Amp for overseas

pstyle · #1 09-05-2011, 09:46 AM

Hi

I'm getting ready to move to Australia for 2 years. It's with the US Government so they are paying for all the shipping etc.

I'm taking some of my gear with me, but obviously my amps won't work there. I could always buy an amp when I get there, but since it's much cheaper here I'd like to see if there are any amps on the US market that would work there.

Does anyone know of any amps (heads) that run on 110-240V and 50-60Hz?

Thanks

paradigm_shift · #2 09-05-2011, 09:48 AM

Most genz benz stuff has a switch between voltages... what sort of stuff were you looking for ?

pstyle · #3 09-05-2011, 09:51 AM

Awesome thanks, I'm not picky, just something that sounds good.

mazdah · #4 09-05-2011, 10:00 AM

Any amp will work with external transformer - not very comfortable solution but will work just like a factory amp.
Most of the amps should after some minor mod inside (reconnecting few cables in case of Ampegs, not sure what about other amps)

refbassist · #5 09-05-2011, 10:01 AM

+ 1 for the transformer!!

KramerBassFan · #6 09-05-2011, 10:11 AM

What amps do you have?

It is possible that they have internal transformer taps and can be switched over to 220v.

Rick Auricchio · #7 09-05-2011, 10:12 AM

Many modern amplifiers can be switched for international voltages, especially the small ones that use switching power supplies.

Spend a little time with the manufacturers' web sites. Look at photos of the back of the amplifier where the power cable enters; you may be able to see a voltage-selection switch.

ian_s · #8 09-05-2011, 10:29 AM

My GK MB200 is only US voltage, but Carvin and Genz amps will auto-switch.

pstyle · #9 09-05-2011, 10:31 AM

I have a GK 1001RBII and a MarkBass SD800. Probably just easier for me to get a Genz-Benz as Paradigm suggested.

billfitzmaurice · #10 09-05-2011, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ian_s

My GK MB200 is only US voltage, but Carvin and Genz amps will auto-switch.

That applies to most Class D with switching supplies.

Quote:

Spend a little time with the manufacturers' web sites.

+1.

Quote:

+ 1 for the transformer!!

-1. Major PITA.

4-string · #11 09-05-2011, 10:59 AM

TC Electronic Classic, Staccato '51, RH450, RH750 and Blacksmith.

mazdah · #12 09-05-2011, 11:24 AM

My favs:

Ampeg SVT 2,3,4,5,6,7,8 PRO, CL, VR, PF 350, PF 500

:]

JimmyM · #13 09-05-2011, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4-string

TC Electronic Classic, Staccato '51, RH450, RH750 and Blacksmith.

Do they have more wattage that 55% of what they claim in 220v countries? BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Sorry...couldn't resist that one...I'll pipe down now...

grendle · #14 09-05-2011, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ian_s

My GK MB200 is only US voltage, but Carvin and Genz amps will auto-switch.

.

grendle · #15 09-05-2011, 11:55 AM

[quote="pstyle"]I have a GK 1001RBII and a MarkBass SD800. Probably just easier for me to get a Genz-Benz as Paradigm suggested..

EricssonB · #16 09-05-2011, 11:57 AM

What region of Australia will you be in? I'd imagine that the local selection might be something unique, unless you're in some remote part of the Northern Territory.

pstyle · #17 09-05-2011, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grendle

Your GK is auto switching, read PG 4 of the manual. Don't know about the MB. You just need the correct power cord, and may have to flip the fuse selector around.

You sure it auto switches? It sounds more to me like the manual is just stating which voltages are for which countries.

http://www.gallien.com/manuals/1001RB-II_700RB-II.pdf
page 4

Scogman · #18 09-05-2011, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

Do they have more wattage that 55% of what they claim in 220v countries? BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Sorry...couldn't resist that one...I'll pipe down now...

Good one. :-) 55% * 220/110 = 110% doesn't it? :-)

I've been traveling overseas a bunch and have been slowly hauling gear over here so I'm only in the market for things that do both 110 and 220. That's kept me from buying a rackmount Sansamp. I can get one or the other, but not both.

The SVT7-Pro I just ordered does both 110-115 / 220-230 or something like that. So does my other amp. :-)

pstyle · #19 09-05-2011, 12:01 PM

Sydney

Quote:

Originally Posted by EricssonB

What region of Australia will you be in? I'd imagine that the local selection might be something unique, unless you're in some remote part of the Northern Territory.

Scogman · #20 09-05-2011, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pstyle

Sydney

You are going to enjoy Sydney. Fantastic city. Much to do in Sydney and the surrounding areas. If you like wine you are going to get spoiled on Fantastic Aussie Shiraz for not a lot of money.

I was on assignment there for a year. Company paid. It's a great place to enjoy when you are on an expense account, otherwise, with the weak dollar, you would now choke on what stuff costs there. When I was there in 2003-2004 it was the other way around. Dollar was strong then. I brought my mom out for a visit and she loved both Sydney and Melbourne.

Not sure what your current work attire is, as in the US many places are business casual. In Australia it's still coat, tie, and dress shoes for most professionals.

A number of Americans that work for my company that did assignments in Australia ended up staying on with the local team after the assignment was over. Australia is a great country.

It's in good fun, but beware of being baited. The Aussies, along with folks from other commonwealth countries like New Zealand and Great Britain love to bait Americans into a political conversation then like to go in for a verbal 'kill' if you will. You'll get some of that, like I said, in good fun. It's a lot less politically correct in conversation over there. If you get in a spot and don't have a comeback that's any good the atomic option is, "Yeah, but your grandparents love the Americans because we saved Australia from being run over by the Japanese in WWII." :-) :

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