Transformers for Tube Amplifiers: How to Design, Construct & Use Power, Output & Interstage Transformers and Chokes in Audiophile and Guitar Tube Amplifiers

The only practical audio transformer design & construction manual in English language

The design of chokes, small power transformers (those used in tube amplifiers and preamplifiers) and audio (output and interstage) transformers is such a specialist topic that even most electronics engineers would not even know how and where to start, let alone produce a finished, working transformer.

Commercial transformers and chokes are available, but most are very expensive, and those that are reasonably priced usually aren’t of best quality. Plus, since they are such heavy and bulky components, international postage or courier costs are significant.

The physical principles behind transformer operation are quite complex and mathematical modeling of transformers require strong mathematical skills, deterring amateurs and DIY enthusiasts from studying the subject. While some basic understanding of operational principles is necessary, luckily, transformer design can be greatly simplified by using a few basic rules-of-thumb formulas.

Likewise, once you have a finished design (a detailed winding diagram), transformer winding & assembly is surprisingly easy. Apart from the materials (such as bobbins, laminations, insulation and magnet wire), all you need is a simple winding machine (can be of DIY variety), good hand-eye coordination and patience.

Your DIY transformers will almost always be significantly cheaper than commercial alternatives and often of better quality and better sounding than famous names transformers costing many hundreds and even thousands of dollars each.

There are more than 40 (!) detailed designs of various power, output & interstage transformers and filtering, grid & anode chokes in this unique manual. Even if you don’t feel like investing time and effort into mastering the art of transformer making, simply take those winding diagrams to any transformer making shop and have your transformers professionally made for a fraction of the price of commercial alternatives.

This practical design & construction manual is richly and professionally illustrated with photographs of transformers, circuit diagrams, winding diagrams, reference tables, graphs and charts. These valuable illustrations make it faster and easier to comprehend issues and concepts. A picture is truly worth a thousand words. Indeed, all the information required to design, wind and test chokes, power and audio transformers is within these covers.

CONTENTS:

• PHYSICAL FUNDAMENTALS OF MAGNETIC CIRCUITS AND TRANSFORMERS
• FILTERING CHOKES (INDUCTORS)
• TRANSFORMER MATERIALS, CONSTRUCTION METHODS AND ISSUES
• MAINS (POWER) TRANSFORMERS
• PHYSICAL FUNDAMENTALS OF AUDIO TRANSFORMERS
• SINGLE-ENDED OUTPUT TRANSFORMERS
• PUSH-PULL OUTPUT TRANSFORMERS
• SPECIAL MAGNETIC COMPONENTS: LOW POWER INPUT, PREAMP OUTPUT & INTERSTAGE TRANSFORMERS, GRID & ANODE CHOKES
• OUTPUT AND INTERSTAGE TRANSFORMERS FOR TUBE GUITAR AMPS
• TRANSFORMER TESTS & MEASUREMENTS