]

Quote:

Originally posted by dd3mon I currently use the OTL jack with the foam-removal mod - sound is pretty balanced to my ears. -dd3mon

Hmmm... never heard of that one. Search button time!

 

[dd3mon]

Quote:

Originally posted by richpjr Hmmm... never heard of that one. Search button time!

Just pull the velour pads off your 580/600's (grip and pull - somewhat hard) they just snap off. It's a little unnerving at first, but you soon realize there's not much to break. There's a piece of foam on there which can be removed (it's not attached in any way, just held in place by the velour pads) and optionally replaced with something more 'sonically transparent'. This mod really opens up the highs, and tightens bass, but at the expense of bass strength and possibly over-brightness depending on your amp (MG Head OTL jack's dark nature works well with this mod though).

-dd3mon

 

[richpjr]

Ahh - I get ya. I have heard of that mod before. I thought you were saying that there was some mod to the OTL switch - doh!

 

[dd3mon]

oops, I guess that is misleading unless you were thinking about the 600/MG Head specifically. I hope there's no foam in the MG Head

-dd3mon