Dreadnought Transformer

machone

I have been studying the Dreadnought threads and have decided to build one.

I know that there are two Avel Lindberg audio grade transformers that are recommended.
800VA - Y236906 - in stock available from Avel for a little over $100.
1000VA - AV047548 - special order in groups of 10 from Avel for around $250.

I seems to me that if the difference between the two is not that different the easier & cheaper route to take would be to order the 800VA and call it good.

What is your experience and what do you recommend?

Is the juice worth the squeeze?

pitdogg2

there is a world of difference between the two. That is why there have been two major groups of folks who have went in here to get the 1000va. Some who had bought the 800 sold them to get the 1000va.

The 800 is good but the 1000 is in a league of its own.

MrBuhl

I have one of each - the 800v/a will do quite nicely until there is another group buy of the 1000v/a, and you could be in for a long wait on that. The 800 is off the shelf, fast and easy for sure.

Either way - it's still a vast improvement over the standard cable, or as I understand it the Polk Ai-1 retail transformer for that matter.

honestaquarian

What exactly is the improvement over the AI-1?

Toolfan66

Open sound stage, bass, clarity, blackness, depth.. It's an overall improvement...

I was going to keep my original Al-1 just because they are rare but knowing I will never use it, I sold it..

The 800 will do just fine, and I'm betting the chance of another group buy will be slim..

I sold my 800 and ended up buying another 1000 a couple years ago, man time flies..

Toolfan66

If you need a case I have one that has dynamat already installed, it's set up for using binding posts, if you are wanting to build one on a budget and getting the 800 I will make you a sweet deal on this case..

DarqueKnight

honestaquarian wrote: »

What exactly is the improvement over the AI-1?

Lower noise, higher current capacity, and no transformer saturation, which translates to better imaging, stronger and more detailed bass, and improved clarity and detail.

Some technical information can be found in these threads:

http://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/74472/the-ai-1-dreadnought-project-pt-1/p1

http://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/129829/the-ai-1-dreadnought-project-pt-2-upgrade-to-1000va-transformer/p1

pitdogg2

Thanks Ray I was hoping you would chime in.

MrBuhl

Toolfan66 wrote: »

If you need a case I have one that has dynamat already installed, it's set up for using binding posts, if you are wanting to build one on a budget and getting the 800 I will make you a sweet deal on this case..

That there is an offer you can't refuse!

I built my 800v/a on the cheap from a "preowned" Larrycase I got here, it was binding posts setup as well - @helipilotdoug can help you out there. It's pretty easy construction if you pay attention and take your time - many build threads to follow. Easy peazy and the dynamat is done and bought!

machone

Thanks guys.

Thanks Larry. I had planned to use SpeakOns.

I am pretty handy. How much trouble to convert to SpeakOns? Probably end up with a couple of holes I don't need?

MrBuhl

machone wrote: »

Thanks guys.

Thanks Larry. I had planned to use SpeakOns.

I am pretty handy. How much trouble to convert to SpeakOns? Probably end up with a couple of holes I don't need?

I used binding posts at the box, and SpeakOn's at the speaker ends - works perfect. I'm sure its a matter of drilling and covering holes, but that solution was cheap and easy FWIW.

pitdogg2

depending on how close the are you may just need to enlarge a bit.

RandyCroissant

I see a 1000kva Avel on Fleabay for 65 bucks the part number is Y236954 will that work for you?

machone

I believe that is the wrong part number.
Need AV-047548 for audio grade.

machone

Well it looks like I found an AV-047548 1000VA transformer including Larry's case set up for SpeakOn's, the SpeakOn connectors, Dynamat and hardware.
Wow

pitdogg2

where did you find it?

machone

One the guys in the last group buy emailed me.