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amp via transformer 220 - 110 a good idea?

Hi, I'm wondering if connecting a ROTEL amp made for the US market (110V) to 220V via a standard step down transformer is a good idea. I read a lot about power supplies' having influence on sound quality but in this case it shouldn't probably make much of a difference in terms of noise whether you use a transformer or connect stuff directly to the outlet. I'm not an expert though so any sort of advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Maciek
malickia
tobias
1,534 posts
 
IF the transformer is big enough to handle twice the current draw of the amp (more wouldn't hurt) and of reasonable quality, you should notice no degradation in its sound. As a side benefit, you might well get extra noise reduction--useful if your AC line carries a lot of crud.
semi
649 posts
 
I was doing the same thing for a while after taking on a short term assignment in a foreign country. I thought the sound was degraded in many ways. Less dynamic, transparency, top end rolled off early, sound stage was narrower.

I will suggest getting an used 220V amp while you are there and sell it at a small loss so you don't have to deal with voltage issue. In addition to lower sound quality, you also might face premature hardward failure which happened to me. Some equipments are easy to switch voltage and you can bring back to the state afterward.
malickia OP
1 posts
 
Thanks for your posts guys. I must admit though that I'm even more confused than in the beginning, as you expressed two completely opposite opinions. Cheers,
Maciek
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