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Amplifier voltage conversion

I am interested in buying a processor-amplifier combo in the US and taking it to Europe, i.e. Anthem D2v+P5 or Classe SSP-800+CA-5200. Now obviously there is a voltage and hz difference between Europe and US and transformers seem to be a no-no from a sound quality perspective unless one goes for industrial/medical instrument quality products.

Now there is the option of voltage conversion by various audio shops. Now I am not veyr techie unfortunately and hence I would like to ask if anybody can explain me whether this voltage conversion has any negative benefits and what exactly is changed?

I mean is it the whole transformer that needs to be replaced (unlikely some audio shop can do that) or is it just a fuse or a switch(can even be done by a knowledgeable amateur without degrading sound I would assume)?

If it is very different between manufacturers I would be in particular interested in Classe and Anthem amplifiers and processors.

Thank you for you explanations!
kaifupaddy

Showing 1 response by celtic66

celtic66
1,707 posts
 
I would purchase in Europe and make sure the product switched to 120/60Hz for use in the U.S. I've taken product to Europe and purchased a down converter for smaller electronics. It worked fine, but they were not upper end electronics. I took a Proton 300/301 table radio combo with a Kyocera 810 cassette deck. No high voltage/amperage demands.

You will also have the customs headache when the product arrives. They will assess value and you will need to show that you did not sell it while in country.
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