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120V or 240V

Hi everyone! I am ordering Symphonic Line monoblocs from Germany and am debating whether to have them run on 120 or 240V. I have a dedicated 240V line already installed in my listening room that I use with an Equi=Tech power conditioner that converts 240 into 120 (I used this when I lived in Europe a couple of years back).

Any thoughts on advantages/disadvantages of running amps on 120 vs 240V would be greatly appreciated! Many thanks!
drv
rademaker
88 posts
 
240V will sound better
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
The stuff (in general) designed to run on 240V will IMO sound better if run 240V. Changing it to 120V will cause the sound quality to drop.
Also 240V stuff is usually more efficient than the same product changed to run on 120V.
6550c
393 posts
 
"240V will sound better"

Can you give any physics reason why?
The amp circuits require the same voltages and do not know how many turns are in the primary transformer. 240 will require a larger step down (higher turns ratio) than 120.(Isn't an amp really running on 5 or 12V?) I don't see how this would change any performace specs of the amp. I could see 240 being better on a tube amp, because the voltage needs to be stepped up, but on SS the voltage needs to be stepped down.
jea48
2,944 posts
 
Power is power.... easy as PIE..... P = I x E.
Power = (watts, VA)
I = (amps)
E = (volts)

NEC 2008
210.6 Branch Circuit Voltage Limitations.
210.6 (A) Occupancy Limitation. In dwelling units and guest rooms or guest suites of hotels, motels, and similar occupancies, the voltage shall not exceed 120 volts, nominal, between conductors that supply the terminals of the following:
(1) Luminaires (light fixtures)
(2) Cord-and-plug connected loads 1440 volt-amperes, nominal, or less or less than 1/4 hp.
curio's avatar
curio
294 posts
 
If you are in USA, I recommend getting it set for 120V ... (6550)

I agree with 6550 .. if you think to stay in US you should buy the 120AC Voltage version.

I don't agree with someone who says gears born for 240V. don't sound same at 120V.
It's exactly the same!
We can debate about the AC power cords .. these sure are different! But not the trasformers

IMHO
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