Output transformer for Orange OR120 kit (Weber 6o100)

[focusbob]

Hi!

I am about to embark on building a Weber 6o100 kit, which is an Orange OR120 clone. I would like to purchase a replacement output transformer for it, just to compare with the stock MIC transformer (wot100) provided with the kit, but am unsure what to get. I'm not looking to spend "ToneClone" money, either...

The supplied OT is a generic 100w Marshall style unit. So, I have been looking at used Dagnalls (so far, nothing), hifi transformers on ebay (for something beefier), and new reproduction 100w OTs from Mojotone etc.

I'm wondering whether folks have any (sub-200$) recommendations? One thought I had was to get a reproduction hiwatt 100w OT, since the hiwatts are known for having beefy transformers, as are the oranges (and both used Partridge transformers for some time, I think). Is there a reason why a reproduction Marshall 100w transformer (jcm800, jmp, etc) would be a better choice?

Thanks!

[Stevem]

It seems to me you are talking about 3 different amps here, all with different output transformers, and due to that they will have slightly different natures to them, so the question I have which amp are you looking to replicate the most?

Also how loud will you be playing this amp, as that's when the differences really start to show up?

[focusbob]

Allow me to reframe:

I am building an orange or120 clone and would like to purchase a replacement output transformer; I have up to 200$ to spend. I would like to play my amp at "11."

To my understanding, primaries (and secondary impedances) for Orange, Marshall, and Hiwatt 100 watt amps are similar and so an OT from one should be workable in another.

I would LOVE to be able to afford an orange or120 output transformer, but repros are uniformly at least 300$ (typically more), originals are at least 500$, and I am not wealthy.

To my knowledge, the or120 used "over-engineered" transformers that were relatively large and heavy. For these reasons, I thought perhaps a repro 100 watt Hiwatt output transformer would be my best sub-200$ option (Heyboar, approx. 170$). We can forget about my "hifi" suggestion, as I know little enough about what I am talking about concerning guitar amps.

Other options would be an original or repro 100 watt Marshall output transformer. The Weber kit comes with an output transformer that is also used in 100 watt Marshall-clone Weber kits. To my understanding, a Hiwatt OT would make my amp sound more like an or120 than would a Marshall OT.

Thanks!

[focusbob]

(Of course, I am very much open to other <=200$ options!)

[martin manning]

This is what you are considering? https://www.mojotone.com/Hiwatt-100-Wat ... ransformer It says it is USA made, could be Heyboer, who make many of Mojo's transformers. At $170, it's probably the best option for you. I see the primary impedance is only 1k8, though, where 2k2 would be better, IMO.

[sluckey]

I would also consider the Hammond 1750U.

[focusbob]

This is what you are considering? https://www.mojotone.com/Hiwatt-100-Wat ... ransformer It says it is USA made, could be Heyboer, who make many of Mojo's transformers. At $170, it's probably the best option for you. I see the primary impedance is only 1k8, though, where 2k2 would be better, IMO.

Yes, that is Heyboer, I checked. Would you please expand on why 2k2 would be better than 1k8 primary impedance?

[focusbob]

I would also consider the Hammond 1750U.

Thanks, I will! That is their 100w JCM800 model. Any comment on Hammond vs Heyboar OTs and/or this JCM800 OT vs a hiwatt (dr103?) OT?

[martin manning]

Would you please expand on why 2k2 would be better than 1k8 primary impedance?

If you keep plate voltage down it will be ok. I had the impression that these run up in the high 400's, which would cause the max dissipation along the load line to become excessive. Unfortunately Weber's documentation doesn't list voltages. If the voltage is high but there there is a lot of sag, then it's ok. The 100W Marshall OT is even lower Zpri at 1k7, but the power supply in those amps dropped lot of voltage under load.

[M Fowler]

That Hammond would be a nice transformer and cheaper per Hawk site.

Mark

[focusbob]

That Hammond would be a nice transformer and cheaper per Hawk site.

Mark

It's "not available" but that is a nice price!

[sluckey]

It's "not available" but that is a nice price!

Hmm. It's available for me in the USA.

[focusbob]

It's "not available" but that is a nice price!

Hmm. It's available for me in the USA.

Would you please post a link? Maybe I ended up in the wrong place (I'm in the US)...

[sluckey]

The link I posted above takes you directly to the 1750U on Hawks website.

[focusbob]

The link I posted above takes you directly to the 1750U on Hawks website.

Ah! Got it, thanks.