Rate the Express output transformers.

[RockinRocket]

Then suppose we buy their declaration at face value, it still doesn't really make sense that the Official Wreck Power Tranny has a 100mA HV tap. That just sorta drives the doubt in my mind that they are really on top of things concerning the specifications.

What would a 100ma HV tap do and is that even a HV tap? Its a ground correct?

I'm really confused so bear with me as I probably don't understand at all.

The file says yellow/red 350v 560v Ct @ 100 mA +/- 250v

[2tone]

I remember Ken telling me that his transformers had a rating of 300ma..

[jeffkt]

Here is a short video done with my iPhone
3rd build with Heyboer power and output trans.
New TubeAmp Doctor / PS Vane EL34’s and JJ 803s 12AX7’s
I think pretty close to the mark
I compared to recording of my original Express I had in the early 90’s

https://youtube.com/shorts/__tE0_6Lq-Y?feature=share

[RockinRocket]

Here is a short video done with my iPhone
3rd build with Heyboer power and output trans.
New TubeAmp Doctor / PS Vane EL34’s and JJ 803s 12AX7’s
I think pretty close to the mark
I compared to recording of my original Express I had in the early 90’s

https://youtube.com/shorts/__tE0_6Lq-Y?feature=share

Sounds right to me

Is the cab loaded with vintage Greenbacks and did you ever show the guts of your clones?

[jeffkt]

Here you go

[Mark]

Here you go

Beautiful looking build. Did you have earthing issues with the wood front panel?

I always worry there isn’t enough pressure to form a good earth.

[jeffkt]

No sir I use star washers and I can get them tight enough to bite into the aluminum

There is a chance of dissimilar metal corrosion over time . You just need to keep an eye on it

Thanks for the kind comments on the build

[dblgun]

Jeff, that sounds very good. Nice work

[Roe]

I've ordered two pacific OTs from RJ, replacing a ceria OT and building a new express

[Mark]

Was the Pacific output transformer better than the Ceriatone output transformer?

[Roe]

Was the Pacific output transformer better than the Ceriatone output transformer?

We'll see how they compare. earlier reports indicate more defined distortion

[Roe]

Was the Pacific output transformer better than the Ceriatone output transformer?

First test indicates clear, if not massive difference:
- the pacific sounds clearer, crisper and more defined, with better, longer transition from clean to full distortion
- the ceria sounds a little musher and distorts more

[dorrisant]

That particular OT (Pacific from RJ) is incredible sounding. I used one in a Marshall JCM800 type thing with octal preamp tubes. I swapped it for an original Drake OT and noticed the similar results to what Roe is reporting... Not to say that the Drake and Ceriatone are equal, but the Pacific was shockingly better. I must hit rj up for more. I'd like to build a very authentic Express again. Another friend that repairs across town here has a set of correct Stancors, I would love to snag those from him and do some A/B comparisons between the OTs in particular.
As a side note, the Edcors that I've used in Rockets are fantastic! Great bandwidth, very deep and resonant. Very similar to the Pacific, although I was never able to test them head to head.