2. amps-preamps
  3. 1098202007

What to do? Converting from 220v mains to 110v

I'm in a bit of a quandry. I'm currently converting from 220v (mains) to 110v (for my US equipment) and I want new "stuff".

I am getting back into the audiophile obsession – I mean hobby - but am living in Europe temporarily (since 1997, not temporary?), where all the mains power is 220v.

So, while my power amp is on 220v (I had it converted while in for service), I’m running my Turntable (Linn Sondek), CD player (Linn Genki) and pre-amp (Spectral) off a 220 to 110v transformer. This transformer is 1.5 Kw, 220v input, 110v output. (I believer the amperage on the circuit the transformer is plugged into is 15A, but I'll have to check.) (To further confuse the issue, I’m actually using a circa 1990 NAD receiver right now. I haven’t listened to the spectral/quad combo since we moved to Germany from England, as one of the components has a “hum”. However, at low to medium volumes the system with the NAD currently sounds, by audiophile standards, pretty “fair”.)

I’m getting the tube bug real bad ($$$) which makes my problem worse as
a) I need (want) a high current available to run an amp that will push my 4 ohm Thiel CS2’s (sensitivity 87 dB/W-m), and
b) I expect any good 20 to 50 wpc (audio research, Conrad-Johnson, musical fidelity…) tube amplifier, or integrated amp, will draw a fair amount of current.

Two questions:
1) How much sound quality am I loosing by plugging my 110v equipment into a transformer/converter? (Bonus question: line conditioners seem to be worthwhile ‘tweaks’ in any high end system; am I in an even better situation to benefit from line conditioning?)

2) I’m looking to replace my amp and pre-amp with a "real good" integrated amp (C-J CAV-50 is the "low-end" frontrunner now, unless I go and spend even more $$); since I plan to go back to America (soon?) should I purchase 110v equipment now and temporarily run it through the 220v to 110v converter? Or, should I purchase 220v equipment and ship it back to the factory for conversion to 110 when I move back to America?

Thanks for your advice.

Jeffrey Young
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delsfan

Showing 2 responses by restock

restock
831 posts
 
Lugnut is correct about the Linn. The Genki can be converted by a switch on the back. Assuming you have a at least a Valhalla or Lingo the LP12 is convertable as well.

As with respect to tube gear: There's are some good ones available in Europe, that I would look into: Cayin TA30, Primaluna, Jadis etc. Prices on these might be even better than in the US. I am not sure about voltage convertability though. Also I am not sure about driving Thiel with a tube amp due to the low impedance (I did read somewhere that Thiel are not ideal for tube amps.

Also one thing to consider: If you move back to the US, you could run a dedicated 230V from the breaker box to your stereo. You even get balanced power for free that way. There's some threads here on Audiogon about running 230V in the US.

Please let me know if you find some good voltage convertable tube gear. I am in a similar situation, since I might be moving again as well.

Good luck,

Rene
restock
831 posts
 
I just found out that the Unison Unico integrated and CDP can be converted from 220 to 110 or back. Like many other manufactures the transformers used inside are dual voltage. The conversion only requires a resoldering of the transformer connections.

The Unico might be what you are lokking for in a good tube (hybrid) amp.

Good luck.
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