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US Gear overseas - Voltage Conversion Questions

I have recently moved to South Africa from the United States. The voltage is 220 down here and my equipment varies in its ability to toggle between 110 and 220.

I've got the following components:
1. Accuphase 202 integrated amp (switch on back to convert from 110 to 220)
2. Accuphase 101 tuner (switch on back to convert from 110 to 220)
3. Meridian 508.20 cdp (I don't see a conversion switch)
4. Audio Physic Virgo II speakers w/ Goertz MI2 speaker cables and Pure Note Cerulean i.c.s
5. PS Audio Ultimate Outlet 20amp

My questions are as follow: I was provided three heavy duty voltage transormer units (they do have a slight hum however) with the house here.

1. Would it make sense to switch the two Accuphase components to 220 volts and forego the transformers and then simply use one transformer for the Meridian CDP? I am looking at this from both a sound and safety perspective?

2. Or would that be an issue since the i.c.'s from the Meridian CDP functioning at 110 (and converted via the transformer to 220) are plugged into the amp now functioning at 220v? Local tech's tell me this wouldn't be a problem.

3. Can I fit the Ultimate Outlet anywhere into this chain - does it only work on 110 or could it still function on an amp coverted to 220? I assume it would be no problem to put it between the CDP and transformer.

4. Can the Meridian CDP be converted internally to 220? Do you think it would be worth looking into it?

Any other insight or experience would be appreciated as I get ready to rock the Veld in this beautiful part of the world. I wonder if voltage transformers will degrade, compress, or distort the sound to any degree? I suppose that experimenting will be the ultimate test but wanted to hear it from the audiogon community's collective experience.
lyonpowers
5 responses Add your response
dmitrydr
221 posts
 
When you switch between 100 and 220 your unit continues to work in its native mode, with the least impact on sound, if any, so for units with switches I wouldn't even think about transformers.
CD player has low power consumption, so you can get relatively small low-power and quiet, inexpensive high quality isolation transformer solely for it.
As for PS, I guess leave it in the box until you're back... or sell it.
I moved from Canada with SimAudio equipment working with 110V only, I run it from 2kW transformer, and though I don't notice any sound degradation (the good thing is that I can't do side by side comarison), in theory there must be some...
76doublebass's avatar
76doublebass
254 posts
 
I spent many years in Germany while in the Army and always used the transformers to convert the voltage with no problems.But be certain as from previous posts that you have a very high rated transformer to handle all this equipment.If you have a switch for changing voltage on your equipment by all means use it ,that's what its for.
elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
Last time I checked, Meridian can be rewired for 115V (or 230V) operation. E-mail Meridian for details. And skip the transformers.
lyonpowers OP
8 posts
 
Thanks Rooze, That gets me headed in the right direction.
rooze's avatar
rooze
636 posts
 
Lyonpowers, I'd start by checking that the transformers are adequately rated for your equipment. You need to find the VA rating and ensure it's at least double that of your equipment, preferably more, since transformers are inherently inefficient. I suspect that they will be OK based on what you've said, but you should check anyway.

Assuming the ratings are OK, find out if they are Auto-transformers or isolation transformers. The fact that they are buzzing suggests to me that they are isolation transformers. If they are, then it could be beneficial to leave them in the circuit as they may offer a degree of filtering of AC line noise, not much, but some. If they are auto-transformers I would flip the switches on the back of your equipment, and run them off the line, particularly the power amp. Contact Meridian and ask them about their player. Being a European company I suspect that their PSU will be auto-sourcing and will work on 110 through 240, but you need to ask if it isn't marked.

Depending on who installed the transformers, there may be grounding issues that could cause a hum in your system, particularly if you have components on what will essentially be two or more independent circuits. There may be some trial and error needed.
Check on the PS Unit, it should be stamped 110/220. I doubt that it wouldn't work on 220 but if it isn't clearly marked, shoot PS an email via their website and ask.
The 'safety' issue of having some components on 110 and some on 220 is a non-issue, but there may be issues with grounding that could effect what you hear.
Sorry that there isn't really a definitive answer without knowing more about what type of installation you have.
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