Cinemag output transformer instead of Profile?

[lumpylipton]

Hi Tim,

Just received my 2x A12's and noticed that instead of the profile output transformer, you now provide a Cinemag Output Tx instead. Is this because the profiles are nearly impossible to obtain now due to some sort of patent fight between Profile and API?

Can you comment on how similar this new output tx will be to the Profile, since I know a lot of the "signature" sound of the A12 comes from the output iron.

Thanks!
Warren

[tpryan]

Just received my 2x A12's and noticed that instead of the profile output transformer, you now provide a Cinemag Output Tx instead. Is this because the profiles are nearly impossible to obtain now due to some sort of patent fight between Profile and API?

Not nearly impossible, totally impossible. Profile isn't selling the 4804 to anyone at the moment, and there's no telling when or if they'll be available again. That said, it's not like it's some sort of magic component. Just about any transformer manufacturer can make one, and there are a number of substitutes that will work just fine. Our biggest reason for going with the Profile part in the first place was the low cost. Evidently the cost wasn't low enough for API, who I hear are now sourcing Chinese output transformers.

Can you comment on how similar this new output tx will be to the Profile, since I know a lot of the "signature" sound of the A12 comes from the output iron.

They measure and sound the same. The CineMag parts so far have better unit to unit consistency, the lams are stacked straighter, and they have a bit more varnish than the 4804s. They also cost a little more, which is why the price has gone up on the A12KF.

[lumpylipton]

Thanks Tim,

I've been following the Profile controversy at the groupdiy site, so I'm not at all surprised you've had to make a sub. The Cinemag's come with a very good reputation, so I'm looking forwarding to hearing my A12's with the new iron. Great they have exactly the same footprint too so you didn't have to change the board.

Warren

[Category 5]

Tim,

Are you using the exact same Cinemags as the ones on the J99? I love those things man!

Luckily for me I picked up a couple extra 4804s a while ago for some straight DIY 312 clones I am planning. I haven't quite got the courage to dive in yet though. I am dreading attempting to rack the units hum free more than anything.

Anyway, I was just curious, and am currently LOVING all three flavors of SCA preamp. ...can't wait for the John Curl inspired module and the DI!

Shane

[tpryan]

No, this is an all steel core version of the CMOB-2, not the nickel core CMOB-2H used in the J99. Like the N72, much of the "character" of the A12 is due to the distortion created by the output transformer. If the core isn't all steel, you don't get the same distortion.