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Integrated with switchable voltage

Might take on an assignment oversea where they use 240V, but want to make sure I can still use it when I return. Is there one out there, prefers tube, that has voltage switching capability (without sending the unit back to manufacture)?

Not sure what speakers to partner the amp with yet, but most likely something small so amp should have at least 50 wpc.

Another option is to use step down transformer, but prefer not to go that route.
semi
ajahu
306 posts
 
I have heard both in my system. Nuforce has a more extended, more detailed but somehow colder (some call it neutral) soundprint with a leaner midrange. Aronov is just wonderful in midrange, and has the right treble, maybe the bass is a bit less differentiated. If you mostly hear classical music, as I do, there is no contest. Aronov is the better ticket, as far as my taste concerned. If you hear mostly rock, pop etc - maybe nuforce is the better solution, especially taking into account its size, energy comsumption, easy to travel with and no-fuss construction. Still, it is radiating out RF and, for example, deteriorates tuner reception audibly. I dont know what other implication it might have.
jndean
132 posts
 
The Marantz PM-17 inegrated amp is switchable on my unit. Reference series at a solid and slightly warm 60 w/c. Out of production but can be found used. Later can be paired with two SM-17 amps which are bridgable to 200 w/c, using the PM-17 integrated as a pre-amp. Not tubed but warm.
john
david12
1,454 posts
 
I went the other way, buying in the US and importing to the UK. Conrad Johnson are switchable by changing the input connections on the transformer, from series to parallel I think. Spectral are switchable, in fact I know of someone importing a Spectral Pre and buying an expensive voltage transformer, only to discover a simple switch to change voltage, when he lifted the hood!
Most manufacturers make for a world market, it is only sound business to make them saleable in all markets, by easily adjusting input voltage. The exception may be valve amps. I imported a Viva Solista from the US and adapted the voltage. However, capacitors kept blowing and evidently, it needs new transformers as well, which is being done at the moment. That may appy to other valve(sorry tube) amps. Incidentally, I rather annoyed the designer of the Viva amps by importing from the US. I hope he has removed the Fatwa against me. Most manufacturers and importers hate grey imports and you have to factor in the loss of support you may have from the distributors in your own country, if you do bring a unit into the country.
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