Dealing with Voltages: 110v to 220v vice versa


Hello Everyone,

I have been wondering about this for a while. I have lived overseas and may be moving overseas again. Unfortunately (or fortunately) I did not bring any HI-FI equipment with me last time so did not research it out. But what I want to know is:

1) Is it worth it to bring 110v to be used with 220v (assuming the usage of a transformer to convert 220v to 110v)?
2) Will there be any damages to my equipment? How?
3) Can I just used any transformer? Do I need a power condition? What else will I need?
4) What is the best (with no consideration for cost) and/or most economical way to deal with this and still be safe for expensive stuff?

I would hate to sell my equipment (or give it to my brother like the last time). Please help with any information or point to any good reliable source of information. If I move then it would be to Asian (would it be different in different country? or how about for other people moving from 220v to 110v). I was at a store the other day and they sell a power converter/surge protector/etc. by Gray for $3,000 for use in the US! It uses 220v and converts it back to 110v. They said that it provides a cleaner power source. Is this what I have to invest in?

Thanks in advance for your input!
pvs1172

Showing 1 response by rsuminsby

I lived in the UK for 3 years, and took all my US spec equipment. You can purchase transformers to step down the voltage to 110v, but it will still be 50hz power. That's only an issue for turntables or tape decks that have a motor that's synchornized to the frequency of the power (ie, they will run at the wrong speed.) It should not damage your equipment, but make sure you use a transformer of sufficient size, so as not to overload it...I used a 2Kw one.

The most elegant solution would be to buy a power regenerator like the PS Audio 300. (I have one and wouldn't part with it.) The P300 can be internally rewired to accept 220v, but it will output 110v, at whatever frequency you select. Essentially, that means you'd be using it as a very high quality step down transformer..one that also cleans up all the garbage and significantly improves the sound. The only catch is you'll need to get a power cable for the P300 with a European style plug, but that's not that difficult.