Advice for output transformer on custom build

[MadAsAHatter]

I'm not sure if this fits best here or in the tech area. Mods, pleas move this to the appropriate section if needed.

I'm working with IronHorse ampworks on a custom build and Key (the owner/builder) has been working to source an output transformer for it. He was able to find a couple different ones and asking if I have a preference. When first specking it out I only said a quality OT at 50 +/- 10 watts and 8-16 Ohms. Of the options, I don't know enough about the differenced to have a preference. I'm not sure what to go with and would like extra some opinions. Of course I've asked Key's opinion on which would work best for his design also.

There are the options:
Mercury 40-50 Watt several different models (didn't specify which are available) (6-8 week delivery)
Edcor 40-50 watt several different models (didn't specify which are available) (6-8 week delivery)
Schumacher 40 watt has one in his shop to use
35 Watt OT from a fender Vibrolux Reverb (which he called a monster)

Like I said, I don't know enough to have a preference. Would one be a better option over the others? Are they all about the same? I'm assuming all are good quality but would any of them stand out as being the best quality?

 

[glpg80]

Edcor, Mercury, Schumacher in that order of preference to highest to lowest IMO.

Edcor is damn good stuff and been around a while.

I run Mercury in my own stuff (Bogner and my 5150 II) and have nothing bad to say about them other than cost.

 

[PatF]

The Schumacher/old Fender stuff can sound really good. They are pretty durable too. The problem with them is limited secondary taps. Some are only 4 ohm. Either of those at 375-400V with cathode biased 6L6GC would make a cool hard rock amp.

The Edcor's are cool because there are so many choices. They seem to want to put an ultra-linear tap on everything. 3.4K is the EL34 standard. 4.2K for 6L6GC. EL34's at 4.2K is a good combo too.

 

[panhead]

Depends on what youre putting it in.

 

[Exo-metal]

I would also focus on what output tube you plan to run. For example if you run a 6550 in a marshall the transformers will run hot bc of the increase in current. A Marshall as everyone knows was designed to run a EL34 but the added heat is a result with the change. I have never seen the transformers in a 2203KK that run 4xKT88 but I would expect that in that amp the transformers are bigger, I'm sure someone could tell us more if they have that amp. Good luck with your build.

 

[MadAsAHatter]

Thanks for all the feedback. The amp will have EL34s and is in the British realm. I talked it over with Key and decided on an Edcor 50 watt. If for some reason the Edcor falls though he'll use the Schumacher 40 watt he has on hand.