Audiophile quality variacs to decrease voltage?


I have an older 30 w.p.c. tube amp that should be run with 110-115 Volts coming into the unit. The average voltage coming from my AC lines is 124 volts, which puts the operating voltages inside the amp well above what it should be, and will cut short the life expectancy of various components and tubes in the amp. I purchased a newer model 10 amp variac to reduce the incoming voltage to the amp, but quickly found that the sound quality was noticeably reduced with the variac in line, at any voltage set between 100 and 124 volts when in use. Are there any "audiophile quality" variacs available, or some that "sound" better than others? I researched power conditioners that might have the feature of reducing output voltage, but the only solution I found were the new PS Audio Premier power plants that can do this. Unfortunately, they retail for $2,000, and my budget does not allow for such a purchase. Even at used prices, their reliability seems to be an issue from posts I have read on them. Any suggestions from others who have suceeded at reducing voltages without ill effects? Thanks for your help!
bigshutterbug
THE BEST PRODUCT FOR THIS IS A TICE TITAN / POWERBLOCK POWER CONDITIONING COMBO. IT ALLOW A ADDITION/DEDUCTION IN VOLTAGE WITH A FLICK OF A COMBINATION OF TWO SWITCHES. AT THE SAME TIME YOU GET CONDITIONED POWER. I USE IT WITH MY OLD CARY WITH GREAT RESULT.
Eldartford, did you understand the posters question?

He's obviously measured 124 volts at his place and stated:
I have an older 30 w.p.c. tube amp that should be run with 110-115 Volts coming into the unit.

I take this to mean the design is from the 1950's or 60's when USA voltage was lower.

As for measuring the other leg of his 220, that's not a bad idea but running another line to access that side of the transformer would cost more than the transformer I provided a link to.

Also, I doubt the two sides of his 220 are that far apart, the other side could be higher or lower. Even if lower, probably nowhere near 110 volts he's shooting for.

Too late to advise him to not spend money, he's already purchased a Variac in hope of protecting his investment. Unfortunately Variacs are famous for turning good sound into BAD.

If I misunderstood the question I hope Bigshutterbug will post back and clarify, but that's the meaning I derived from his question.
Google "transformer 104/110" and you'll find several multitap options. Read some good things about Signal. Unfortunately, these types rarely come packaged in nice metal boxes. That's up to you.
You do not need an autotransformer. Just buy a 115 - 9V transformer (I think 3A, 30W will be enough for your power amplifier) and wire the secondary in series with the mains feeding your amplifier. If you connect it the proper way you get 124-9 = 115V. If you get 133V just reverse either the primary or secondary winding terminals - not both at the same time!

After checking you should put everything in a nice box.
Excellent suggestion by Microstrip.

Just to make sure it's clear to everyone, the primary would be connected across the ac line, in addition to the secondary being connected in series between the hot side of the ac line and the hot side of the outlet on the box into which the amplifier's power cord would plug. The neutral side of the ac line would be wired straight through the box to the outlet for the amplifier (in addition to going to one side of the primary). Safety ground would also be connected straight through, as well as being connected to the metal box.

It would also be prudent to put a fuse in the box, at the input, perhaps 4 or 5 amps slow blow.

Regards,
-- Al