Hi Bradford,
Actually from what I've read on using a filament transformer is that a
6.3 v with anywhere from 6-20 amps is "supposed" to work. I don't know
how well this concoction is going to work compared to a commercial
unit, but I am willing to throw around $100 at it to find out.

I am looking around for a filament transformer on ebay. Unless you have
an old tube type TV set that you could pull one out for me. LOL.

Earlier you had asked how this setup compares to an American Beauty. I
don't know. I've never gotten my hands on an AB or any other commercial
units for that matter. The one that I am looking at from PBL is a 300
watt unit. From my rudimentary electronics knowledge, a 6v (or there
abouts) transformer with even 20 amps on the output is 120 watts,
correct? (6 x 20). Your idea of using a 4-5 volt / 100 amp output would
get me up to 400-500 watts. Where I would find something that big, I
have no idea.

Mike