Hiwatt DR405 transformers in the US?

[christw]

I'm looking to go big with my next build, very big. I'd like to build a Hiwatt DR405 clone to continue to challenge myself and my abilities. Unfortunately, sourcing the iron is going to be the biggest problem.

You guys know more than I about this. Who would be your choice for building one or several repro transformers for such a build? (I'd rather not import from the UK but would consider it if financially viable.)

Thanks!

 

[Mr. Foxen]

Tap up Heyboer. Bigger than 200w builds are too rare to canvass experienced opinions.

 

[christw]

They were the first name to come to mind based on my time on TB and other forums. I know there's a few folks on here with Heyboer OT's in their SVT's around here, including JimmyM

 

[Passinwind]

C'mon man, roll yer own steenkin' transformer. Link Removed

 

[christw]

I'll get there eventually. One thing at a time.

 

[Mr. Foxen]

I'd be doing a 200w and 200w slave though, because 200s are enough to lift. I also have the right iron for those laying about.

 

[B-string]

Link Removed

 

[waltdogg]

Magnetic Components ClassicTones in my Hellhawk. Heyboers in my Mother. Both sound great. Dunno about 400 watt transformers though.

 

[cfsporn]

I think Hammond makes a 400 watt OT. I also know that Mercury Magnetics makes one too.

 

[christw]

Heyboer got back to me with a price this morning. $420 plus shipping for PT, OT, and choke. I expected it to be significantly more expensive than that. Time to get more quotes!

 

[JGR]

Heyboer is the way to go!

 

[higain617]

I found this semi-horror story about fixing a DR405 clone. May yield some useful info...

Servicing of a Hiwatt DR405 400 Watt (Clone Amplifier

 

[Mr. Foxen]

Mostly, don't get those fake Partridges. Sadly Partridge won't sell you any, I asked, they also confirmed those partridge badged transformers are nothing to do with them.

 

[BassmanPaul]

I think Hammond makes a 400 watt OT. I also know that Mercury Magnetics makes one too.

Hammond has the 1650W (IIRC) which is rated for 280W

 

[christw]

Hammond has the 1650W (IIRC) which is rated for 280W

Or in other words, not enough.

On a real note: I do not expect to see over 300w RMS unless I go for a custom 8x KT88 vatiant which is a real but slim possibility... Cloning just hasn't that challenging so far. Hot rodding is a lot more fun and rewarding. Plus I always need moar power.

 

[BassmanPaul]

A guy from London Power, Kevin O'conner IIRC, used the 1650W transformer in a 300W amp and, I seem to remember, a 400W version.

 

[untilshewokeme]

@dunwichamps just put a DR405 in a 300w head he built. Might be able to give you some insight.

 

[dunwichamps]

I'm looking to go big with my next build, very big. I'd like to build a Hiwatt DR405 clone to continue to challenge myself and my abilities. Unfortunately, sourcing the iron is going to be the biggest problem.

You guys know more than I about this. Who would be your choice for building one or several repro transformers for such a build? (I'd rather not import from the UK but would consider it if financially viable.)

Thanks!

Email Heyboer

 

[christw]

I did. $420 + shipping for OT, PT, and choke is just insane.

Edited: Confirmed that is the correct price.

 

[dunwichamps]

I did. $420 + shipping for OT, PT, and choke is just insane.

Thats incredibly cheap.

Merc charges nearly $800-1k for that package or something like an SVT as well.

Good iron costs money esp something that is designed to put out 300W RMS clean.