Video summary

Are toroidal transformers better?

Main summary

Key takeaways

Technology

Summary of technological concepts (toroidal vs. traditional transformers for audio power supplies)

Question addressed

Whether toroidal transformers are better than traditional transformer designs for audio amplifier power.

Main claim

While either type can sound great, it’s generally easier to achieve a transformer that is both:

  • Quieter (less hum/buzz), and
  • Better sounding

The speaker also notes that the speaker’s company largely uses toroidal transformers.

Why toroidal transformers may be “better” (as explained)

Quieter operation at 50/60 Hz

Traditional E-I core transformers can be harder to make quiet. Toroids are described as easier to produce with fewer mechanical issues.

Hum/buzz reduction due to core construction

  • E-I transformers use stacked, interleaved laminations in a rectangular core.
  • If laminations aren’t assembled properly, they can rattle, creating audible buzz/hum.
  • The speaker says they previously tried to address this using superglue/epoxy to hold laminations together, but it was still more challenging and didn’t sound as good.

Contained magnetic field / efficiency

Toroidal transformers are described as:

  • Keeping the magnetic field more contained
  • Being more efficient

Practical product approach described

PS Audio’s design choice

The speaker states that PS Audio uses toroidal transformers heavily, saying:

“For just about every product… we use toroidal transformers rather than E-I transformers.”

Example context: Sprout and system power architecture

  • The Sprout amplifier uses a Class-D module with a switch-mode power supply (SMPS).
  • SMPS designs operate at high frequencies, which changes the design tradeoffs (e.g., smaller transformer components, different cost/efficiency considerations).
  • The speaker adds that PS Audio’s separate toroidal-based power supply can still be used even when the amplifier module is class-D / switch-mode.

Caveats / nuance

  • The speaker emphasizes this is not absolute:
    • Traditional E-I transformers can also sound great.
    • Many transformer design variations exist, so outcomes can differ.

Reviews / guides / tutorials mentioned

  • There aren’t formal tutorial steps, but the video includes an explanatory comparison with manufacturing/engineering reasoning, including:
    • mechanical noise sources (e.g., lamination rattle),
    • assembly approaches (epoxy/superglue),
    • and design differences affecting sound/noise.

Main speakers / sources (from subtitles)

  • Paul (likely Paul McGowan, PS Audio) — the main explainer answering the question.
  • Paco from Toledo, Spain — the viewer asking the question and discussing audio gear (including Sprout and his father’s speakers).

Original video