I have moved to Europe, from the USA, twice. Simply bought myself a 2 kW voltage converter/power stabilizer. Worked perfectly for me. You can use something like this: http://www.eastwestusastore.com/detail-3514-id-577-regulators.htmlAlternatively, just buy a 220V-110V transformer and use it with your power conditioner. See my previous post on this subject. Warning: A lot of Krell, Martin Logan, Mark Levinson etc. equipment have a voltage/frequency sensing chip on the power input board. If it detects the correct voltage but wrong frequency it will not work. I found out the hard way when I tried to run my Krell HTS on a 220V-110V transformer; 110V/50Hz instead of 110V/60Hz. |
Good luck i would never do this as if you make a mistake it could blow up. |
Mgattmch, is a device like that "audiophile friendly"? I would guess that something like that can introduce noise or constrain dynamics. Is that the case? |
In answer to "marktomaras" question; not in my opinion. Hard to be certain, as I was unable to do a direct comparison. However, based on memory, both systems sounded the same in France as they did in the USA. |
I'd do it, but I built the amp I'm using and restored everything else and it's all got simple linear regulated or unregulated power, or both. On my F5 it's as simple as wiring the dual primaries in series for 220V. It would take about 15 minutes to do.
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Kosst, Would you happen to have any photos of what it looks like to wire the primaries? Is it simply removing the solder in a wire from one point in moving into a different point and re-solder it? |
Everybody does it different. Some companies use shorting connectors and you just rotate the plug on the connector and it changes the mains setting. Some have dual primaries you wire in series or parallel. Sometimes there is some in-rush current control, like my F5, that needs to be considered. If you want to see what's going on in the F5 look for the Pass First Watt article. The power supply diagram is near the end of the article.
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I love the idea of not spending $1500 on voltage conversions and shipping back and forth. But I am worried that the transformer will not be a good "audiophile" solution. The last thing I want is some noise or distortion in my system! thoughts? |
I don't think you have anything to worry about with a transformer. It's not like the utility company hangs boutique audiophile transformers on the pole outside. |
marktomaras
an audio research preamplifier, PS audio DAC, and a Whest Phono Stage. While the actual price to have the factories do this is not very high, Because you’ve said "not very" to the cost, by all 3 units. It sounds like they don’t need new transformers installed. All have must have multiple primary taps on the transformers (4 wires), which can be reconfigured either series or parallel by internal switching or plugs, or physically re-configuring the primary taps.to suit the new voltage. You can read up on doing this using Google if your up to it. Here is a pic, the top one of the same transformer wired for 115v or 240v http://electro-dan.co.uk/electronics/wiring.gifCheers George |
Thank you georgehifi, I was hoping this is not rocket science! Perhaps I’ll open the hood and investigate soon...
By the way, what is your feeling on using a large capacity step down isolation transformer instead of changing all of the wiring on several components? |
I don't mind using step down trany's, so long as they're quite and way over rated for the job. As they also do isolation as well, which will reduce mains noise. I use a 230v to 230v isolation trany on all my source gear in Australia for just that purpose.
As for amps though as they're not regulated, nothing beats straight into the wall mains outlet, as they sound best with the lowest line resistance, and any kind of after market conditioning to me introduces higher line resistance compared to nothing.
Cheers George |
georgehifi -
i think you are right about the very likely lack of a new internal transformer. Seems like that would be far more expensive of a change.
so, where do I begin? Pop off the top and take some photos, and show the community for advice?
does the 50hz 60hz change have an effect here? Portugal is on 50hz, we’re on 60hz. Does the Rewiring of the transformer take this into account or solve this problem?
i am a tinkerer by nature, and I have some DIY skills. That said, I am no electronics engineer! If I am going to attempt this, I’ll need to have a good plan/procedure in place. Any advice to how I might proceed and what the tools and skills necessary may include?
are we talking soldering? Or perhaps just some sort of detachable wiring terminator that holds the wire to the points on the transformer?
lastly, is there any way to know for sure, before I risk disaster, that the new wiring scheme is 100% correct? As I am not familiar with Power supply transformers, I am not aware of there is a common standard that is obvious to an engineer.
It is not worth risking my gear if there is a chance of catastrophic failure. That said, if it is possible to see/envision the correct wiring scheme will total confidence, I think I am game to do the conversion myself.
last but not least, I have a medium size step up transformer here in the USA. I suppose I could test the component at 220v to see if it works, and still be on the correct side of the Atlantic to get it fixed at the factory if I fail!
Thanks!
Mark |
so, where do I begin? Pop off the top and take some photos, and show the community for advice?
Yes you could do that, take pics of the primary side of the transformer. If there is only two wires your sunk, but if there are 4 wires that's good. Cheers George |
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Schematics for ARC preamp and power amp:
http://www.arcdb.ws/VT100/VT100.html
http://www.arcdb.ws/LS25/LS25.html Looking at these all have multiple primaries, they both look doable from 110v to 230v. OP, if you need to ask how to do it, DON’T!, get someone who knows. Shouldn't take longer than 1/2hr to 1hr each, depending on access to the primaries. Cheers George |
Georgehifi,
so it seems that the voltage issue is solvable. But what about rhe frequency? Will the units work as the should on 50 hz?
mark |
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Will the units work as the should on 50 hz?
Yes, no problems with these audio pieces. Cheers George |
George, can you explain why the 50-60 hz change is not a problem? |
Although the transformer will run hotter at 50Hz, as long as the transformer is designed to operate on 50/60Hz, you shouldn't worry about it. And its usually clearly printed "50/60Hz" on the back of the equipment near the AC power socket!
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Slightly hotter not worth mentioning, and it's a problem with TT synchronous motors, and some microprocessors that Krell used in their 300 integrated amp.
Cheers George |
I spent several years in Europe both in the army and as a contractor. If you have access to a PX over there they sell step down transformers at a reasonable price if you have to buy one locally over there it's more expensive. There generally packaged nicely look for one that is at least 1200W larger is better. While this probably is not the best method it is the cheapest. Converting all your components can get pricey.
As for the 50/60 Hz this is generally not a problem. Only one of my components balked at he frequency. Cant remember if it was my Levinson DAC or Transport. Had to take it to shop to have some conversion done and again when I returned
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One last word of advice. Be careful that you do not plug your equipment into the mains over there it will smoke your equipment. Seen it happen a few times. i\It is easier than you think wall outlets are not as plentiful over there. You will have some pretty interesting power strips and extension cord setups
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