MADE IN USA
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Magnetic Components, Inc.
Quality Commercial and Military Transformers
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The Background: The following sound clips were not produced by us or for us. We happened to find these on an independent forum that was not in anyway associated with our company. In fact, Curt Granger of Granger Amplification did this independent comparison of 4 different transformer manufacturers himself to satisfy his own curiosity. He did not even know at the time that the unidentified brand that was sold through a well known distributor were made by us at Magnetic Components, Inc. (We now offer the same part as our own stock part number 40-18025). He used the transformer manufacturers Weber Magnetics, Heyboer, Mercury Magnetics and Magnetic Components, Inc. (Us) for his comparison. We were recently granted permission by Mr. Granger to use these sound slips.
I would like to thank Curt Granger of Granger Amplifiers for his fine work on this thorough and unbiased comparison. Also, I would like to thank him for his permission to use his sound clips for this comparison. Please see Granger Amplifiers to check out his fine amplifiers at http://www.grangeramp.com
Note: Please let us know which you think sounds better and why at info@magneticcomponents.net Please tell us your first name and where you are located at minimum in your correspondence. We may publish your opinion on our website.
Conclusion: You make the choice!
Transformer electrical rating differences: According to Mr. Granger, all were close in their ratings with the exception of Mercury Magnetics having a slightly smaller DC resistance than the rest.
Transformer construction types:
Weber (bobbin wound), Heyboer (Distributor: Mojo) (paper layer wound), Mercury Magnetics (bobbin wound), ClassicTone by Magnetic Components, Inc. (ours are paper layer wound!)
Recording settings and methods used: The same for each recording
Recording Equipment Used: Roland VS1680, Behringer B1, dbx386
Guitar Used: Gibson Les Paul Standard
Amplifier Settings: All straight up the middle (12 O' Clock) with Lar-Mar master dimmed (to be truer to non-master "Plexi" sound).
Amplifier Brand Used: Granger Model M50 Plexi with 2 X 12 Cabinet
Mr. Granger verified that the only thing that varied in the recording methods and equipment were the transformers themselves. He even tried to duplicate the guitar riffs from each recording to the best of his ability to help in the comparison.
Equipment and Methods Used to Record "OT Shootout"
ClassicTone by Magnetic Components, Inc.
Mercury Magnetics
Heyboer
Weber Magnetics
The Transformer Manufacturers
(with sound clips of each)
A sound comparison of 4 different manufacturer's 50W Marshall* type audio output transformers using the same amplifier, equipment and recording techniques
The "OT Shootout" (Output Transformer)
"I have read and have been told from many knowledgeable and reliable sources within the amplifier industry that paper layer wound transformers (a.k.a. paper tube, paper bobbin, etc.) are better because they make an amplifier sound better and help an amplifier produce that ultimate tone. They mention that the sound of amplifiers using paper layer wound constructed transformers from the classic era of the 1950s and 1960s are preferable to modern era, nylon bobbin constructed transformers due to their outstanding tonal characteristics. Even though I am a little biased as President of Magnetic Components, Inc. and we still predominately manufacture our transformers using this fine, traditional, time honored method of winding our transformers, I must admit I was a little skeptical as well.
Well...after hearing the sound clips, I can now definitely say that amplifiers using paper layer wound transformers resoundingly sound better. In my opinion, our transformers in particular sound the best. Please don't take my word for it, hear why I think ours sound better."
Joe Janisch
President
Magnetic Components, Inc.
Hear for yourself and you decide!
Myth or Fact?
"Amplifiers using paper layer wound transformers have better sound and tonal characteristics than the modern era, nylon bobbin wound transformers."
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Our ClassicTone 40-18025
By Magnetic Components, Inc.
(50W Marshall* Output Transformer)
A paper layer wound transformer coil showing the electrical grade paper tube (a.k.a paper bobbin), the individual layers of neutral, electrical grade paper insulation and copper magnetic wire
The Granger Model M50 Plexi
*Disclaimer: Magnetic Components, Inc. is not affiliated with Fender Musical Instruments Corp. or Marshall Amplification.
**All of the above listed amplifier models are trademarks of Fender Musical Instrument Corp. or Marshall Amplification.
This page was last updated: 12/31/2009
What others are saying: See following
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“I saw these clips on another forum and was really impressed with the quality of tone from the transformer. Along with some other forum members, we searched out to find that this iron was made by Magnetic Components. I then contacted them about some custom work and became a customer. Being an amp builder who has used other transformers, I was really impressed with the tone, and sweet vibe this iron has. As a result of these clips, I became a customer and use this Iron in my EL34/6L6 based amplifiers!!!"
Dave W.
"I just ordered one of your transformers because of the great "About Us" page you did up on explaining how you make them. Incredible! The sound clips clearly beat all the others especially on the last couple notes on the Heyboer vs. yours. There's more upper mid harmonics it seemed like. Thanks and can't wait to hear it!"
Frank M.
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"About the 50W Tranny Shootout.
Weber: Dark, and particularly Gritty
Heyboer: What we've all come to expect a Marshall Amp to sound like, All the "Bite & Kerang."
Mercury Magnetics: Well Balanced, & Very Pricey.
Magnetic Components: Balance w/ Bite, What A Deal!
Mr. Janisch, A 50 Watt Transformer Bundle from Triode Electronics NOW sounds like a Good Deal, Literally! As to myself: 33 Years in all manner of Electronics. Tube to Solid State, Analog to Digital; Consumer, Industrial, Two way Radio & Broadcast. And not to mention: Musical Instruments & Amplification. Glad I could participate."
Sincerely Yours,
Tim Ullery /All Night Guitars & Amps
