Mercury Magnetics OT's - need to replace and need an advice

[Setneck]

Hi!

I think about replacing OT in my amp and think about two Mercury Magnetics output transformers: MMO-PX-100 and MMO-100C. Both are designed for hi-gain applications, but PX-100 is described as right for highest gain amps.

The goal is to remove the "blanket" effect (the amp sounds like the cabinet is covered with blanket). I want to improve my tone by removing it and open it up, I'm also looking for more "bite" and want it to sound sharper.

Does anybody dealt with one of those transformers and could tell me impressions?

Thanks in advance and best regards

Andy

 

[FourT6and2]

I don't think a change in transformers is going to alter the tone of the amp in the way you think... If you want more brightness and presence, then you're going to have to alter a few component values in the preamp section of the amp...

 

[moltenmetalburn]

I find the mm trannys to be particularly bright, they def add fidelity and harmonic complexity though you sacrifice a hair of gain in the process. Loved mine but the difference can be described as subtle.

 

[Ancient Alien]

Hi!

I think about replacing OT in my amp and think about two Mercury Magnetics output transformers: MMO-PX-100 and MMO-100C. Both are designed for hi-gain applications, but PX-100 is described as right for highest gain amps.

The goal is to remove the "blanket" effect (the amp sounds like the cabinet is covered with blanket). I want to improve my tone by removing it and open it up, I'm also looking for more "bite" and want it to sound sharper.

Does anybody dealt with one of those transformers and could tell me impressions?

Thanks in advance and best regards

Andy

Sell your Bogner

 

[johnnyjellybean]

I don't think a change in transformers is going to alter the tone of the amp in the way you think... If you want more brightness and presence, then you're going to have to alter a few component values in the preamp section of the amp...

A change in transformers would change the tone HUGE. Transformers have a ton to do with the sound and even and transformer with the same specs but with different core material will sound completely different. IE: Steel or iron will be noticeably brighter than nickel.

 

[Setneck]

Hi Guys, thanks for the replies. I think too that changing OT makes specific difference. I've heard the DSL before & after installing MM trannies and for my ears there was a big improvement. And if MM's are bright that is the thing which I think will help me to open the amp a bit.

I am particularly decided to buy MMO-PX-100, but still consider MMO-100C. But I'm afraid that this last one would not be enough.

I only thought that someone has one of those installed and could tell me impressions of the tone that is getting out of them. But it seems that I got to figure this out for myself


->Ancient Alien: not in Your life Buddy


Regards, Andy

 

[jasonP]

Hi Guys, thanks for the replies. I think too that changing OT makes specific difference. I've heard the DSL before & after installing MM trannies and for my ears there was a big improvement. And if MM's are bright that is the thing which I want to achieve. I am particularly decided to buy MMO-PX-100, but I also consider MMO-100C. But I'm afraid that this last one would not be enough. I only thought that someone has one of those installed and could tell me impressions of the tone that is getting out of them. But it seems that I got to figure this out for myself

->Ancient Alien: not in Your life Buddy


Regards, Andy

I recomend e-mailing MM about the trannys and sound you are going for.. they will help you out.

 

[Setneck]

I recomend e-mailing MM about the trannys and sound you are going for.. they will help you out.

I've already done that Mate . Only wanted to read some "real" users opinions .


Regards, Andy

 

[madrigal77]

Have you thought about what cab and speakers you are using? Sometimes matching the right speakers to your amp will make a much bigger difference than an OT upgrade.

 

[chumbucket]

Hi!

I think about replacing OT in my amp and think about two Mercury Magnetics output transformers: MMO-PX-100 and MMO-100C. Both are designed for hi-gain applications, but PX-100 is described as right for highest gain amps.

The goal is to remove the "blanket" effect (the amp sounds like the cabinet is covered with blanket). I want to improve my tone by removing it and open it up, I'm also looking for more "bite" and want it to sound sharper.

Does anybody dealt with one of those transformers and could tell me impressions?

Thanks in advance and best regards

Andy

Have you thought about Magnetic Components trannies? People seem to love them from what I've heard.
http://classictone.net/Marshall-Style-Transformers.html

Check out the audio shootout between them and MM and a few others - http://classictone.net/PaperVsPlastic.html

 

[glpg80]

MM transformers take a while to wear in. mine took easily 6 months of hardcore gigging at high volumes before it finally "settled" persay.

overall i think MM is the right choice for you as far as what you are looking to do. they add a HIFI type of character to your tone. you will also be able to use the impedance selector to taylor your tone - you will notice differences at any volume once it wears in. i like mine on 8 ohms all the time - even on 16 ohm cabinets. i was told not to judge the transformer until i had a good 60 hours on it at volume - it was still changing tonally for the better 3 months later.

they get a bad wrap because people dont give them a chance to wear in - they expect given results the second they install them and thats not how it works or what Pete at MM explains as well.

IMHO they are expensive, partially due to markup, but they also only use USA mined minerals, wire, etc - so its nice to know its made in the USA.

overall i say go for it.

 

[Setneck]

Have you thought about what cab and speakers you are using? Sometimes matching the right speakers to your amp will make a much bigger difference than an OT upgrade.

I've already messed with all besides OT. Speakers, tubes, etc. Changing speakers from V30 to G12T-75 gave me big improvement, but still it is not enough.

Have you thought about Magnetic Components trannies? People seem to love them from what I've heard. http://classictone.net/Marshall-Style-Transformers.html
Check out the audio shootout between them and MM and a few others - http://classictone.net/PaperVsPlastic.html

Wow, thanks for that shootout . MM sounds in that comparison close to mine sound now , but it isn't described which exactly OT is used for that comparison. It's quite unfair actually .
BTW, from those four Heyboer's sound is what I am looking for .

MM transformers take a while to wear in. mine took easily 6 months of hardcore gigging at high volumes before it finally "settled" persay.

Thanks for Your lines glpg80. I've heard similar things about MM's You're writing about. As I am gigging at least once a week and having also rehearsals 3 times a week - what do You think, how long would it take to "brake-in" the OT?

Also I'd like to ask - do You use play Marshall with MM's? If so, what amp is that and which trannies do You have there inside?

I'd like to say also, that I know that changing OT won't make any miracles for my tone, and I actually don't need them. I only want to open the amp a bit and make it a bit sharper. I don't want to mess with the circuit (and I don't need that as the overall tone of the amp suits me very much).

Regards, Andy

 

[glpg80]

if you are gigging then it will wear in with time - how long depends on the volume you are playing at. back when i was heavily gigging with multiple projects and a practice space, i had the chance to open my 120W 5150 to 4-6.5 on the volume all of the time. the majority changed in 3 months or so, but i still noticed differences even 3 months more with continued gigging. do what i did, as soon as you get it installed, record a clip. every 4 weeks, go back and listen to it compared to what you are hearing then. you wont notice over time on its own, but you will be surprised

changing the OT WILL change your tone and in a big way if the iron that is in it is cheap POS stuff - tonally better or worse is all personal opinion though. it will definately do the things you say plus more - its an excellent compliment once they are worn in

most people who are quick to judge MM transformers have never heard an actual warn in MM set i believe. if you never play the amplifier that it is installed in at high volumes, i could see it taking a year or more depending on how many hours you log.

i had my OT spec'ed out a bit differently - i will say that its based off of an early marshall OT and its installed in a 5150.

hope this helps

 

[Setneck]

Thank You very much glpg80, You've helped me a lot!!

In fact, I am able to crank my amp no more than to 3-4 on preamp volume, but I have master cranked to 7, so it will possibly take longer time to brake-in the OT. But I'm gonna take some risk to wait for proper tone . Although in above shootout MM sounds indeed quite dull, but it comes off what You've said IMO - they may have used brand new OT there.

Thanks again and keep rockin'

Regards, Andy