Dreadnaught Avel-Lindberg 1000VA Transformer Group Buy?

Mr_Hz

Newbie to the forum, though I've been 'lurking' for a bit, soaking up various info on upgrades through multiple threads.

I became very engaged in the threads concerning the initial 800VA A-L DreadNaught Isolation transformer, and then the subsequent 1000VA thread. Seems the last 'group buy' of the 1000VA transformer was somewhere around mid-2012...? I haven't seen any newer threads concerning this... correct me if I'm wrong.

Wondering if since this last purchase if there are enough concerned new owners that would like to throw in for another 1000VA purchase of the AL 1000VA AV-047528 model? From reading seems we may need around at least 10 orders or better for the manufacturer to be interested in a special run. Given the expanse of time I think it would behoove me to contact Avel-Lindberg (Melanie?) to see if they are still amenable to these special 'one-off' group buys of this special transformer model.

I'll get current prices and hopefully they aren't more than 10-15% greater than what they were back in mid 2012. Of course this would all be predicated on having sufficient parties willing to order. Who would like to jump in? Please respond to this thread.

For those on the fence or new to this technical thread, do a search on 'Dreadnaught' and you'll come upon many useful threads. This is not just for non-common ground amp applications. All set-ups benefit from SDA improvements using current 800VA, and better yet, 1000VA isolation transformers. The 800VA model is off the shelf and readily available to all. A little more effort & money is involved for a 1000VA model, but from thread responses is deemed worth the additional effort and expense.

As they say.... 'In for a penny, in for a pound...' I say, 'What else are you going to find in the market place at this price point that is going to exceed (or even come close!) the performance of Polk SDA's?!' Give your Polk's some love (and some investment) and upgrade when & where it makes sense. This isn't a cheap upgrade, but the majority of responses do say that it is sonically worthwhile.

Granted for either of these you still have to purchase an aluminum (or craft) box and purchase the interface connects and cables. The prices below from past information is just for the transformer itself:

AV-047548 800VA Transformer ~ $120 + shipping (2012)
AV-047528 1000VA Transformer $155 + shipping (2012)


Ron
SDA2 owner since 1985 (2 pairs)
Very recent owner of SDA1C's and SRS2.3TL's (to replace the SDA2's when upgrades are complete)

Schurkey

Someone tried to get a group-buy organized a few months ago. I remember it happening, but I don't remember who, or exactly when. I searched a little but couldn't find the thread.

Moose68Bash

Schurkey wrote: »

Someone tried to get a group-buy organized a few months ago. I remember it happening, but I don't remember who, or exactly when. I searched a little but couldn't find the thread.

As I recall, the thread did not produce enough interest to generate to order.

If there is sufficient interest this time, I'll buy one.

Mr_Hz

Duly noted Moose (you gotta share the history behind that name! lol )....Schurkey do you have any interest?

2 down (maybe 3)... 7 or 8 to go....

txcoastal1

Not sure how they compare or pricing against the AV transformers, but I have special ordered fo=rom them for other projects. They hav built transformers for audio so they are not new to the game. Just a thought

http://custom-transformers.com/index.html

Mr_Hz

txcoastal1 - interesting website. I will send something off to them and see what they say. sounds like a possibility.

At the same time I have reached out to Avel-Lindberg to see what their current requirements are for a purchase of their unique 1000VA transformer.

Schurkey

Mr_Hz wrote: »

Schurkey do you have any interest?

I bought an 800 VA transformer from a member here who upgraded to the 1000 VA on the first group-buy. I purchased some SpeakOn sockets and cable ends. I have found an "enclosure" that satisfies me, and will perhaps create discussion and jocularity when I reveal it in about nine years after I actually assemble the Dreadnought.

As my speakers are 1Bs and therefore not compatible with a Dreadnought, it's towards the bottom of my project list, at least until such time as I acquire a pair of 1Cs, SRS 2 pin/blade, or SRS 2.3s.

Sorry, NOT in for the group buy...








...but if I was, I'd be contacting the transformer supplier about a TRUE 1:1 symmetrical primary/secondary transformer, instead of a re-purposed power supply unit where by design the only current transfer is from primary to secondary, and never from secondary to primary as our application requires. Yes, it seems that the minor non-symmetrical nature of the existing units is non-audible. DK is shaking his head at me, politely and with professional restraint, of course. I have the highest respect for him because of that. However, I just can't see having a custom run of transformers made knowing that there's a theoretically (but achievably) better way to do it, even if the improvement is inaudibly slight. Call it OCD and dismiss the idea.

F1nut

At the same time I have reached out to Avel-Lindberg to see what their current requirements are for a purchase of their unique 1000VA transformer.

I can answer that one. It's a minimum order of 10.

AV-047528 1000VA Transformer $155 + shipping (2012)

My spec sheet for the custom 1000VA lists the part number as AV-047548 and it was more than $155.00. Something like $228.00 or $278.00.

F1nut

Here is Dave's original thread, http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?131719-AV-047548-Isuue-2-pricing&highlight=1000VA

F1nut

This was the last buy in 2012, http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?134643-Group-buy-Avel-Lindberg-1000VA-isolation-transformers-for-DreadNought

If you own pin/blade SDA's, even if you don't run a non-common ground amp, you MUST buy one of these as it will take your SDA's to a new level.

Mr_Hz

Thanks F1nut for the additional info. I'm committed to try and get the best sound out of my newly acquired 2.3TL's. I'm sure an 800VA transformer will do the job...but with the 1000VA lurking out there, it makes me want to reach a little higher.

Dang, same sickness afflicts me with classic cars... can't keep well enough alone...(owner of a few Alfa Romeos...don't ask! lol)

Only myself & Moose68Bash so far...need another 8 folks willing to commit to a purchase of $155+shipping, but realizing to get the final project done you're in for about ~$250 total.

Read the Dreadnaught threads and the reports of even better spatiality! Come on, money well spent on a technology (SDA) improvement you aren't going to get with any other manufacturer.

Who else wants to venture forth in to 1000VA territory ???

Mr_Hz

I just reviewed 'Dave's - fjross's post from back in April of 2012 and prices are a more than I originally read/understood/anticipated/posted:

So here it goes

10 pcs. $268.43 plus $11.35 shipping= $280.00

15 pcs. $244.16 plus $11.35 shipping=$256.00

You still have to buy some connectors, the aluminum housing and a bit of additional install hardware. A commitment to better sound for sure.

Mr_Hz

I've gotten a response from Melanie at Avel-Lindberg. She did confirm that the AV-047548 1000VA transformer is still available per special order and that 10 units is the minimum needed for a production run. She didn't have current prices so she will get back to me in this regard.

F1nut

Just speculation, but the lack of response could be that you are basically a new guy with only 14 posts. Meaning folks are a bit leary of giving money to someone they don't know. Perhaps one of the more senior members would be willing to take over. No, not me.

GlennDog

^^^ Spot on^^^

westmassguy

I've done business with Mr_Hz, and he's been a standup guy.

motorstereo

You can add one more to the list; I missed out on the first one and I've been hoping there'd be another.

nspindel

I did the last group buy, I'm happy to be the middle man once again. I already have the 1000VA transformer and can attest to it's glory. If there's a group of 10 people ready to go, I'm happy to help out and facilitate with Melanie again.

crispybrown

I would be in for a group buy although I remain skeptical - how would replacing a wire with a transformer help if I don't run bridged amps? If it does, are there other 'random' places in audio circuits we can throw expensive inductors too and expect an improvement? :-). It smacks of cutting a digital signal to vinyl then playing it back and claiming better sound to me!

nspindel

I'd loan you mine so you can hear for yourself, but my cables are terminated with Speak-On connectors.

motorstereo

crispybrown; I'm also running a single amp but it was a noticeable upgrade when I went from the standard interconnect cable to an A1 cable (thanks Jesse) I'm thinking and hoping there'll be another noticeable improvement stepping up to the Avel.

vmaxer

Interesting, I think I will try if you get enough interest.

I guess once you have enough, let us all know, maybe a PM? I get very busy at work and go a while without checking in here.

I guess my priorities are upside down¿¿

nspindel

So far we have:

Mr_Hz
Moose68Bash
Motorstereo
crispybrown
Vmaxer

Halfway there.

Toolfan66

If you guys get enough interest, and get them ordered I will build the aluminum cases for them if you all would like to go that route.

I will even make them for the speakons or binding posts..

nspindel

And as the owner of one of Larry's cases, I highly recommend you take advantage of that offer!

pitdogg2

Toolfan66 wrote: »

If you guys get enough interest, and get them ordered I will build the aluminum cases for them if you all would like to go that route.

I will even make them for the speakons or binding posts..

any wonder why this guy is such a peach? Look no further than this.
way to go Larry:biggrin:

If I had a set of SDA's that this would work on I'd go all in myself also. Sitting on the fence and watching these go by sure sucks....

vmaxer

Toolfan66 wrote: »

If you guys get enough interest, and get them ordered I will build the aluminum cases for them if you all would like to go that route.

I will even make them for the speakons or binding posts..

Now this really sweetens the deal--how much??

F1nut

All you effers better buy the SpeakOn versions, so I get my design commission.

















































j/k :cheesygrin:

Toolfan66

vmaxer wrote: »

Now this really sweetens the deal--how much??

If I remember right price was $80 + shipping and PP fees. Should be able to keep them the same..

vmaxer

Toolfan66 wrote: »

If I remember right price was $80 + shipping and PP fees. Should be able to keep them the same..

We'll I hope this works out, count me in for the box if it does.

Thanks a lot!!

brgman

pitdogg2 wrote: »

any wonder why this guy is such a peach? Look no further than this.
way to go Larry:biggrin:

If I had a set of SDA's that this would work on I'd go all in myself also. Sitting on the fence and watching these go by sure sucks....

Are you sure you never will?
Might be worth jumping in.As soon as you miss this you'll fine a minty pair of 2.3tl's the next town over.
For $200 bucks!
It just works that way brother.