Suggestions for 220v amp


Hello all,

I am spending some time living in belgium and I am hoping to pick up a pair of Maggie 1.6s next month and a nice amp or integrated amp for them. Problem is, of course, the 220v power.

I really like Krell amps and would be getting a 300i/il if I could choose, but as far as I know they don't make a 220v version.

So any suggestions for something like the Krells in the 1500.00 range that comes in a 220v version??

Thanks all,
Nathan
singinius
Think of buying the amp in Europe. There are many nice integrateds from British and French companies that should fit your budget and that were built with 220 (actually 230 these days) Volts in mind. Avoid buying US gear in Europe becuase there is a ridiculous markup on any gear that crosses the Atlantic (it goes both ways, BTW). Look at brands like Creek, YBA, etc.
Or go hunt for used gear once you are in Belgium.
If you like a dynamic, punchy sound (apparently this is krell's forte) then look at Cyrus (British). If you get a Cyrus integrated amp with the optional PSX power supply then this would probably give you enough power. I used to own a Cyrus 2 and PSX and I thought it was great ... it was just too much power for a small room. The newer Cyrus amps are very modular to allow for easy expansion to bi and tri amping.
You might also look for amps by Naim and Audiolab (8000S).
In my experience, most manufacturers wind (or have wound) transformers to accomodate 220 or 110v operation - saves time and money for export purposes. You might try opening the chassis to see if there are a couple of extra wires on the primary of the power transformer. Typically, the power trans is wired in series for 220 and parallel for 110. There are some products that have a 110v/220v switch on the inside of the chassis for this reason. My guess is there is some simple way to make the conversion. (I purchased an audio note amp from the UK which I reverse wired from 220 to 110)

Good luck -
I am surprised that you can't find Krell amp in 220V. To my knowledge, Krell has distributor in Gremany and they have to have European voltage for the gear sold in this country. If you are sold on the sound of Krell, check market in Germany. I listened to a Krell system in store in Germany and it was authorised dealer.
I agree that in Europe you may be able to find better sounding amp ( we don't know about all manufacturers from Europe, only what is coming here). But, again, if you definitely want Krell, there should be 220V versions in Europe.

Note to Mbhcid. Some US Hi-End manufacturers don't use double wound transformers in components to prevent "gray" market around the world and they have to be build for the certain country originally.

Continue your search, Nathan.