Marshall used Drake transformers up until about the 2nd year that JCM 2000 DSL's were released. Then, they switched to Axiom Transformers, which have terminals to connect the wires, instead of the wires being permanently attached. They did this to make it easier to assemble or repair, but probably also because the Axioms are cheaper. I'd venture to guess that the DSL's released in the first or second year sound a tad bit better than the current ones.
Does anyone here know what transformers are in the newer Plexi reissues? I wonder if they use Axioms in those now?
As far as Mercury Magnetics, which ironically is 2 blocks from my house....they make the best transformers out there, but are probably equal in quality to Drake.
They've broken it down to a science, though, and their trannies are made for specific amp types, and probably sound superior in every case. Most boutique companies in the US are using Mercury. I know Bogner does.
