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One more time: autoformers?

Not sure if this OP belongs in cables, speakers, or amps. Since I listed cables first -- it's cables. There are already some old threads which touch on the use of autoformers. Seems like most of the threads come up in the context of OTL and SET amps.

My Qs are: What are benefits and downsides to using autoformers? How does one know if an autoformer would be a good match for his/her rig?

As with most things in life, I suspect that autoformers must have downsides. Otherwise, everyone would use them. Open and intellectually honest responses are welcome.

Thanks?
bifwynne

Showing 1 response by roscoeiii

roscoeiii's avatar
roscoeiii
1,155 posts
 
Well, as far as I know, OTLs are the only amp design that increases power into higher impedance. Though many amps may struggle when impedance dips too low (not sure if autoformers help this or not).

Amps certainly can push power into 40 or 60 ohms. These are not unusual impedance values for headphones (and some headphones have much higher impedance values). But a SS amp and a tube amp with transformer and speaker taps for 4,8,16 ohms would be putting out considerably less power into these impedences.

That's about as much as I can help here (if this could be called help).

+1 on reading Speltz's webpage.
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