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110 (or 120) vs 220

Hi,

IF an amp can operate at both 110 and 220, and a dedicated circuit is being installed for that amp, is there an advantage to a 220 v circuit? Or is the answer "it depends on the amp"? Or is the answer simply "no"?
128x128jimspov
jimspov's avatar
jimspov OP
60 posts
 
My reason for doing this is that my tube amp is rated at 35 watts / channel. I'm buying new speakers after having my Paradigm 5se's for over two decades.

I naively thought if I doubled the voltage I could ~double my available power (~quadruple at 4 ohms?) and that would vastly increase the pool of speakers I could choose from (e.g., Totem, Magnapan).
russe41
95 posts
 
Never ran across no 2 pole breakers feeding audio equip in NEC.
Only advantage would be 1/2 current so you could use small gauge wire.
russe41
95 posts
 
Also Audio equipment doesn't draw that much current to warrant 220v
Post removed 
jea48
4,483 posts
 

russe41,

Quote from 2014 NEC Code

210.6 Branch-circuit voltage Limitations. The nominal voltage of branch circuits shall not exceed the values permitted by 210.6 (A) through (E).

(A) Occupancies Limitation. In dwelling units, and guest rooms or suites of hotels, motels, and similar occupancies, the voltage shall not exceed 120 volts, nominal, between conductors that supply the terminals of the following:

(2) Cord-and-plug-connected loads 1440 volt-ampere, nominal, or less or less than 1/4hp.


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