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120v to 240v Adapter to power Amp in USA

I ordered an Atoll amp from France only to realize they make it for 240v, even the ones they ship to the US. There is only 1 US distributor and they charge DOUBLE! Is there any risk in purchasing the amp and buying an $8 120v to 240v adapter to run the amp in the US?

Does this mean if somebody gets shocked from it it’s a full 240v?

Some of the adapter plugs on Amazon do not look like actual transformers, so I’m not sure how they work. 


craigert
inna
7,510 posts
 
That's another option, sure, but if $165 for a transformer is too much then paying electrician may be no less or more. Besides, what if he doesn't like the amp and sell it in a month ? Transformer might somewhat degrade the sound... 
What about the frequency of those 240 V circuits ? Does it matter for that particular amp ?
craigert OP
147 posts
 
Yeah I think a whole circuit is a bit much. I would probably just do a transformer but I’m not sure if it presents a fire hazard to leave it on all of the time. 

Im starting to think maybe I should just stick with a 120v amp and call France again tomorrow and ask why I haven’t seen the Paypal refund hit yet. 
builder3
770 posts
 
Find out what the amp actually requires, both voltage and frequency. We use 60hz here in the U.S., many European countries are 50hz, I believe. Then consult an electrician. Many of the responses here are guesses, and wrong ones at that.
imhififan's avatar
imhififan
2,217 posts
 
Transformer design for 50Hz has no problem work at 60Hz.
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cleeds
6,034 posts
 
Unless you plan on keeping this amplifier forever, I'd seek a simpler solution, such as finding an amp that works with your domestic 120VAC
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