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110 (or 120) vs 220

Hi,

IF an amp can operate at both 110 and 220, and a dedicated circuit is being installed for that amp, is there an advantage to a 220 v circuit? Or is the answer "it depends on the amp"? Or is the answer simply "no"?
128x128jimspov
jea48
4,319 posts
 

russe41,

Quote from 2014 NEC Code

210.6 Branch-circuit voltage Limitations. The nominal voltage of branch circuits shall not exceed the values permitted by 210.6 (A) through (E).

(A) Occupancies Limitation. In dwelling units, and guest rooms or suites of hotels, motels, and similar occupancies, the voltage shall not exceed 120 volts, nominal, between conductors that supply the terminals of the following:

(2) Cord-and-plug-connected loads 1440 volt-ampere, nominal, or less or less than 1/4hp.


jea48
4,319 posts
 

jimspov said:

I naively thought if I doubled the voltage I could ~double my available power (~quadruple at 4 ohms?) and that would vastly increase the pool of speakers I could choose from (e.g., Totem, Magnapan).


Sorry, it doesn't work that way.

The best thing you can do for the amp is give it a 120V  20 amp dedicated branch circuit.

rpnz's avatar
rpnz
27 posts
 
I hope this question is relevant to the topic but I could not find much on what would like to do.
i am moving to Europe and have an extensive hifi investment + Kimber & Nordost AC cables. I was wondering if an electrician could put in a dedicated 120v-60hz line. I do not know enough about 50hz/60hz.

Furman make a pro transformer that convert 240x-120v  (Furman P-3600 AR G ) but it’s $4k and huge. Maybe there are other products some members have had experience with? 
I would prefer a dedicated line? But is this possible.
Thank you in advance for any advice. 
djones51
4,947 posts
 
I am not aware of any european country on 60hz. Call an electrician in the area you are moving to and see what they can do. 
inna
7,179 posts
 
Check acupwr.com for transformers. I never tried them, they just look good enough to me. They don’t change frequency, though. Whether it matters or not depends on particular equipment, consult with the manufacturers. There are frequency changing devices, but I am not sure that you would want to use them. Talking to local electricians in Europe is a good idea.
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