Thoughts on upgrading output transformers in Reb/Renegade?

[Resonant Alien]

I saw that Mercury Magnetics has a Rebel 20 output xformer upgrade, and it got me curious about the whole transformer upgrade thing. Doesn't look like they have a Renegade or Tourmaster one.

Is this hocus-pocus mojo, or could this really be a worthwhile upgrade? How "good" are the Rebel and Renegade transformers compared to the Mercury Magnetics ones?

Jesus - just another OCD tweaker upgrade to consider....

 

[jmgman69]

I'm pretty sure they are better but do they sound better for it is the question?

 

[aeroic]

I can't comment on the quality of the Rebel's or Renegade's trannies...but every amp I put MM's in I loved it even more. My new Ceriatone 2555 is going to have MM's OT / PT / choke in it. I've had 4-5 amps in the past w/ them, and they just are awesome. Great clarity, great warmth, super tight, super punchy, and sound good at low and high volumes. Always a good choice IMHO!

Eric

 

[Resonant Alien]

I can't comment on the quality of the Rebel's or Renegade's trannies...but every amp I put MM's in I loved it even more. My new Ceriatone 2555 is going to have MM's OT / PT / choke in it. I've had 4-5 amps in the past w/ them, and they just are awesome. Great clarity, great warmth, super tight, super punchy, and sound good at low and high volumes. Always a good choice IMHO!

Eric

Eric - did you DIY the tranny upgrades, or did you send it in? If DIY, how big a deal was it (assuming a modicum of electronics know-how, of course)

 

[moltenmetalburn]

I have used MM's with great success in the past.

Granted these were amps I knew had crap Chinese iron in em.

swapping a good tranny for another good one will just be a subtle tonal difference.

Ive experienced more highs without getting harsh, more harmonic complexity, tighter punchier bottom end.

these are OT's, no point in swapping the PT unless its broken.

I installed myself which was pretty easy if you can solder, though the color codes didn't match so I called MM with some questions.

Not difficult but if you don't know how to discharge the caps you could kill yourself.

 

[aeroic]

I can't comment on the quality of the Rebel's or Renegade's trannies...but every amp I put MM's in I loved it even more. My new Ceriatone 2555 is going to have MM's OT / PT / choke in it. I've had 4-5 amps in the past w/ them, and they just are awesome. Great clarity, great warmth, super tight, super punchy, and sound good at low and high volumes. Always a good choice IMHO!

Eric

Eric - did you DIY the tranny upgrades, or did you send it in? If DIY, how big a deal was it (assuming a modicum of electronics know-how, of course)

I always have had Trace @ Voodoo amps do mine. But...having said that. If you are a good solderer...and are comfortable working on amps, it wouldn't be that big of a deal.

Eric