Using step up / down transformers?


Is there any sonic or functional detriment to using a step up or step down transformer to run a Japanese or European amplifier at North American voltages? If not, doing this would open up a lot of opportunities...
greg7

Showing 3 responses by cleeds

ditusa
any transformers on the main AC power lines feeding your audio equipment will degrade sound quality. That is the reason why I run all my audio gear on 240 volts ...
Your power went through multiple transformers as part of the electric grid's distribution system before it reached the transformer in your neighborhood. There's no way to be rid of them. Your audio components also contain transformers.
BTW, 240 volts, is more efficient then 120 volts, 240 volts, is half the amps as 120 volts, 240 volts is quasi balanced power.
No, the two have the same efficiency - the current is the same at either voltage.

ditusa
... 240 volts, double phase is more efficient then 120 volts, single phase. Maybe ask Jim jea48, about voltage and amperage ...
No, 240VAC is not more "efficient." Your equipment will operate at the same efficiency at either 120 VAC or 240VAC - and it will consume the same amount of current either way. Feel free to measure it for yourself.
ditusa
@cleeds,
Remember: Volts/amps.
Maybe this will help.
@ditusa you are confused. 240VAC is not more efficient than 120VAC. You apparently believe than amperage is a measure of power, which is mistaken.

Power is measured in watts. To calculate power, you multiply the amperage (which only measures the flow of current) by the voltage.

You’d probably benefit from reading a basic text in how electricity works.