Ampeg SVT Power Transformer

[Tube]

hello guys,
to use an Ampeg SVT Blue-Line 1969 with 220V, what could be done?

[Alex1984]

Since it's a blueline, I'd get an external adaptor rather than modding it.

[JimmyM]

ya, you can replace the 110 power transformer with a 220, but if it were me i'd suck it up and get a line voltage transformer.

[Tube]

what is the best power transformer, manufacturing and quality similar to 'the original vintage?

[JimmyM]

Welcome to Fliptops -- Parts for Ampeg and other Vintage Amp Lovers sells replacement transformers. it should sound the same, really. svt's all sound the same to me no matter what they year or place of manufacture.

[Tube]

the Hammond and Mercury Teneclone as I am?
or those Fliptops are better?

[JimmyM]

i don't really know, but the mercury transformers are more expensive, so i imagine they're better

[Tube]

p.s.
the power transformer affect the sound?

[JimmyM]

some believe the pt affects the sound even more than the tubes. i don't know if i believe that, but it's definitely right up there.

[jastacey]

Some folks say the PT affects the sound and some say it doesn't ... my thinking is, an older amp may have drifted spec-wise and a new PT may affect the sound .... if it was my amp, I'd just get a step-up/step-down transformer, just double the wattage rating of the step-up/step-down transformer, by using what the SVT requires

[Tube]

to use a Ampeg SVT 1969 Blue Line 220V, I just have to change the PT?
or there are other transformer and components to be changed?

[MAMMOTHvolume]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

some believe the pt affects the sound even more than the tubes. i don't know if i believe that, but it's definitely right up there.

if its the same spec a pt wont effect the sound.

[beans-on-toast]

Originally Posted by Tube

to use a Ampeg SVT 1969 Blue Line 220V, I just have to change the PT?
or there are other transformer and components to be changed?

No there are two transformers that will need to be changed, the power transformer and the filament transformer. The filament transformer is the small one next to the power transformer. In addition, you will need to change the fuse, the power cord and plug.

This is the schematic for the 1969 power amp. The filament transformer is marked FT.

http://postimage.org/image/rj927l0/full/

I suggest that you buy a 220 Volt to 120 volt step down transformer. This is a stand alone unit that converts 220 volts to 120 volts. You plug your amp into it. This allows you to keep your original transformers, fuse, power cord and plug.

If you google "220 to 120 stepdown transformer" you will find places that sell them. Buy a good quality transformer. The other important thing to consider is the wattage of the transformer. On the schematic, it shows a 10 Amp fuse and 120 volts AC, 50-60 Hz. This means that the OUTPUT of your converter must be rated at a minimum of (10 X 120) 1200 Watts, 50-60 Hz. Just to be safe buy at least a 1500 Watt unit. 2000 Watts is even better. There is a tradeoff to consider. The higher the wattage capacity, the larger the transformer, the more it weighs, and the more it costs.

[BassmanPaul]

Just to nit pick, transformers are rated in Volt Amps and not watts. There is also the difference in Hz rating.

[beans-on-toast]

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

Just to nit pick, transformers are rated in Volt Amps and not watts. There is also the difference in Hz rating.

Well I did specify 50-60Hz.

Transformer companies such as Hammond specify VA ratings. The industry standard seems to be to express the output capacity of consumer converters in watts. Maybe watts makes more sense to consumers. Maybe watts makes more sense when referring to output capacity on these converters.

Here are some typical examples:
Step Down Voltage converter, Voltage transformer, Step Down VOltage transformer, 220 volts to 110 volts converter 220 to 110 converter transformer

Transformers - 220V to 110V : Adaptelec.com, International Electrical Specialists