Hi Guys I have a integrated amplifier that is set for 220v European and i need to use it on a 240v outlet here in Australia , the amplfier transformer is rated at 500va and the amp is 100wpc into 8ohm what size stepdown transformer would i need ? i have seen a stepdown that is rated at 600w - 2.7 amps and a 1000w - 4.5amps . I wish to maintain the best sound from the amp and don't want to restrict its power supply . sorry but i am a bit of a nuff with electronics.
Hi Elberoth Been away on travels checked the mains and it is a constant 244v - 245v i have noticed that A.m audio's current amplifiers still have 220v stamped on the back ,
I wouldn't worry too much about that. There are thousands of amps on the market in Europe, that were made with 220V in mind. Now we have 230V (which means that allowable voltage is deviation is 207-242V, according to the +5%/-10% rule) and you do not hear about the older stuff suddenly breaking.
Measure the voltage across your AC lines, and if it is less than 240V, I wouldn't worry one bit.
Hi Elberoth The amp is from the mid 90s , 1996 i believe , it has 220v stamped on the back , this is a review link to the amp in question. http://www.tnt-audio.com/ampli/pa100_e.html The amp is Italian -A.M.Audio PA-100.
How old is the amp ? Europe has been 230V, not 220V, for the past 15 years. If it works with 230V, it will have absolutely no problem working with 240V (hey, I measure 236V at my AC outlet most of the time).
Between the Tortech and the Signal SU/DU at 2000 watts, about 20 kg and several hundred dollars.
An autotransformer only has one winding and offers no isolation and no filtration. They are more efficient per weight and cost. If you want a packaged unit, that may be the only option available.
The mass of bigger core with dual/quad windings does give it some magnetic stability, if I'm using that term properly.
Bandwidth is not an issue for power transformers, unlike audio. They only have to provide 50 or 60 Hz. In fact, the narrower the better.
As far as degradation, there are various opinions and experiences and I can't account for each implementation although I've seen some that were just wrong. I've got several oversized isolation and center-tapped (don't ask) transformers and haven't heard any degradation, just a bit less noise. Not a big proponent of using them for amps because of the way a class AB amp draws power in spikes, but as long they're sufficiently oversized, it shouldn't hurt.
Be aware too that transformers can have a mechanical hum that can be unpredictable to each installation and environment.
Thanks for the link Elizabeth starting to get my head around the workings of stepdowns my main concern is getting a stepdown unit that will not bring a audible reduction in dynamics hence my confusion as to what size to buy , I am not much of a electronics man just a enjoy the music kinda guy :)
Hi Ng Thanks for the link to the Tortech site What is th difference between a autoformer/converters and say a Real transformer ? as stated in your post . They have a 2400v - 11 amps unit as well for around $20.00 more. Any real advantage with the 2400-11amps over the 2000w -9amp I have read that stepdown transformers can degrade the sound of a amplifier so just don't want to make a mistake with a purchase. In general my outlet reads between 235v & 245v depending on the day and different times , one day i checked and it was 225v ,came back 30 minutes later and it was back up to 241v We have a power pole transformer 2 doors up on the road side.
2x100W @8ohm and a 2x220W @2ohm output power with a 50 A (!!!) current peak. Another peculiarity of this amplifier is that it works in class A up to 2x5 Watts @8ohm.
You must have a verified phone number and physical address in order to post in the Audiogon Forums. Please return to Audiogon.com and complete this step. If you have any questions please contact Support.
