I did not read back to see if this was mentioned or even possible in terms of mounting space;

If you connect a 24 VAC step down transformer (typically it would have a 120V AC mains input and 24VAC output), but use one with a center tap output, you can use it as a step down auto-transformer.

Cap off the 120VAC leads, no connection. Connect the two 24VAC leads to your power source. Use the center-tap output wire and ONE of the 24VAC end wires as your power feed to the bridge rectifier.

This will delver 12VAC (roughly) into your DC rectifier and filter, which would be half of the previous arrangement.

It requires finding room for the transformer, of course.