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high voltage's affect on amplifier performance

in much of nassau county, voltage readings have increased during the last 3 years.

at one point i was getting readings as low as 117 volts. this past summer, readings have increased to 126. currently, readings are around 122 to 124 volts.

i have a hypothesis that frequency response is affected by input voltage to a tube amplifier.

is there a scientific principle, or mathematical equation which can support my hypothesis ?

if so, i might want to purchase a variac.

thanks for your help.
mrtennis
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Instead of a Variac, which you will constantly have to adjust manually, why not try a voltage stabilizer, or isolation transformer?
Maybe something like this would help.

Cheers,
John
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
I doubt that frequency response would be affected. Do you have any measurements to support your idea? Since rail voltages are usually not regulated your amp will have a little more power output. I don't think that 124 volts would measurably degrade reliability but if it gets much higher I would start to worry.

Again I ask...what voltage spec is the power company obligated to meet? I know we have electricians on this site who can provide this info.
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
That is not enough to cause a problem. If you had 135v I would start to worry! (conversely, under 105v I would be MORE concerned than having 124v)
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