2. amps-preamps
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Safe to use 110V/60Hz in other countries?

Took on an assignment in Singapore, they use 220V/50Hz there.

Even with step down transformer, my wireless router AC adaptor died in a day because it did not like the 50Hz incoming power (I think). Same thing happened to my friend's wireless router, Tivoli, and Bose Wave.

I was thinking of buying an integrated amp from US so I can bring back and use later. Is it safe to run 50Hz power on electronics designed for 60Hz power?
semi

Showing 2 responses by semi

semi OP
649 posts
 
Dewald,

thanks for the reply. I realized most electronics convert AC to DC and should not be sensitive to incoming freq, but after hearing so many premature failure cases I was concerned. I brought my Sony SACD player to Singapore and it stated 60Hz as power requirement, I decided to pack it up and put it away.

I think I will go buy equipments that accept 50/60hz and run step-down to be safe.
semi OP
649 posts
 
Problem is I am leaning toward tube integrated which is never universal voltage like class-D amp. I did consider Bel Canto for a brief moment, even Bel Canto with Class-D requires some jumper to be moved to use in 220V countries.

I did buy a big step-down transformer, 800W to be exact. The integrated I was considering would draw <300 watt from wall and should leave me ample room for loud passage, or will it?
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