Hens Posted October 12, 2009 Report Posted October 12, 2009 Hey, I'm from Aus. As such, most of our gear operates at 220-240v, which limits my 2nd hand amp purchasing options. So the questions is, is it worthwhile using a step down transformer? What are some of the cons, that I could run into? Quote
grawk Posted October 12, 2009 Report Posted October 12, 2009 It's better to use a stepdown or stepup transformer than to fry your equipment. It will be a compromise that may or may not be noticeable. If you were MUCH more specific about what it is you're trying to do, you might get a useful answer. Quote
Hens Posted October 13, 2009 Author Report Posted October 13, 2009 Looking at 2nd hand headphone amps, since the bulk of them seem to be located in the us and suited for 110v, I'd need a step down transformer. I didn't intent to try using any relevant equipment without the use of one. Quote
Absorbine_Sr Posted October 13, 2009 Report Posted October 13, 2009 I used one here in the US with a 230v CDP that I had (MF xRay v3) and it did not appear to have any impact. Your mileage may vary though when it comes to an amp as I suspect it may be much more sensitive to "dirty" power delivery. I'm sure others with more knowledge will comment. Quote
Tachikoma Posted October 13, 2009 Report Posted October 13, 2009 First of all, what kind of amp are you looking at? Quote
n_maher Posted October 13, 2009 Report Posted October 13, 2009 Provided that one selects a step-down transformer capable of providing adequate current I see no reason that it would be at all audible unless the component it's feeding would provide crappy power to the amp regardless of what it's fed. When you think about it every component uses either a step down or step up trafo in generating B+. Quote
Hens Posted October 15, 2009 Author Report Posted October 15, 2009 Well, I wasnt looking at anything in particular yet. I may end up going with a Woo, which has a switchable power supply anyway. But a couple of rsa amps popped up that had me interested. Problem being once I factor in the cost of the transformer, I'm not really saving alot from new. Quote
Tachikoma Posted October 15, 2009 Report Posted October 15, 2009 Heh, if you hang out around here long enough you won't be opting for an RSA amp. Quote
Hens Posted October 17, 2009 Author Report Posted October 17, 2009 haha, I had no real intention of buying an rsa amp, they seem overpriced for what they are, although I've never heard one. I'll most likely avoid the hassle that comes with a step down transformer. Quote
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