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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
larryrx7's avatar
larryrx7 OP
137 posts
 
Paul ..you probably have a point with the speaker thing..I have them playing thru a pair of Ref 3A Decappos which already really like tube amps.. but they seem to like this amp especially well
mihalis
43 posts
 
I have lived in countries using all voltages and it is a commonly known fact between amp designers that 220-240V regions perform better with most of their designs.

In addition, transformers that can cover the full requirement of the amp (hard to do, by the way) can provide more stable electricity and importantly de-couple it from the rest of the electrical installation in your home. I use transformers even at unchanged voltage to good results.
larryrx7's avatar
larryrx7 OP
137 posts
 
Thanks Mihalis....your explanation makes sense... I am also wondering if this holds true more for tube electronics than SS?
pauly
456 posts
 
Mihalis, would you expand on "it is a commonly known fact between amp designers that 220-240V regions perform better with most of their designs"

thanks
Paul
mihalis
43 posts
 
Gents I cant expand because I dont know why. But for some reason higher voltage seems to benefit the amps. This was told to me by the designers of Tenor, Lyra Connoisseur and I think BAT if I remember correctly. I keep in touch with the LC guys who are great. I will drop them an email and see.
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