[morzh]

Unexpectedly I got the transformer I ordered this morning.
So After I took my daughter to her daycare and got the grommets (that is combination of grommets and washers - nothing exact) from Lowes, I put the grommets in (took some patience and ingenuity, considering I not only had to put the grommets in but also put the washer on top and then screw the cap, and the cap was not unsoldered either), turned it on, listened to the station...sounded nicer than usual (not due to grommets though), and then I connected the new transformer.

Well, this is not the one that will go in permanently - it is too large, I only bought it to use as a testing transformer with variable impedances' combinations - but it does sound nicer with the one I connected which is 8kOhms / 8 Ohms. This is the closest to the required load, as 7 to 8 Ohms of my coil will present 7 to 8 kOhm ipedance and this is what the tubes want.

The quality might not be up too much as right now it is OK the way it was, but I certainly can go up in volume much more and keep the acceptable quality whereas before it would start distorting at much lower volume level.

So, will probably by a smaller transformer 8k/8 Ohm from a used supply (do not want to spend 40 bucks for Hammond), install it and assemble all back.

It still sounding nice enough while I am writing this.....upped the volume, still nice and very very loud.

Will see what the evening brings.