Moving From USA Overseas... Looking For Advice re: Electrical Service and Gear

thanks for the inputs, all.

sounds like the best thing in my situation is going to be to step down the power from 220v to 110v and use my gear as configured (120v) rather than have it converted for native 220v operation.

the acupwr step down transformers look excellent... does anyone know if it would be safe to plug a USA spec (120v) Running Springs Audio Haley into the output of the 2000-Watt acupwr transformer? I came across an article that stated surge protection type devices should never be plugged into an autoformer type step down transformer, which the acupwr units appear to be.

one solution, in my case, is to step down the 220v power using the acupwr transformer, then connect that to my RSA Haley, then connect my devices into the Haley. this would, presumably, provide step down voltage via the acupwr and some protection from voltage fluctuations via the Haley.

any thoughts on if this is a safe path forward?

Srosenberg,

I feel the upside of using a Transformer is that if you move back to the States then you don't have to do internal voltage conversions all over again.

As to your question, I was planning to conncet the voltage stabilizer into the wall then the transformer into that and a Shunyata power distributor & surge protector into the transformer, and my components into the Shunyata. 

If you've read something against that it's best to call Haley and ask them for advice for using their unit.

I once talked to someone, Paul I think, from PS Audio about plugging in their regenerators into step down transformers. He said no problem but try to go with the transformer rated 1.5 times, that's if say, you have 1500 watt rated regenerator it should be 2250 watt transformer. However, this particular transformer company says it is not necessary, so I would assume that 2000 watt transformer would be more than enough for 1500 regenerator.
Don't know about Runnung Springs, maybe different.

Transformers and autoformers cannot convert frequency. I took a look at the Acupwr devices that were referred to, and I could not find any meaningful information at the site as to how the conversion they provide is accomplished. But it seems to me that there must be some parts and circuitry inside the devices in addition to the "autotransformer" (i.e., autoformer) that is indicated on their label. Which leads me to wonder how pure and undistorted a sine wave the device outputs, if it is in fact a sine wave at all, with that concern heightened by the fact that these devices are described as being intended for use with refrigerators, freezers, and other such appliances.

Before purchasing one of these things I would email the company and ask if they would recommend them for use with a high quality stereo system, and if they can provide some idea of how the frequency conversion is accomplished, and how much distortion is present on the AC output.

Good luck. Regards,
-- Al

I don't think any of these devices are intended for high quality stereo, that's not the point of making them. They have other transformers that they say don't change frequency just voltage. And I would expect enough distortion on the output. At least they look like quality things compared to cheap Chinese stuff.