Are toroidal transformers better?

In audio equipment, the trend has been towards toroidal transformers and away from the more common square EI lamination devices. Why is that and which are better?
Have a question you want to ask Paul? Go to www.psaudio.com/ask-paul/

[@lordpast]

Used your video in my physics class today. Thank you for your wonderful explanation. This will help us future engineers.

[@mosfet500]

see my comment above.

[@hokep61]

Years back, the company I worked for, designed and manufactured toroidal transformers. I personally wound thousands of them. All of the ones we built, were wound on compressed ferrite cores. Different mixes of core material for different properties of operation.

[@OIE82]

Thank you for the explanation. I came to YT looking for expert advise on toroidal transformers and when I saw your video, I know I could count on just that!

[@QoraxAudio]

When I hear Toledo, I think of the famous Toledo Sword. 3:11 Yes they can rattle, but that's why manufacturers put them in a metal casing with damping on the inside. The damping prevents rattling and the metal can is a shield to keep the radiated EM noise in.

[@LuxAudio389]

Does anyone have any information, pros or cons on R-Core transformers for audio components eg: cd players, DACs, etc? I remember Sony using them in some of their ES: Cd, DVD, and Blu-ray , players. Thanks

[@fernandosilva9137]

I live in Lisbon-Portugal and Toledo is a fantastic Citadel.love it!! I have Been there 3 times.amazing!! In USA there are cities also called Lisbon or New Lisbon.

[@konehnorbert6300]

thanks for the video Sir. please can toroidal transformers be used for high-frequency DC-DC converters?

[@JWolff-md3ij]

What challenges would I face if I wanted to swap a EI transformer with a Toroidal one? I'm having an issue with overheating in a PSU and am thinking this produces less heat than EI frame.

[@marioaguirre175]

Hi Paul. You mentioned ice power modules. Do you prefer multi power amplifiers with toroidal for home theater, or ice power?

[@BijBijTCG]

Hi Paul! I got a pair B&W 805D2 I noticed 1 tweeter doesn't work(properly) I removed the cables and only put the cables in the tweeter terminals. The right tweeter plays fine. The left tweeter plays very very soft at high volume. I swapped the right cable to the left speakers and still the same problem. Is this the filter what is defect?(since I hear a little)

[@2sc458]

Probably a bad tweeter.

[@ramkumarnanu1171]

If I use a toroidal transformer for sine wave inverter, do I need to install an inductor or choke as well? How to calculate the value of the inductor for each capacity like 750VA & 1250VA sine wave inverter?

[@adeawodeyi5395]

Thanks Paul, Your clarification is helpful.

[@hectorortega9131]

Thank you for the video, i learned something new today. 😊👍

[@boomcrash]

I always learn something here. Excellent.

[@eddiehawkins7049]

Coincidentally, there is a New York near to Boston in Lincolnshire. It takes about a minute to drive through it.

[@naznee73]

Hi paul, would it matter if we use EI transformer instead of toroid transformer in a CD transport. As I understood EI transformer produces noise, EMI more but does it matter in cd transport where only digital signal is transmitted to an external DAC

[@jon4715]

Torroids are noisier than EI. R-core are the best for source gear.

[@MrJonJuggler]

Does it matter/is it a problem that there is Very quiet hum from my sub that has one of these transformers? It performs ok and can’t hear unless my ear is next to it.

[@MrJonJuggler]

Dave Micolichek almost 2 years.

[@ghostrider8000]

I have Logitech Z-5500 speakers. They are more than 13 years old. Theres a toroidal transformer inside subwoofer. Can be this transformer the cause that the subwoofer makes thumping sound but only in the evening? Or maybe those two large capacitors inside? Thank you sir.

[@rozluvr7]

Hi, if toroidal does humming when attached with solar inverter, whats the reason & solution?

[@MrJoaquinnavarro]

what about ofc wire vs cca wire using to speaker is there a difference can hear on ears?

[@drj7328]

You talked about types of trans formers. Could you give an opinion of the marantz M7025 power amplifier sound quality? I believe it does not have a toroidal transformer. Tyty

[@juanavila4459]

Hello Paul, can you or someone give me information about a place or shop where I can buy the material to make the core for toroidal transformers, thanks

[@metalbob3335]

Essex-furakawa for the wire feromagnetics for some of those toroids.

[@gordthor5351]

Isn't a toroidal transformer capable of about twice the output power for about the same weight as an EI transformer. Also, isn't an R-core the best for audio, at least for lower power devices, like a DAC?

[@jon4715]

Yes

[@guitarrizer]

Thanks to this video a lot man. I play guitar and my toan is built around an awesome Hughes and Kettener Valve three channel pedal (NOS 1994)... The stock wallwart IE Transformer was noisy as hell, even when volume down that b... made noise in the line. So I got a toroid, stuck it a computer PSU with three prong ground and it sounds more even (bass, mids, highs). Yesterday I was testing both against each other and the stock wallwart being just in the same powerstrip and the toroid feeding the valve pedal, when I took out it made an annoying pop, whereas wallwart feeding the valve and taking out the toroid didn't make any noise. A friend told me that a guy that works with him (both are doctors at a research centre) told him "Your pedalboard is as good as your powersupply is" and I found this to be true. Yet need to finish my AC PSU with a soft start (check that out if you're using toroids), and enclose it roadworthly so that I can get it far away from my main DC PSU (yes some expensive musician makers sell stupid wallwarts in 2023). Thanks again man, you don't know how much you've helped me. Wish the audiophile world came more into guitar world which still seems doing some thing brainless. By the way still is a question why guitar valve amps use IE transformers (tough Laney has some toroid based amps), is it out of lazyness, not taking risks?

[@danielrossthomas]

What do you think, whats your experience being, with R-Core transformers?

[@BrianSu]

heavy and takes up space :)

[@yaniv-nos-tubes]

are used vintage tubes with half full power or gain better than russian made preamp tubes? from the 80's or 70's ?thanks mate.

[@zdp-189]

My favorite Marantz I've owned (and still keep as backup, separate power amp now) was my first torroidal with the SR8002. I always felt that had the cleanest and most headroom out of any others I've had...always made me wonder if the Torroidal transformer had anything to do with it or just better components then others for the gain sections. Now w Xbox One X and PS5 I need to replace my cheap SR5010...and noticed a SR8012 from 2 years back has a torroidal again. This is an interesting video to watch before I can make a choice.

[@TheEnzoferrari12345]

I have a Denon DRA 500 and a Yamaha RN 803 stereo/network receivers. They both use EI transformers. EI on Denon constantly hums the moment u turn it on whereas EI on Yamaha is literally silent.

[@MarshallDatBoi]

The Bogen Tpu 250 uses both styles of transformers (ei and toroidal) it's weird can someone explain why? Why use both when you can use just one

[@rickhalverson2252]

Toroid transformers, they certainly have their issues too. Some very serious. Small electrical issues with an offset, they no longer work very well. I've heard of people that switched over to LED lights within their home, their toroid transformers would get hot to the touch and make a ton of noise within the secondary. I use them too. But it should be noted they have their issues.

[@BasicBOBP84]

So if toroidal is sounds better than the IE , its means that classic or vintage amp that using IE are not better sounding?

[@tornadotj2059]

Every time I hear "toroidal transformer" I get a little tear in my eye because of memories of my Concept 12.0D receiver. I sure wish I still had it.

[@2sc458]

That thing was bad-assed. The best that Pacific Stereo made.

[@jonathanhotopf1823]

Interesting video, I’ve got a great big toroidal in my H360 which probably accounts for its hefty weight - Jonathan from Old York, England

[@marianneoelund2940]

The equivalent E-I core transformer would not be any lighter.

[@gordthor5351]

@@marianneoelund2940 Wouldn't the E-I core be much heavier for the same output?

[@marianneoelund2940]

@@gordthor5351 Yes, in this power range E-I core designs are typically a good 50% heavier. It would probably add another 5Kg or so, to the amplifier weight.

[@petermuwanula7142]

hey man.. love your educational videos. I'm learning al ot from other peoples questions!

[@2idiot4u]

When the Dutch took over the land in 1624 we now call NYC , it was called New Amsterdam (fort Amsterdam). In 1664 the British took over, so there are a lot of Dutch and English names to be found. Many streetnames in Brooklyn are named after the farmers who used to own the land.

[@victoryfirst2878]

I would just love to have a time machine and visit these places before humanity just took over the plant.

[@avsystem3142]

Paul mentioned in passing an attribute of toroidal transformers that is the primary reason they are used in balanced power isolation transformers. i.e. efficiency. I have two of those products. The toroidal transformer in each is about twice the size of the largest one Paul picked up the the video. One, a Furman IT-1210, is used to power all equipment in my electronic music studio and is totally silent. The other, made by Equi=Tech, makes a slightly audible hum. It is used to power the home theater electronics and is in a cabinet so the noise is not detectable from a theater seating position. In the early 1970's I worked as a technician trainee at the Pasadena Naval Warfare Center. One one assignment in an electronics lab I had the opportunity to fabricate some small toroidal coils. The process is interesting. A split bobbin is located through the core hole and then wound with the amount of wire required for the final part. The winding machine then rotates the bobbin to unwind the wire around the core while simultaneously slowly rotating the core to distribute the windings around the circumference. An interesting phenomenon that occurs when powering up such a large transformer is the reason I keep them powered on all the time. When first turned on the inrush current needed to saturate the magnetic core is so large that it has a tendency to trip the 20A breaker supplying the wall outlet. If that happens I quickly reset the breaker, which is fortunately nearby, and again flip the switch before the magnetic field can completely dissipate.

[@user-od9iz9cv1w]

You can also build a slow start circuit. Just a big resistor in series so the in rush is lower amperage. A second switch to bypass the resistor after the first few seconds. It will save your breakers.

[@victoryfirst2878]

@@user-od9iz9cv1w What else can you add to this conversation of any other interesting point Sir W ???

[@crispy_otter]

Paul forgot to mention regulation, which is generally much better with a toroid - which will affect the sound, as there is less voltage droop at greater loads, especially important in high power amps.

[@ilovecops6255]

PResident RONALD RAYGUN got riods of lots of RELUGATION but demoncratesa keep getitn in as more REGUL;TSION. thankes youe san dthum,bbs IPS!

[@ilovecops6255]

@Dave Micolichek Hellop Mine Goods frends! Is this the title yu wer lookin for... Deregulation, Reagan-Style Jefferson Decker President Reagans was a get rid of REGULATORS. thanks yoiu, and are the good frends! THUMBBS UIPS!

[@volpedo2000]

I was reading in an article about transformers (sorry don’t remember which website) that traditional transformers perform better in valve amplifiers.

[@marianneoelund2940]

Not sure about performance, but one thing is for certain: Step-up transformers for tube equipment need a huge number of turns of fine wire, and would be extremely expensive to build in toroidal form.

[@christopherschafer7675]

Paul, I worked for a company that built power conditioning equipment for the computer industry. I wound transformers (all sizes) for 7 years and stacked quite a few along the way too. EI transformers are simple to make and are tunable. If you did them yourself you would have better luck with them. We soaked the finished transformers in resin and baked them in an oven after they were tuned. They did not buzz.

[@gravelydon7072]

Some of them are clamped and welded also.

[@jimhatch1726]

I worked at a stereo company that used a lot of EI transformers.The power Transformers were vacuume impregnated with some kind of varnish and then potted with 450 degree roofing tar. Worked pretty good.No transformer hum...

[@victoryfirst2878]

How did you tune the units Christopher. Any other interesting bit of knowledge would be appreciated.

[@TheTrueVoiceOfReason]

Yeah, those B&O modules work really well.

[@logtothebase2]

Hi Paul, are transformers actually robots in disguise?

[@velocci6666]

logtothebase2 that would make a cool jingle for a show or movie

[@VOLKOV9]

Then they would be more than meets the eye...

[@velocci6666]

@@VOLKOV9 hey cool, they should also include that. Where do you come up with this? You should charge for that

[@MS-pw8yu]

No. We don't have the technology. -Tenacious D

[@Iron-Soul]

More than meets the eye. 😁

[@ThinkingBetter]

Great reply and I also prefer to see toroidal transformers inside my audio gear. For a particular application considering target BOM cost, physical layout, EMI concerns, operating frequency etc., either way can be optimum. BTW, you probably got your mains power through several transformers on the grid that aren't audiophile toroidal ones, but you better not worry about that :-)

[@ThinkingBetter]

@Fat Rat Well, not really saying that, but have you ever heard of oil in transformers? Those large ones that feed your audio gear somewhere outside can be full of oil and if they are older ones, nasty toxic PCB, worse than snake oil.

[@ilovecops6255]

@@ThinkingBetter The have liquid cooles flammables pad transformesr according to IEEE 979 to styaye far aw2at from thems. I tounf its.... Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) © Standard 979 - 1994, Section 4.4.5. 2002 National Electric Code® (NEC®) Section 450.27. Edison Electric Institute, Fire Protection for Transformers, Table 2. thnakes you,l youi are again tyhe HONESTS FREINDS. The others are PRETEND FRENDDS rop make not FUNNY jopkes. My Lo-Fi garbage is funny and a TRAGEDY at the same times. THUMMBS UP!

[@ThinkingBetter]

@@ilovecops6255 Dangerous (worse than snake oil) used in old transformers...PCB is very dangerous as it accumulated in our environment...kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHzMeoBsjK-NnLM

[@joenovak6393]

Kevin explains(listen to 4:00 or all of it) Toroidal Transformers and validates Paul ...kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWG4XoV9qpKmars

[@johnduffy9727]

Can any of you good people, or infact paul, tell me how I can change the speed of the magnetic flux rotation? Is it as simple as increasing or decrease either primary or secondary windings?

[@Helectronics]

Great video, as always, I also consider the toroid superior to the EI if used in power amplifier.

[@ntt3597]

Toroids use the magnetic flux more efficiently than the E shaped transformers

[@RobCCTV]

E X A C T L Y

[@Joshualbm]

I was playing with an old Crown D60 stereo amp the other day and man did that thing have a noisy transformer, sounding like a loud electric hair clipper. The transformer appeared to be pretty well saturated in some sort of varnish or glue, so inner rattling wasn't the main source of the noise. I ended up decoupling it mechanically so it floats in the chassis on o-rings and some dense foam. If toroids were an option, Crown probably would have used them as this amp has a super thin profile at 1-3/4" thick. I suppose it's possible to find an off-the-shelf toroid to replace this pancaked transformer. But I doubt it's worth the effort. Great little amp, otherwise.

[@retrogamer33]

My Technics SU-X301 buzzes but my AV-810 with a toroidal transformer is super quiet.

[@Diaphanic1]

Holy Toledo is a beautiful citadel.

[@digger6663]

Toledo in Spain was legendary for swordsmiths. Btw.

[@eugenepohjola258]

Howdy. Also there is a lot more winding space available with toroids. One may use thicker winding wires to minimize winding losses. I should think this is essential in High End gear. The power supply needs to provide current fast without the voltage to buckle. Regards.

[@photorolensoman8101]

And how does a swithing psu commpire to a toroidal?

[@jamesplotkin4674]

I have a question about toroidal transformers... Have they ever been considered for the outputs of a tube amplifier?

[@Diaphanic1]

James Plotkin that might take some of the warmth away. In vintage guitar amplifiers, for instance, many of the old Marshall output transformers get ripped off by dubious repair shops, because it is often “the iron” that is so desirable. Also, you may find that much of the “warmth” and “fat bass” attributed to tube amplifiers is really coming from the transformers, hence why the early McIntosh solid state amps sound so “Tubie.” As this reflects a form of desirable distortion in both cases, I don’t think going for less of it would be desirable, but maybe...still the noise and distortion about which he speaks of eliminating with toroidal transformers is on the input power side and related the 50/60 hz A/C hum which is constant and otherwise mixes into the audio signal whereas the output transformers only color positively accentuate certain frequency ranges of the intense “pure” signal, so I doubt they would desire to clean up that stage too much. I could be wrong.

[@jamesplotkin4674]

@@Diaphanic1 Thanks!

[@andydelle4509]

Yes that has been done by some very niche tube amp manufactures.

[@Diaphanic1]

Andy Delle I’m curious to what effect they got out of it vs traditional transformers. Just cleaner or what?

[@andydelle4509]

@@Diaphanic1 I don't know but I am sure you can find some opinions online. With most high end audio, it's probably more like "We use toroidal output transformers and they don't"

[@rikirex2162]

y they didn't introduced earlier?

[@notagunfreak8146]

The cambridge p40 integrated amplifier 1969 was the first ever receiver that used a toroidal transformer.

[@vintagestereo]

Thanks for this one, great video...Only 1 question..In what year the did the first toroidal its entree in stereo equipment...somebody here who have the answer?

[@marcse7en]

I have a Musical Fidelity B200 Amplifier from 1990 which utilises a Toroidal transformer.

[@notagunfreak8146]

The cambridge p40 integrated amplifier 1969 was the first ever receiver that used a toroidal transformer.

[@frankrizzo7781]

Why do they paper wrap transformers. Does that effect the noise that transformers make?

[@rabarebra]

They dip the paper (the whole transformer in fact) in resin, that's why

[@Nomad-Rogers]

I wish you would give making a electric Guitar pickup a try I think you would be good at it.

[@ilovecops6255]

ANother Abigail Ybarra! THNAKESA YOUES AND THU,MBNBS UPS!

[@crunchyfrog555]

About the American towns name - I'm from near Boston in England. The original one.

[@googoo-gjoob]

bah humbug ;)

[@crunchyfrog555]

@@globalthermonuclearwar Oh we supply all sorts of people ;)

[@marianneoelund2940]

Hello from Newcastle, Washington!

[@scottyo64]

Born and raised in Albuquerque, yes there is a history to our name.

[@googoo-gjoob]

@@scottyo64 , im guessing the Governor prohibits you sharing this history?

[@erginyilmaztenor]

I am writing to inquire about an issue of my Markbass CMD151P Jeff Berlin amplifier. I turned the amp on and practised for about 5-10 minutes. The sound was good, bright, full, nice. After that, the sound started to be weak, volume is little bit down, feeling is hard to play and not responsive. So, I stopped to play and wait for about 5 minutes (wait with turn the amp off or wait without turn the amp off), the sound became full and rich again but only for 2-3 minutes. Then again the same issueis appeared. Even though the offical service in my country (Turkey) couldn't reilize an issue, they accepted to replace my amplifier with a new one. The issuse pursued in the new amp and I decided to change other elemets; my guitar has also replaced other related parts such as socket etc. However, the issue is still exist. I started to belive the issue can be from a specific batch production. I would appeciate if you help me to solve this problem or give technical advice and check procedure that I can apply as an Electronic Technicihan.

[@juliaset751]

My guess would be heat. As the amp warms up, a number of components could be heating up beyond their capabilities. A simple fix might just be to put a fan blowing on it. If I remember correctly, there is a built-in fan, but it is tiny, maybe replace that with one with more CFM. Bass player here.

[@scottb721]

Paul, I've repaired a faulty circa 2010 Subwoofer by replacing some caps. However the toroidal tx hums at 50hz harmonics (I'm in Australia) Is it old age causing this ? Not sure if replacing would solve it, and that's if I can even find a 41.7/17v output.

[@Paulmcgowanpsaudio]

Doubtful it's age. Probably poor design in the first place. Sometimes lower cost torroids are made from cheap steel or they are not wound properly. Lots of reasons they can buzz.

[@rabarebra]

@@Paulmcgowanpsaudio I have the same issue as Scott here. Paul, I got the complete opposite answer from the manufacturer. They said that age is an issue. The older they get, the more they hum. So your "doubtful it's age" doesn't match up.

[@Paulmcgowanpsaudio]

@@rabarebra Other than the varnish sometimes used, I don't see any mechanism for the steel and copper changing. I have worked directly with transformer vendors for years and have never found this to be a problem. Perhaps send me their response of how that could happen. Thanks.

[@rabarebra]

@@Paulmcgowanpsaudio So a toroidal transformer should work just fine as it did 30 years ago?

[@Paulmcgowanpsaudio]

@@rabarebra Absolutely. The power supply capacitors it feeds are probably not ok, and these should be replaced.

[@josepeixoto3384]

Both transformers produce the same AC, that then leads to the same DC out, how is the DC is different in EIs and in toroids? I have one mono amp with a 970 VA cubic transformer that does not make any noise,any hum; it feeds a dual 15 inch woofer speaker box,2 Ohm, would a toroid do better for the sound?

[@daveanderson5680]

Transformers only work with AC in (the primary winding) and AC out (the secondary winding). The AC secondary is then rectified into rough DC which is then “smoothed” in the L/C/R filter portion of a DC power supply to make useable DC current

[@andydelle4509]

Toroids tend to have lower secondary impedance which provides more peak current capability which is highly desired in audio power amplifiers. But EI types can be built that way as well. I don't think it's worth any effort to replace your factory transformer.

[@connorduke4619]

Toledo Spain played a crucial role in Western history as that is where the Moors left behind a huge library filled with Ancient Greek texts which had been lost to the West, including Aristotle. When these works were translated, they formed the basis for the founding of European universities and thereafter the Enlightenment.

[@edwarddejong8025]

There is a measuremen of the quality of an inductor, the Q value, which compares the inductance to the resistance. Resistance is loss of power, and a toroidal transformer has a higher Q value. I am sure there are some special kinds of other transformers made, but the classic one is pretty crappy. When you need a lot of inductance a big beefy toroidal is quite incredible. It can hold a lot of Joules of energy.

[@italianbirdvideos6190]

Paul- How important is it to shield those toroidal transformers to prevent noise? Love the shows!

[@marianneoelund2940]

Far less important than it is for E-I core transformers. Toroidal magnetic fields are better contained, and the symmetry of their shape tends to cancel induced current in nearby circuitry.

[@Jenny_Digital]

There is a caveat to toroidal transformer mounting BTW, you wouldn’t strap it down by anything that creates a magnetic loop through it as that would be a shorted turn.

[@gravelydon7072]

@@Jenny_Digital That's why most have an insulated bolt in the center. But even with rubber pad on both ends, a stainless bolt, and a stainless plate and plastic bushing on the bottom, it still will hum and have a little loss due to the bolt. But when you are talking about 6KW it is far less loss in the toroidial.

[@Jenny_Digital]

@@gravelydon7072 And as I understand it, R wound transformers are nearly as good as toroidal with E.I’s being the poor relative in many HiFi applications. I don’t see why these toroidal transformers can’t be mounted using polymer structures to to further limit losses etc. I know of some excellent fully fluorinated high temperature engineering materials.

[@mvsrpharma]

థాంక్స్!👍

[@Thefreakyfreek]

I made my own amplifier using 2 old halogen power supply transformers but its only 10 volt rms I coupled then whit 2 0.5F capacitors no riple what so ever and if I unplug it it keeps going for 2-5 minutes Its a very very basic amplifiers 2x MJ2955 and 2x2n3055 transistors and 4 opamps one of wich has its feedback connected to the output of the amplifier and it has almost no difrence from input to output only problem is that I need a little more voltage to drive my speakers 20 volts ain't enoug and I get some overdrive and all the parts can handle more voltage I stil thinking of geting a big toroid but that woud break the symmetry in my case and so I want 2 one for the positive rail and 1 for the negative rail

[@johnhodgson5313]

I don't think you mentioned toroids weigh significantly less. There is something to be said about less magnetic field leakage being less, thus less electrical noise in high gain circuits.

[@hugobloemers4425]

Now there is a can of worms: Are toroidal transformers better than laminated iron core ones? May I repeat the question but this time it is about the output transformer of a valve amplifier. I am really curious what Paul has to say about that one.

[@gorazdvidic5023]

If you need some kind of tube output transformer with air gap, then it is easier with EI core, than cut toroid core on half.

[@marcbegine]

What about Venice?

[@vusstoppyv4612]

I don't have any audio equipment with tordial transformers. I remember an old audio guru friend of mine telling me..."put the tip of a long insulated (wood, plastic, etc.) screw driver to the top plate of a EI transformer with power on. Place your ear to the butt end of screw driver. He said if you don't hear/feel anything then your transformer is good physically. If your hear/feel buzzing or hissing or maybe a radio broadcast then you may need a repair/replacement." I've honestly tried this before and have heard a local radio station through the screw driver from transformer. Crazy I know but true.

[@marianneoelund2940]

I was checking interconnect shield currents in my system the other day, and noticed a significant amount of RF energy from the local AM stations. But some of my cable runs are long, so most installations probably would not pick up so much RF.

[@Jenny_Digital]

Hey Paul! Why no mention or love for the R core transformers?

[@ergindemir7366]

If it effects the sound there is a problem with the amp circuit.

[@petermartin9494]

So a humming transformer hums because of the amp circuit?

[@eduardochantos1573]

@@petermartin9494 I dont think that's what he's trying to convey with "affects". You are speking specifically about residual noise that variates per power demand and can be mitigated but is not totally avoidable. Affectation in the other hand is how the transformer introduces EM noise to the circuitry which is avoidable with good design. Toroidal is just easier to control but not flawless.

[@CodeAsm]

They rattle and make noise? wow, now I know why they sound so awefull. and im not thinking about my sound ampliefier, im thinking about my Xbox, my gaming console. Im currently thinking about modding it, it would involve adding ram, an ssd, custom kernel and HDMI. all to bring the old gaming console to the future. What still bothered me was the power supply. being close to a PC the powersupply is basicly a PC powersupply. replacing the 1 fan with realy nice quiet onces worked as a threat but the PSU... im gonna look into a nice silent powersupply for my xbox and maybe look into a more solidstate solution or if a Toroidal psu excists (it wont have a effect directly on the audio ofcourse, because its mostly digital, even up to the output. But this video did answered the sound questions :D

[@MaLilBunny]

I have a modded xbox with ram upgrade and that 😂

[@yewwtooob]

Great video. They are MUCH better because of how the magnetic Flux flows. They are quiet, run cooler, and are more efficient. Co$t is why manufacturers avoid them for the cheaper I an E type laminated type. A pre wound coil can be inserted into the "E" potion, then the "I" (which is always the base) can be weled on. Due to the torroids shape (one piece) it must be wound by CNC machine which takes more time and energy. You ARE, however, wrong about how the torrid is MADE. It is NOT donut shaped stampings ( Flux loss would still be high and magnet vibration within the core would result in heat and noise. They are 100% ceramic pressed and fired. I used to build and modify them for R&D.

[@mickbroad2059]

Thanks for your item on toroids.........re power supplies I have always considered the power supply to be the most important item in a unit so much so that I would always over cater in size i. e. not too long ago I built a PSU for a cd player that was using a 50va toroid it now has an external psu consisting of a 600va toroid ! Well over the top i hear people say..........or is it!!!!!....would welcome your input. Mick Thurlstone UK

[@mickbroad2059]

@Dave Micolichek I know dare not say what the pre-amp has.

[@eugenepohjola258]

Howdy again. Bandwidth Audio has a wonderful clip where it is explained how the unavoidable air gaps in EI cores help fight saturation. It is claimed that toroids saturate much easier when the mains has a DC component. Hopefully PS Audio uses toroids with say 2% more winding turns than what is calculated for laboratory clean 60 or 50 Hz. That will tolerate some redsidual DC in the mains. Regards again.

[@TheAllMightyGodofCod]

You are a nice guy, you know a lot about audio, now it is time to go and see the world. Remember, not all your audience is from the USA... Ps: when ever you can, you are welcomed in Lisbon and I don't mean North Dakota.

[@demonreturns4336]

I’m surprised you even knew there’s a Lisbon in North Dakota Are there ANY people at all living in North Dakota?

[@yaniv-nos-tubes]

graymarlin?

[@victoryfirst2878]

Are there transformers that are better than triodal, spare no expense ??? Thanks fella

[@Goldenhordemilo]

cyrux has a scotish made round transformer

[@stephens2r338]

The most popular transformers used in audio are C-core or EI and they cost about the same to produce. There are two main reasons why the C-core is better. Firstly the C-core is made from grain-oriented steel which can be used for higher magnetic flux (lower distortion at low frequency). Secondly there is more space for windings (the more sections the lower leakage inductance). However, for lower output power amplifiers say 50w the EI transformer is a better choice because of lower stray capacitance (better high frequency)

[@stephens2r338]

@Lloyd Stout and your point is...dont just agree, add to the conversation. Paul was talking more about toroidal vs EL transformers . How about comparing R-core with toroidal

[@82ivaylo]

Seat Toledo is popular car in Europe.

[@hothousebebop6627]

Paul is the "Hickok 45" of the Audio World.

[@peter-xw1mu]

There's even a town called Brussels in the US.

[@TheAllMightyGodofCod]

Was the one in Belgium named after it?

[@swiftusmaximus5651]

Yes

[@BRATWURST1]

One area where toroids are inferior to EI and C core transformers is their cores saturate much more when DC is present on the mains supply.

[@tomterrific9459]

Absolutely correct. Very few people understand this.

[@thepowerhead]

Provided an EI is shielded very well so as to not cause magnetic interference, why would a toroidal sound better?

[@randomtube8226]

I wish that the Sprout 100 didn't have distortion at high volume with bass heavy music. Id like to have the freedom of max volume as clean as low volume. A new even better version of the Sprout needs to be made. Maybe at the 1000 dollar price point.

[@TheMatsushitaMan]

It's a 50wpc amp (at 8 ohms)...

[@RoastBeefSandwich]

The days of affordable audio equipment having headroom appear to be over.

[@YuengsNwings]

I disagree. Watts have never been less expensive. You can get dual mono 250 watts per channel class D Ncore module amplifiers for like $600. The Sprout is jammed with functionality in a tiny package, hence its niche. The market is saturated with $1000 integrated amplifiers with more watts, and it doesn’t make sense for PS Audio to compete in it.

[@vylbird8014]

Just because something is more expensive does not always mean it is better.

[@hugobloemers4425]

WHAT??? Blasphemy!!!!

[@giannagiavelli5098]

My tube amp has 4 massive EI transformers, and 300Bs. Sounds awesome. My 2,500 dollar marantz uses torroidal. Supposed to be high end. Sounds terrible by comparison.

[@fonkenful]

The transformer is only part of the equation. Bruce Rozenblit is a tube designer of some renown, and tends to use toroids in most of his power amp designs.

[@johnhodgson5313]

I suspect you are using these tubes single ended in which case there is constant DC in the output transformers. EI transformers are easier to make that can handle the DC.

[@MichelLinschoten]

Gianna Giavelli and that has nothing to do with the transformer choice .. never seizes to amaze me how uninformed audiophiles are 😂

[@giannagiavelli5098]

@@johnhodgson5313 y thats why u never see torroidals with sets

[@Humbulla93]

@@MichelLinschoten im new to this audio stuff bought 2 years ago a pair of Dali Zensor Pico speakers, currently im searching the web because i want to DIY some speakers, and what i currently know that this audio-market is a lot of marketing besides that each ear is different so what might sound horrible to one might sound good for another

[@lfrc2006]

UK / England is definitely in Europe! What other continent would it be...Antartica :-) ?

[@Bannockburn111]

Umm - they are islands physically separate from the continent.

[@volpedo2000]

Penterax, so?

[@IGulpinar]

Marantz is using toroidal transformer, why dont other companies use it too?

[@emailkenny]

Marantz uses Ei transformers in their SR, NR & MM units... they only use a toroidal in their $2500.00-$3000.00 flagship SR unit.

[@YuengsNwings]

It’s all about cost-benefit analysis. Toroidal transformers are more expensive, so using a different power supply is one way to cut costs to fit a package into a certain price category.

[@IGulpinar]

Well anthem, rotel, yamaha can use it 2 in their flagship. By not using toroidal they will save what 500$ ? It would be nice 2 compare they same receiver with and without toroidal transformer and what will the price difference be.

[@soring5880]

Like all good salesmen Paul is only telling you what puts him in an advantage. There are actually 3 types of transformers, EI, toroidal and R core. In the past, toroidal were very expensive because they had to be hand wound. Today we have machines that do it automatically so the price of toroidal transformers came way down. Generally but not as a rule, for a set price (low to mid) you get a better toroidal transformer than EI. This is due to the fact that EI transformers hum, vibrate and radiate large electromagnetic fields which wreak havoc for low signal components like preamps and dacs. But if cost is not an issue you can get better EI transformers. As for R-core, these are the best as they combine the advantages of EI and toroidal but none of the disadvantages but are even more expensive so they are very rare. To conclude, never pick equipment based on transformer type. Today toroidals are the bandwagon that everyone hops on.

[@machtschnell7452]

Wreak, not reek, is the word for which you are reaching. Unless of course your transformers are stinking.

[@soring5880]

Macht Schnell cheers

[@googoo-gjoob]

@@machtschnell7452 , good spot. he edited...now, you could be polite & remove your comment.

[@rikirex2162]

can they be made as output transformer for tube amps?

[@jeremyhughes6485]

Good advice. Similar to RCA vs balanced. In a perfect setup cheaper RCA can sound good but over a broad population of various setups, balanced XLR always wins.

[@SpaghettiKillah]

In US there are 8 cities named Milan (after the one in Italy)....go figure 😂 I think the settlers tried and tried and tried to duplicate it until they gave up. Or they were lacking inspiration for new names.

[@ronaldarchibald2506]

We have one in michigan but we pronounce it with long I and short A

[@abdullahdanze2061]

Actually a lot of the founders was from the places it was named after. Or they will name a town after themselves.

[@jamesminor1202]

Most AVR use EI Transformers. Factor of sound quality not only depend on toroidal transformer.

[@Eric_DiRisio]

yeah thats always made me wonder why newer guitar amps aren't toroidal

[@johnhodgson5313]

If you are thinking of tube guitar amplifiers, you may not like the price of one with a well designed toroid output transformer, and you would gain very little.

[@Eric_DiRisio]

@@johnhodgson5313 theres gotta be someone out there you could sell a toroidal guitar amp to. all the guitar tone snobs and convince them its better.. piece of cake just need a pro player to endorse it lol

[@Delatsch]

Power transformers cannot sound better. They simply provide ac voltages. If they are wound with proper wire gauges to provide enough current at rated voltages that's all that matters. Yes, toroids have more contained magnetic field so they can be placed closer to the preamp section. If you are using external PSU then it makes no difference what so ever. And transformers don't rattle if they are assembled properly and potted as they should be not in super glue but in epoxy resin or wax. Your output transformers are EI and they don't buzz at low frequencies, right?

[@SpaghettiKillah]

You pretty much contradicted yourself. Basically in order to get a quiet EI transformer and in a way that it doesn't influence the preamp section you'd have to have it dipped in resin and incased away in yet another box (external PSU). That's just stupid. You slap a simple toroid and you're done with. For the most prts EI's are used in supercheap amps like Marantz's and Denon's 400$ amps (Made in Malaysia).

[@Delatsch]

@@SpaghettiKillah That's not what I said, potting of transformers is a standard part of manufacturing process. It doesn't have to be in a separate box I was making a point since many high end products use both external boxes and toroids in them which makes no sense. There are no noise issues or quality issues with McIntosh and Dynaco amplifiers that have both power and output transformers on the chassis one next to the other and relatively close to the preamp section. Paying a premium to simply SLAP a toroid to an amplifier is closer to stupid than using a well designed and built EI transformer for a fraction of the price.

[@hugobloemers4425]

I gave you the thumbs up but we both know that the first law of High-End Audio dictates that Nothing can make NO difference, never ever!!

[@marianneoelund2940]

@G Guest Again, that's a completely bogus article, containing many glaring falsehoods and numerous mis-statements based on the author's complete misunderstanding of his sources.

[@robh9079]

Imagining a conversation between a resident of Birmingham Alabama, and Birmingham England...

[@bobgnarley1]

Arrh, be a roight laugh!

[@johnhodgson5313]

And they both would say they spoke English but couldn't understand the other person.