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120Volts to 220Volts?

Hi Folks:
I hope to move my Arcam CD player and amplifer from the US to Singapore, but the electricity requirements are different. I guess I'm looking at three options:
To purchase transformers here or in Singapore which will allow the units to work there, or to get the internal electronics of the units changed to work at 220V, or to simply sell the gear on the used market and work from scratch in Singapore.
Which option do you think is the wisest? I'm not sure how difficult or expensive the first two are. I'd value your advice. Thanks!
outlier
sqjudge
96 posts
 
You could get a step down transformer to drop the 220 v to 120. Is the frequency in Singapore 50 Hz? If so you may need to talk with the manufacturer. I feel the isolation from the transformer(s) could be of help in filtering out electrical line noise. Chris
marvel
4 posts
 
That depends on how long you are going to stay in Singapore. If it is for long, then I suggest you sell the equipment and start from scratch since few years down the road, the 2nd hand market value for your old equipment will be low. If it is for short, then using a quality transformer is really an option. I don't recommend changing the internal circuitry as the equipment was not originally designed to do so otherwise there would be an external switch or the equipment can auto-adjust the voltage.

Good luck
redkiwi
1,092 posts
 
The Arcam is designed in the UK (where the power is 230 Volts 50Hz) and it is highly unlikely they ordered a separate run of transformers for US sales. It is therefore very likely that there is a simple switch inside for switching to 230V. If anything it may run better at 50Hz rather than the more difficult 60Hz. If you do not feel confident about it, ask Arcam.
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