2. amps-preamps
  3. 1187899177

A question for technically astute

I have recently repurchased a Sophia Baby amp on A'gon at a really cheap. I suspect the cheap price the result of it being a 220 model. I think somebody move back from Europe with it. They bought a step transformer so it would work on 110. Anyway when I listened to it , I could swear that it had much better dynamics and slam than the first one I had. It seems like it can get much louder before compressing. The speakers might be a little more sensitive than before but not much. Is this my imagination or could this power arrangement make a difference?
128x128larryrx7
jw94055
125 posts
 
Hmmmm.Could it be the step transformer is feeding the amp a very clean, very constant 110? In other words, it is, by default, acting as a (seemingly successful) power line conditioner?
herman
1,974 posts
 
I don't think you can make any meaningful comparisons between 2 amps with different tubes played through 2 different speakers and going from memory on the sound of the first set up.
larryrx7's avatar
larryrx7 OP
137 posts
 
Thanks for the response..the step up transformer is boosting the voltage to 220 so I guess it could be producing a cleaner 220. As to my memory of the prior amp. It had the exact same tube complement. The only difference is the first was a 110 and this one is 220. Your right it is difficult to draw a comparison, but the difference particularly in bass slam seems noticeable for whatever reason. I wonder if the 220 produced by the step up transformer is giving the amp better juice to draw on? Does that sound reasonable?
More to discover