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Vintage threads from the first ten years

U.S. and European voltages

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5/21/1999 6:22 AM
giovanni	U.S. and European voltages I want to buy a vintage amp through the web, but I'm facing a technical problem: in the U.S. the AC is 125 volts, while in Europe is 220 volts. What can I do? I've heard about a "step-up transformer"; is it internal or external to the amp? Is it better to work on the output transformer? Bye

5/21/1999 6:53 AM

giovanni,
I don't think you want to step up any voltage, you need to step it down from 220 to 120. I'm sure you can use a variac for this purpose or better yet, I've heard friends who were in the army mention sometype of power converter they would have to use so they could use there american electronics while stationed over there.
As far as you question about using it on the output transformer...no. The output transformer is basically coupling the signal from your power tubes to your speaker.
Hope that helps some.
jason

5/21/1999 7:38 AM
Giacomo	I saw years ago external transformers used between wall plug and amp. They drop 220V to 125V. Alternatively you have to replace power transformer. Both solutions are not cheap. You may consider what amp you are interested in. Some Fender's have voltage selector on the back (Deluxe Reverb, for example) to mach several power supply voltages. Ciao Giacomo

5/21/1999 8:17 PM
Ned Carlson	The Fenders with voltage selector switches are the export models, ones for domestic sale didn't have them. It's fairly easy to get export transformers for Fenders, but other stuff Giovanni is either going to have to get a stepdown xfmr or have his power xfmr rewound for 220V.

5/21/1999 9:46 AM

I've heard not so good things about using step down transformers. You may need a chunky one and you'll always have to drag this extra bit with you. I'd go for a new power transformer. There's quite a few places in Europe that can supply you with an 'european spec' power transformer, this is no more expensive than a step down transformer. I think Ruby Tubes carry a lot of 220-240V replacements for old Fenders and Ampegs. This shouldn't affect the value of your amp. Just curious: what amp are you looking for ?

Niek

5/21/1999 9:50 AM

Step down - and up - external trannies are certainly easy to get in the UK, and not that expensive ... ask the person you're buying the amp from about supplying one with the amp. I needed one abroad in Lebanon because there are two power supplies in the city... 140 and 225, and, quite often, even in the same house! Tip: don't run a 140v washing machine at 225... they don't work for long, but they do go very fast

5/21/1999 12:47 PM
Tommy	You can get several differnt stepdown transformers at ELFA in Sweden,they have a web site but I do not know the URL, use your search engine ,They have mail order service. Tommy

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