Step Up/Down Transformers - Good or Bad?

I think Albert has the best solution. You should however remember that the power company uses various step down transformers before it gets to your house. Thus there should be no real problem.

It is an improvement rather than a problem from an incoming power quality perspective, as long as it is not undersized. Some of the audio power conditioners sold for significant $'s are not much more than a 1-1 transformer in a fancy enclosure (fwiw, installing a regulating transformer in front of sensitive electronic equipment is common practice in industry). Sola, and others, make a good regulating transformer at a reasonable price if you wish to get fancy. The 240v line solution works, but kids tend to stick things in outlets at some point in their life & the penalty for doing this can be much higher. Good luck!

The 240v line solution works, but kids tend to stick things in outlets at some point in their life & the penalty for doing this can be much higher. Good luck!

Remember that 240V in USA is twin 120 volt runs. This is simply two of the same lines that already exist in other parts of your home. So, unless your kids are especially gifted at getting things into sockets they are likely to get 120 (one leg).

Besides that, the transformer being suggested by others has the same liability as it produces 240 volt as well.

The plus of the transformer is it can move with you to another home. The plus for dedicated 240V line is better sound (in my opinion) and probably cost less. Remember too, future buyers of your home can split that 240 back into twin dedicated 120 volt lines to run whatever they please.

It's not a bad thing to have.

As my electrician friend told me its amps not volts that kill.

Gregadd - I think your buddy would tell you that twice the volts gets you twice the amps, when other factors are equal.
He is right though when conditions are right it doesn't take high voltage to drive enough current to hurt or kill.

Glrtrgi - I really don't have issue with 240v lines, and as noted above you are going to have a 240v outlet somewhere unless you wire directly from tranny, just think it is good to be aware of the potential hazards.

Albertporter - "unless your kids are especially gifted at getting things into sockets they are likely to get 120 (one leg)." The lucky kid goes 120-ground, the unlucky goes +120 -120, just touching 120 is usually free unless you are in contact with a grounded surface. Not sure why one would be more likely than another.
The better sound opinion is interesting (why , in what way, how determined?) if you are in the mood to elaborate.

Happy listening