I moved from the States to Paris 18 months ago, and was faced with the same problem (110V gear running on 220V). Fortunately some of my equipment (Quad and Revox) is multi-voltage, no problem there. The rest is 110V equipment, Including two 200W/channel power amps. I simply purchased a 2kW 220V/110V line stabilizer transformer (~$200). You can purchase the equipment from www.eastwestintl.com or www.appliancesoverseas.com.. The other thing to remember is, HiFi equipment in Europe, especially high end gear, is a lot more expensive then in the USA. Bottom line, bring your equipment with you and use a voltage stabilizer step down transformer to run it.
Dealing with Voltages: 110v to 220v vice versa
Hello Everyone,
I have been wondering about this for a while. I have lived overseas and may be moving overseas again. Unfortunately (or fortunately) I did not bring any HI-FI equipment with me last time so did not research it out. But what I want to know is:
1) Is it worth it to bring 110v to be used with 220v (assuming the usage of a transformer to convert 220v to 110v)?
2) Will there be any damages to my equipment? How?
3) Can I just used any transformer? Do I need a power condition? What else will I need?
4) What is the best (with no consideration for cost) and/or most economical way to deal with this and still be safe for expensive stuff?
I would hate to sell my equipment (or give it to my brother like the last time). Please help with any information or point to any good reliable source of information. If I move then it would be to Asian (would it be different in different country? or how about for other people moving from 220v to 110v). I was at a store the other day and they sell a power converter/surge protector/etc. by Gray for $3,000 for use in the US! It uses 220v and converts it back to 110v. They said that it provides a cleaner power source. Is this what I have to invest in?
Thanks in advance for your input!
I have been wondering about this for a while. I have lived overseas and may be moving overseas again. Unfortunately (or fortunately) I did not bring any HI-FI equipment with me last time so did not research it out. But what I want to know is:
1) Is it worth it to bring 110v to be used with 220v (assuming the usage of a transformer to convert 220v to 110v)?
2) Will there be any damages to my equipment? How?
3) Can I just used any transformer? Do I need a power condition? What else will I need?
4) What is the best (with no consideration for cost) and/or most economical way to deal with this and still be safe for expensive stuff?
I would hate to sell my equipment (or give it to my brother like the last time). Please help with any information or point to any good reliable source of information. If I move then it would be to Asian (would it be different in different country? or how about for other people moving from 220v to 110v). I was at a store the other day and they sell a power converter/surge protector/etc. by Gray for $3,000 for use in the US! It uses 220v and converts it back to 110v. They said that it provides a cleaner power source. Is this what I have to invest in?
Thanks in advance for your input!
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- 5 posts total
- 5 posts total