It is no secret that many music fans and musicians are willing to invest large sums of money in sound system and amplification solutions in search of the perfect sound, whether it is for performance, recording or just listening. It is also fair to say that we are currently enjoying a period of unparalleled consumer choice, especially when it comes to audio, recording and playback technology. Of course sometimes you can get these items cheaper as factories buy used plant machinery at a lower cost which passes down. If used plant machinery from Iron and Earth is what you have chosen to buy you will be pleasantly surprised at the quality and price.
The number of possible component setups and approaches combined with the ongoing subjective debate, dogma and bias can make for some seemingly impossible decisions. One such notable debate regarding amplification in particular is the use of laminate versus toroidal transformer types. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, but toroidal types are often seen as the high-end option. Here is a look at the use of these transformers in audio, the factors that contribute to such a reputation, and whether it is deserved.
Pricing and Labour
Invariably, toroidal types are more expensive then their laminate counterparts, leading to many assumptions about their quality and their intended purpose. This is mainly due to how they differ in their construction: laminate transformers can easily be mass-produced mechanically whereas a toroidal transformer has to be at least partly assembled by hand, including the windings. This intensive human labour brings the price up considerably, although the prevalence of toroids in high-end amplifier and audio technology and the wider-then-ever selection of high-end audio technology in general may have mitigated this to a degree.
Role and Functionality
The most notable quality of is the dramatically reduced magnetic field compared to laminate equivalents. This can result in a clearer sound that is free from possible interference but also comes with its own possible drawbacks.
Due to their construction, toroids, especially output transformers, can saturate much more easily than laminates. This saturation may be desirable to a point, but it’s always worth trying to find any possible information regarding the maximum output levels of your chosen transformer. Additionally, due to their bespoke nature, many toroid manufacturers offer a high degree of customisation.
This new information, along with the wealth of additional resources available online, should make it easy to discover more about the role of toroid-type transformers in audio and whether they are right for you.