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Moving from 120 VAC to 220 VAC operation on Krell monoblocks



Just read an interesting article from MBL regarding audio benefits for operating power amplifier at 220 VAC on dedicated electrical circuit. http://www.msbtechnology.com/faq/how-to-wire-your-house-for-good-power/
 
Also read on the Gon that Dan d’Agostino has voiced the sound of the FPB amp series by operating them at 220 VAC. 

I currently own a pair of Krell FPB-350 MCX monoblocks which operate on 120 VAC dedicated circuits (14 gauge wire). Contacted Krell and they indicated dip switch positions for operating the amps on 220 VAC. The MBL paper suggests to wire 220 VAC dedicated circuit using 10 gauge wire to reduce electrical noise and amplifier modulation of electrical circuit.

While the theory seem to be valid and before rewiring my dedicated circuits, I would like to have some Krell amp owners comment on the benefit of going to 220 VAC operation for those who have performed the mod.


128x128dasign
dasign's avatar
dasign OP
107 posts
 
Started looking into Siemens 240 VAC/20 A circuit breakers. I may just go direct doing the 240 VAC mod, since the core of the work is rewiring the dedicated circuits to 10 gauge wire.

Daniel
schubert
4,867 posts
 
Thank you dasign . I grew up on farm in NY 50 miles from Montreal .
Been there hundreds of times , beyond doubt , the best city in North America with a great Symphony Orch .
My uncle used to play classical music from Montreal because it calmed
the cows down, Mozart was their Favorite , we always sad the cows spoke French .
Had a landed immigrant visa once upon a time, letting family talk me out of it was biggest mistake I ever made .

Go Canadians (Senators too) !
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
220v has way more 'juice' available to really punch up the dynamics than any possible 120v setup.

IMO you will be surprised how much more powerful your amps feel at 220v.The will have better dynamics, more powerful bass punch.
Faster attack.
dasign's avatar
dasign OP
107 posts
 
Hi Elizabeth,

I’m all in with your comments and this is why I’m doing this. According to the MBL article, using 10 gauge wire is the first step to audio heaven and moving to 220 VAC is the second step.

This is going to be a nice experience and looking forward to share my observations with the Gon community.

Daniel
ct0517's avatar
ct0517
1,798 posts
 
According to the MBL article, using 10 gauge wire is the first step to audio heaven


Just be careful or you WILL end up in Audio heaven......


Probably not too many Krell owners who went for 220 VAC operation.


Probably not but the amps do come with a 20 amp outlet, their stock power cords then change it down to 15 amp plug - to fit your average house here - for sales I guess.
All Krell owners I know use a 20 amp cord on a 20 amp circuit. I do with my FPB600.  


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