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Voltage conversion from 220V to 110V.

With all the deals you see on Euro and Asian market stuff that operates on 220V its hard not to wonder is there a problem using a North American converter.

Ive got my eye on a set of Asian market mono bolck tube amps. Theyre the 220V version but theyre also about $1500 cheaper than their North American counterparts.

Can I expect any sonic problem stepping the voltage up for their requirements with a high quality converter?

What kind of converter would work best?

Thanks.
nm512
myraj
351 posts
 
I believe the 220 line will be a little "cleaner" than the 110. And the cost ($300 approx) of having an electrician install a dedicated one for you, depending on the length and difficulty of the "run", will probably be a fraction (20%)of the difference of cost, between the 110 & 220 models.
Good luck and good listening!
jea48
4,492 posts
 
You may want to check with the manufacture of the Amps to see if they are dual voltage via way of a switch or internal tap change.If they are not,ask them about using 220\230 volt USA power.If the Amps are 220v 50 cycle only, I would ask if 60 cycle is ok.You may have more heat because of the difference in frequency.Make sure the power transformer winding insulation is capable of the extra heat if any.cover your bases before you buy.
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Jea48...Why would heat be different for 50Hz and 60Hz AC power? Both would have the same RMS value.

I think that 50 Hz would theoretically require more capacitance in the power supply filter, because the ripple would be at a lower frequency. But I bet the difference is trivial.
alesantin
14 posts
 
dont worry about the cycle with the amp. is very important for digital(home theater only) not for analogue.
hepl
147 posts
 
As stated above 220V is cleaner(less noise) than 110V.
The 220V lines are balanced and each of the two hot lines cancel the other one noise. My system was changed(Linn) was
changed from to 110V to 220V, by means of a switch at the back of each unit, I highly recommend the voltage change.
The sound improvement was noticeable. Hector.
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