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Moving to UK, what to do?


I am potentially moving to the UK and like everyone else here, I have lots of equipment and plenty of expensive powercords. I currently use several PS Audio ultimate outlets which apparently are not easily converted to UK standards. All of my other equipment can be changed to 240V without too much hassle. I am currently thinking of buying a PS audio Power Director in the US. It automatically detects 120V or 240V and adjusts accordingly and I would be able to utilize all of my current power cords. I am not terribly familiar with other power delivery systems, but would be curious if there are others that would be easily be transferred to the UK. Also, does anything take in 240V and spit out 120V? That would eliminate even another step in the moving process. Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated...
cmrctrader
rwwear
2,692 posts
 
Pack.... You can get a voltage converter for most items. But, motorized equipment such as turntables with AC motors will run at the wrong speed because of the 50HZ frequency. If you can get a frequency control device such as the one VPI makes for their TT you could use it on any AC device. DC motors aren't affected by frequency.
r3fico
34 posts
 
Depends on how long you will be there? Is this a short assignment or are you moving permanently.

If you're moving permanently I would recommend getting the transformer taps on your amplifier reconfigured for 220/240 VAC (assuming its a multi-voltage transformer). I say this because the performance of your amplifier will probably suffer if you use a step-down transformer instead of re-configuring, especially if its a high current unit. If you're using a step-down, pick a good one that weighs approximately the same as your amp and is rated 0.5KVA above your amp's rating. Your digital front-end and preamp don't suck too much power so you can plug these safely into the step down.
mt10425
1,138 posts
 
Sell everything and buy Linn and Tannoy replacements. Just kidding. Thought I'd stir the pot a bit this morning.
seandtaylor99
1,262 posts
 
Step down transformers are cheap and easily available. In the UK you can try www.maplin.co.uk. You can buy a kilowatt step down transformer for less than 100 dollars.
The turntable might be the only tricky part, but check with all equipment manufacturers as some equipment detects the mains frequency and will not work if it is incorrect (e.g. Mark Levinson)

Overall I would not panic. I moved from the UK to the US a few years ago and changing country is a tricky business ... adapting the voltage on your hifi is the easy bit.
ajahu
306 posts
 
What is good in the PSaudiP300 that you can adjust the hertz, while all other converters give you 50herz
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