2. misc-audio
  3. 1001275683

110V/50Hz equipment in a 220V/60Hz country.

Hello,

I am living in the US, where I have
bought a couple of decent pieces
of high end equipment. I am considering
buying a couple more pieces, at a higher
price level, to upgrade my system, but have
the following problem: I am from Europe,
and there is a good chance I'll be
back in Europe in the next 2-4 years.

What are the acceptable options
regarding stereo equipment if I move,
apart from selling everything except
the dynamic speakers and starting
from scratch?

Given the difference in cycles,
is simply buying transformers
for voltage conversion
an acceptable option? Other options?

The equipment in question is
pre and power amp, SACD,
DVD-V and A, tuner.

Thank you!
vas
gregm
3,405 posts
 
Hi Vas, some (rotor) motors depend heavily on cycles to keep the right speed (TTs, cdp's & tape players use motors). So, IMO you're best converting these machines to EU (if that's where you're headed!) standard 230/50. Surely manufacturers can oblige when the time comes... I shouldn't worry -- or am I too optmistic?

Cheers!
sfstereo
215 posts
 
Motors in cdp and tape decks are dc motors so frequency change does not have any impact. However, TT motors tend to be ac and frequency change will affect its operation.
detlof
1,899 posts
 
SFstereo is dead on. You need not worry.
gregm
3,405 posts
 
I seem to be slipping lately! Thanks for the info, SF & Detlof.

Cheers!
rsuminsby's avatar
rsuminsby
152 posts
 
I just moved back to the states after 3 years in the UK. I ran all my equipment through transformers; ie, at 110v but 50 Hz...no problems. However, as a PS Audio P300 owner (which I aquired 6 months before leaving England), I highly recommend that option for all the gear expect the power amp! Converting the P300 to take 220v input is very simple, a couple internal switches. Then all you need is a new power cable for the P300, and you're in business.
More to discover