who makes your favorite input transformers?

[versuviusx]

so i'm just curious to know which input transformers are your favorite for mic pres. any info would be awesome.

[Jim Williams]

All Jensen here. I have JT-13KC's on a 500 module, all class A, direct coupled, no caps, no servos, real clear.

Their JT-16 is top dog, 1/2 ratio so it needs a super low voltage and current noise amplifier to optimize.

The rest are mush devices.

[tdbajus]

is this a different company than the Jensen who is currently making speakers? Because their speakers have been nothing but a headache for me.

Just because my 25 watt blackface Deluxe blew up 3 of their 75 watt speakers doesn't mean that their trannys are no good though, i guess.

[Jim Williams]

Jensen Transformers was founded by Dean Jensen in the 1970's. They are not that speaker maker. I had a Jensen speaker I put into my 1963 Gibson amp in 1965, it was the best available then besides JBL and Altec.

I would not use their stuff today. It sounds like a** to me, very tinny.

My 1966 Deluxe Reverb is modified with 2 GE6550 power tubes and large transformers. It does 80 watts. I use an Eminence V128 120 watt speaker as it sounds great and won't fail.

[bantam]

carnhill

[GREGL]

It really depends on the sound you are looking for, what turns ratio you need, etc.

When I want a very clean transparent sound (which some might argue can't be had when using a transofrmer) I like to use Jensen. Cinemag and Lundahl seem to have just a little more color (although some of the Lundahls are pretty clean too).

If you want a more colored sound find some old UTCs or Triads (very expensive). Some of the Lundahls are actually made to have a little more of a "vintage" sound.

I haven't actually used any Sowters but from what I hear they fall somewhere between "vintage" and "clean". But this may depend on the particular trafo and how it's used.

THere are other options out there too but I haven't tried them.