2. amps-preamps
  3. 136154-111696

Converting from UK power to US power

I found a used Musical Fidelity A3.2cr amplifier for sale in England that I would love to have because it’d be the perfect mate for my Musical Fidelity A3cr Preamp.  But it’s wired for English power.  I’m told I’d have to get the transformer rewired.  Anyone know how complicated and expensive this might be to do?

The other option is to buy a step up or step down transformer and plug into that.  That sounds fraught.  

Opinions most welcome on either of these options.  
echolane
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
echolane

Far better and cheaper than buying a step-up transformer. If the power transformer of the A3.2 has multiple primary taps which is likely, then it easy to convert from 220v to 110v, should take 1/2hr for a tech at most.

Cheers George

trelja
3,226 posts
 
@georgehifi "If the power transformer of the A3.2 has multiple primary taps which is likely, then it easy to convert from 220v to 110v, should take 1/2hr for a tech at most."

Well, I’ll actually second Chicken George’s preference on this one. The average tech can figure it out, and if has a set of 110V primaries, finish it all inside of a half hour
echolane's avatar
echolane OP
116 posts
 
“IF” is the big word.  I finally decided it’s too risky.  It’s priced fairly high for a nearly 20 year old amp at $660 or so.  On top of that it’s heavy, quite heavy, so postage from England will be pricey.  Then paying a tech to do a conversion adds more to the cost.  I’d do it IF I knew for sure, but even as a sure thing, it’s a pretty extravagant purchase.
Post removed 
trelja
3,226 posts
 
@echolane I think that's a good call.  Nice amp, but outside of someone buying it because it's their destination piece, it makes sense to not invest in it.  The best move is often the one you don't make
More to discover