Anyone swap out output transformers? Good upgrade??

[romanianreaper]

I have a Marshall 1959SLP Reissue and read that the output transformers in the most recent (last 10 years or so) Marshalls make the amp sound slightly "sterile" and "trebly" compared to real plexis, etc.

I had my amp recently modded by Dave Friedman and love the way it sounds. Now I want to do everything to my amp to take full advantage of having this great modded amp. I'm planning on getting a new speaker cab and have thought about upgrading the output transformer to maybe a Mercury type. Does anyone have experience with this and think it is a good idea?

 

[Mailman1971]

I swapped out a Transformer on my Randall RM100 to a Mercury and I would say it was about a 10% clarity differrence.
It was noticeable for sure.
So I would do it in a minute.

 

[TeleBlaster]

I swapped out the OT on a Krank Revolution Series One with the new design tranny from the Plus models.
Made it an entirely brand new amp!
So I think it depends on the amp how much of a difference you will obtain.

 

[Schaf]

I thought Dave used a specific transformer in the Marsha? You may want to talk to him.

Schaf

 

[LP Freak]

Don't forget, Dave modded your amp with the tranny thats in it now. If you were going to do this you should of done this before getting it modded. I'd ask Dave his opinion before swapping it out.

 

[Capulin Overdrive]

i've had 2 deferent 1959's from the early 90's and both killed with mods, and stock trannies.


i've heard the spiel about the newer stuff, but really if they're still stand up Dagnalls, i can't see how they all of a sudden quite being good?


and as mentioned, Dave modded it as is.

 

[romanianreaper]

Don't forget, Dave modded your amp with the tranny thats in it now. If you were going to do this you should of done this before getting it modded. I'd ask Dave his opinion before swapping it out.

Great point!!! Man, I didn't think about that. The amp sounds great as is and I don't think I need to replace it. If I decide, I'll ask Dave just to make sure it won't affect anything.

Hopefully I'll have a new cab by tomorrow and can see how that mods the tone.

Thanks gents!

 

[Dallas Marlow]

Just for clarification what year is your amp from?

 

[steve_k]

Swapping out a transformer isn't just a drop in task. You have circuits that are voltage dependent. If your older Marshall has a trannie that has browned out a bit and you hit circuits designed around a lower voltage and hit it with shelf voltage, you may get a big surprise. Plus, its a pain in the ass to do, unless you remove the board and can move around inside an amp OK and can handle a soldering iron. But, yes, the Chinese invaded the Marshall trannie market and you will notice some difference with Mercury iron.

I know what Dave is going to tell you though. Please post his reply.......

 

[romanianreaper]

Just for clarification what year is your amp from?

My friend told me it is from 2003 when I bought it from him.