Parts query - 20/20 output transf. (sourcing help needed)

[user 9393]

Hello - first posting here.

I have an amp tech friend who needs to buy a couple of replacement output transformers for a MB 20/20 power amp (which is out of warranty, so this is a "buy" rather than a "replace" situation).

I'm in Europe. Dealing with the official dealer is, let's just say (don't want to get anyone in trouble here), a non-starter. I'm looking for a way to get these from a more direct source (either factory direct or through a US dealer - I can have them shipped to me in Europe by friends in the US). I've left numerous messages on the Mesa-Boogie support voice-mail to no avail, and I have had no luck in actually speaking with anyone.

Does anyone here have any ideas how I might proceed?

Thanks for any help or suggestions!

 

[sixtonoize]

You could always source your own transformers. Places like Hammond and Mercury Magnetics will be able to get you something with the exact specs that you need.

You'll need something along the lines of:

20 watts RMS power handling
8k-10k Primary impedance
Center tap
8+4 ohm secondary

There are plenty of options available, each with its own pluses and minuses (and tonal response. Finding an OT with 20 watts handling and a 10k primary will be a little more difficult, though, but it can be done.

If you wanted to get really crazy, you could get a Hamond 1750M, which is a 50 watt Fender replacement, 4200 ohm primary, and 2,4,and 8 ohm secondary tap, and wire the two pairs of output tubes in parallel, effectively giving you a 40 watt mono power amp. But I tend to over complicate things.

 

[user 9393]

Thanks for the quick reply.

Since I'm essentially in the middle of this (just trying to help a local friend out with my US connections) a straight-forward, drop-in option leaves a lot less to chance. If they were my amps being fixed, I'd do just as you suggested (and probably save some cash in the process). But as it is now, if at all possible, I'd like to stick with the direct replacement route.