Willsenton R8 Revisited: ISO Tango Output Transformer Install

This video is going over my next upgrade on my R8 to take it to the next level, install some FC-60-5 Iso Tango Output Transformers! Question: should I paint the output transformers to match the painter power transformer?
You can find these transformers at Tubes USA:
tubesusa.com/I...
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[@peterlundskow4061]

I'm amazed at the amount of work you are doing with this amplifier. If the person buys it they sure are getting a super improved amplifier!

[@Pksparty2112]

I still haven’t done your first mods to My R8 and you are already taking me on this adventure. ❤️

[@thenorthcrown2144]

I admire your professional competence! Half the time I have no idea what you're talking about, but the conviction with which you speak is impressive and fascinating. Thank you!

[@ilcasoriano]

I'm waiting for the next video with the relevant measurements, don't forget to let us observe the old curves too, thanks for all your effort

[@GiguereSylvain]

I'm always impressed by your projects, your audacity and craftmanship. I can't wait to see what results you will get, though I could not afford these nice trannies. Bravo!

[@UptownReef]

Been listening to the Hammond OPTs for over a year now and can’t find any reason to upgrade to a different amp. Very happy and they made more of an improvement than any of the other components or circuit mods.

[@chrislj2890]

Looks pretty good to me, and I've always loved hammered finish paint on old electronics, and even on my Mitutoyo micrometers I owned before I retired. Although I think all of these mods are cool, I'm perfectly happy with my R8 Mk II just the way it is, especially after I swapped the stock KT88s for Mullard EL34s. Once you get the tube bug there's no going back, and that's why I get nervous watching your reel to reel videos, lol.

[@nevillegoddard4966]

Looks good Stephe! Let's see how it sounds after you wire in the nice new transformers. Even the old power transformers gonna sound better with a fresh coat of paint! Looking forward to the next episode!

[@solarman30]

Love the coffee mug! Dan

[@mdvp123]

For those who are put off by the paint color difference: an alternative to the iso tango transformers is the Hashimoto HW-60-5 transformers that are also potted but come in a black satin/matte finish that matches nicely with the R8 PT. I have those on my R8 and they sound superb.

[@NickP333]

Looks fantastic. It’s only a slight difference. I’ve no doubt the ISO’s will sound excellent.

[@g-train9372]

I think it looks fine. Wouldn’t bother me at all. Looking forward to the measurement comparisons.

[@KeritechElectronics]

A lovely swap job, I really like it!

[@frankgeeraerts6243]

Top grade brand output transformers are very expensive.........BUT have a look at those amplifiers that uses them and appreciatye the pricetag !............that may help you to decide to go the Shunky way .................. Musical goodness ............nice way of expressing the musicality and upgrade .....

[@davemillon6663]

Just a thought, you could drill out the gold plate to slip over the studs. That way you could use the ISO label plate.

[@SuperMcgenius]

You make a good argument for doing the modification, from my experience never modify an amplifier you don’t like. Also realize it’s rare to recoup investment on a modification if you go to resell, so that’s a bit of a downside.

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

If you think you are going to recoup this investment, yeah that's not gonna happen. Put the stock transformers back on to sell it. And it's not that I don't like this amp, I just think there is more there. It's the same reason I replaced the Edcor OT on my 300B amp with ISO units. Now that 300B amp is what I listen to 90% of time time :) I see people spending more rolling tubes than even these high end transformers cost. I've also read people saying even replacing them with hammond iron is a big improvement.

[@xfloodcasual8124]

I installed a Hashimoto on a project, and it took over 500hrs to sound its best. The first few hundred hours I couldn't see why it was so famous, but then it started getting into real magic. Maybe close to 1000 because things kept sounding better, like the equivalent of new caps, and I wasn't changing anything. Just something to be aware of with these guys.

[@DG-rc6rr]

I have trouble changing the blades on my beard razor. Meanwhile Skunkie is cutting/repainting high voltage transformers and redesigning amps like replacing a 45w light bulb

[@stevepiper9034]

Fantastic athletics! I'm certain will be superior sonically to the stock OT's. I wonder though...is the brand name "Willenston" a wordplay on the old tried and true "Williamson" design?

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

Probably is, but it's not a Williamson design.

[@hugobloemers4425]

Hi Stephe, with a tube amp, the iron + tubes are virtually the amp. So from that POV it makes sense to upgrade it. But only if you have that amp already (as you said). If you start from scratch and don't want to build an map from scratch, my choice would be to take an ST70 to upgrade.

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

Not sure I agree, I think this amp looks a lot nicer.

[@hugobloemers4425]

@@SkunkieDesignsElectronics Who knows, maybe in 50 years from now the R8 will have the same status as the ST70 right now(?) But the ST70 is perhaps the most iconic tube stereo amp of all times.

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

It's all in the eye of the beholder. I do doubt the R8 will ever be some "classic" amplifier.

[@ConorHanley]

Seems a lot of money to improve the amp. Hopefully they do the job without tears at bedtime.

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

People spend more than this rolling tubes.

[@lu_ng25]

Hi Steph, thank you for a great R8 series, I'm getting an annoying heat dissipation/expansion on power transformer, usually it takes like an hour for the popping or cracking sound from warming up to go away. Just wondering is it worth it to replace the power transformer as well? if so, what's your recommendation for Power trany replacment? Thank you!

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

wow that doesn't sound good! Hammond power transformers in my experience have been very reliable.

[@lu_ng25]

@@SkunkieDesignsElectronics thank you! any specific model that you can make a recommendation? I'm also flirting with changing all three trannies to ISO range as well since I don't think I can stand the colour mismatch either :)

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

Honestly I would have to study the voltages, calculate up the loads, sim the results etc. I apologize but I simply don't have the couple of hours free to do all that work.

[@lu_ng25]

@@SkunkieDesignsElectronics Thanks Steph, all good! thought you already have the data on the power transformer on hand. ❤

[@alfapk8478]

Hi Stephe. Are you lightly sanding the power transformer finish before painting it?

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

Yup

[@marcopignone9386]

Why aren't you selling the ultimate "Skunkie Edition" of this amp for Wilsenton?

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

I doubt they would agree to that.

[@PGHJR002]

Will you be doing mods for other owners of R8s?

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

Nope, that kind of work is for a repair shop.

[@beslemeto]

Please review Muzishare X9 and compare it to X7. 🥰

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

If someone ever sends me one I will.

[@Gullsz]

What OTs would you recommend for the A10?

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

FC12S for top shelf, for less money a Edcor GXSE15-5W at whatever impedance works for you.

[@luminousfractal420]

should you paint them?...you know the answer is when are you painting them? 😂 would you get a better finish electro staining the metal black, rather than painting. for sure its going to come out smooth.

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

Not sure I would want to powder coat an assembled transformer and expose it to high heat. And paying a pro to paint them in a booth with automotive type paint would cost more for 3 pieces than just replacing the power transformer with an ISO unit would be. It's always a compromise of cost vs performance!