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Sound of transformers in preamps?

Many of the highest rated preamps around seem to have transformers in the audio chain. The Dude and Coincident tube preamps seem to kick ass when compared to other tube amps and the solid state McCormack VRE-1 is sometimes considered to be the best too. All of these preamps are said to have transformers. Is there a sonic difference with the transformers? What is the subjective difference?
rsimms
rsimms OP
150 posts
 
The VRE1 manual is available online. On page 6 under Design Highlights Steve McCormack claims a couple of advantages. He says that the input transformer confers a tube like musicality. He also states that it also gives great noise rejection and isolation from DC voltage levels. I can understand the electrical advantages but I am confused what he is talking about with the tube qualities. Maybe he is talking about the second harmonic distortion that Atmasphere talked about. Maybe there are other effects of transformers that give the tube like musicality too like saturation and hysteresis. I don't know.

Bob
clio09
3,345 posts
 
If I read the manual correctly I believe Steve is using the input and output transformers to attain balanced operation and to achieve 6 dB of gain if required.

I just don't get where he is coming from with the idea that the transformers can create a tube like quality. I have a lot of respect for Steve's knowledge and designs and he is one of the good guys in this industry, but that comment just doesn't make sense to me.
sksos1
387 posts
 
Maybe the comment doesn't make sense but the sound sure does. The VRE beat out my Kondo M1000 all tube unit (which retailed at close to 90k) and yes has more of a tube sound than ss sound IMHO.

(Dealer disclaimer)
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,611 posts
 
Rsimms, yes, single-ended tube circuits are known for 2nd ordered harmonic distortion, which gives them a lusher sound. This is the same effect a transformer can impart. Although it is pleasantly euphonic, the distortion does impair transparency/detail.

Philipwu, generally speaking resistors are more stable with respect to frequency! I'm pretty sure the reason transformers are turning up in preamps is just above in this post.
dover
2,182 posts
 
Yep, it's a fetish. If you want colorama maximus, loss of transparency and destruction of musical timing and loss of coherency then by all means buy more stuff with transformers in it.
Transformers = hysteresis distortion, bandwidth limitations, phase shifts that differ at different frequencies, even order distortion ( in single ended applications ).
This article gives you a good insight -
http://www.jensen-transformers.com/an/Audio%20Transformers%20Chapter.pdf
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