Buying a 110v amp for a 240v world

[Vin_MM_Sabre_79]

OK for the US TBers this thread will be a care factor 0. But for those of us in the outside world who drool over a sub $1000 US amp its a real issue. I've been shopping round for a couple of months and being the uberNerd that I am have done a lot of looking into it to see what's out there for easy import.

There are 2 ways to do a voltage conversion: by converting the amp, or by lugging around a separate 230v/110v transformer. I've ruled out the second option as its not only a Pain_In_The_A but is also not necessarily going to work; the 50hz/60hz AC frequency can also do bizarro stuff. (as per some Ampeg tech poster on TB)

So as far as amp transformer switching goes there seem to be 3 kinds:
110v/230v Switch or Fuse change. Easy- Ampeg SVP, Eden, TF and looks like Epifani.
Multitap transformer. Not as Easy. Transformer can change from series or parallel with a bit of soldering. eg: Ampeg 3Pro, Aguilar Early Ashdown(?), possibly others with weeks of study.
Fergeddabouddit category- you need to change the whole transformer eg: Mesa

So...any Thoughts? Pearls of wisdom? Experiences with this stuff?

 

[Vin_MM_Sabre_79]

...or more importantly.... What other amps do we know belong in which categories?

 

[i_got_a_mohawk]

My ampeg SVT-II was a US version, but it had been converted (Multitap transformer), and works flawlessly.

The amp thats really got my attention right now is the Genz Benz NeoPak3.5, which has a voltage switch (I dont know for sure, but i think all Genz Benz amps are like that)

 

[agedhorse]

My ampeg SVT-II was a US version, but it had been converted (Multitap transformer), and works flawlessly.

The amp thats really got my attention right now is the Genz Benz NeoPak3.5, which has a voltage switch (I dont know for sure, but i think all Genz Benz amps are like that)

All of the GB products are 115/230volt AND 50/60Hz switchable.

Some important considerations when buying any amplifier product for international traveling use:

1. Be sure the amp uses an IEC style detachable power cord. Countries throughout the world use different power receptacles even though they may use the same voltage and frequency. A detachable power cord means added convenience and safety since you can carry withg you an assortment of premanufactured cordsets.

2. ALWAYS measure the voltage of the receptacle you intend to use. It's not uncommon to find mis-wired or improper receptacles used on an installation (a 115 volt receptacle wired for 230 volts is a particular problem), especially in more developing reigons.

3. ALWAYS check the settings on the amp BEFORE connecting to the power source.

4. Know that it's not unusual for the supply to be ungrounded. This can cause noise problems that can not be improved on with many products.

5. Some products that are 115/230 volt capable are externally configured for 115/230 volts and some require a service center to change the wiring on the primary of the transformer, or switchmode power supply. All current GB products are externally configurable.

6. Be sure that the product is rated for 50Hz operation if that's what the supply is rated for. Generally 50Hz rated product will operate just fine on a 60Hz supply but the reverse may not be true, and excessive heating of the power transformer may result.

7. Some new switchmode power supply and class D products have a self-configuring power supply that automatically switches to the correct mode upon application of power. This may not be clearly explained.

8. If you have ANY questions, always consult with the manufacturer's product support folks BEFORE trying it. Better safe than sorry.

 

[Trevorus]

GK also can do both. It takes switching a wire or two inside, which I have heard is pretty easy.

 

[Vin_MM_Sabre_79]

GK also can do both. It takes switching a wire or two inside, which I have heard is pretty easy.

I think it depends which model. I asked the GK techies about a 1001RB and he asked: "Please could you provide the serial number of that unit and what color is it?(black with painted logo or grey with metal logo)"

It was painted - which apparently doesn't have a "universal transformer" so it can't be rewired. And gets a

 

[BillyB_from_LZ]

OK for the US TBers this thread will be a care factor 0. ...the 50hz/60hz AC frequency can also do bizarro stuff. (as per some Ampeg tech poster on TB)

...

Oh come on, I'm in the US and do care... I know that we're truly blessed with plentiful and cheap gear here, so I understand the interest in exporting gear from the US.

With regard to the 50 Hz/ 60 Hz issue...if the amp has a linear power supply (as most do) the power transformer will run hotter with a 50Hz supply. It's not uncommon for a transformer (even one with a single 120 Vac primary winding to be rated for 50/60 Hz...

I guess you have to look at the amp on a case by case basis. Some amps sold here are 120 Vac, 60 Hz only, others can be reconfigured for 230 Vac, 50 Hz.

When this comes up on TB, the first thing I do is look at the owner's manual on-line. That'll usually tell you what your options are.

Good luck!!!

 

[agedhorse]

Always call the manufacturer and double-check. It is possible that a running change was made that was not reflected in an on-line owner's manual. Nothing worse then showing up with an amp that you thought (or in theory) was switchable and you find out too late that only some versions were.

 

[BillyB_from_LZ]

Always call the manufacturer and double-check. ...

Excellent advice!

 

[Vin_MM_Sabre_79]

Thanks gents- Great advice

 

[slaerts]

A friend used to play an old mesa boogie (guitar) amp, here in oz, and it was switchable. It may be worth looking at them.

 

[Danm]

Another Ampeg vote here!!!

My SVTII (non-pro) was never released here in Oz (240V) but has been changed internally on the tranny I guess to be 240. Apparently the job the original tech did wasn't so good but my tech redid it & it's cool now.. Was blowing breakers in almost every venue before he fixed it.

Works a treat!!!!!!

 

[katri]

2 points
1st mr Boonshoft of aguilar told me himself that aguilar amps canbe converted with a simple jumper change.
2nd the new phil jones bass amps have inteligent power systems so that they detect the voltage they are plugged into and jus work.

Dan

 

[One Drop]

Walter Woods amps are useable by flicking a tiny switch at just about all the world's voltages. Expensive but maybe the last amp you'll ever buy.

 

[agedhorse]

For those of you Aussies, beware that just because an amp is switchable 115/230 volt doesn't mean that it will always be correct for your country's grid which is 240 but with the voltage regulation to some areas as much as +15%, a 275 volt high line condition means that some manufacturers will use a special 240 volt transformer for your product. A typical high line voltage design condition for a 230 volt grid would be about 255 volts. Some products are designed to accomodate both.

Reminder, always double-check with the manufacturer!

 

[Vin_MM_Sabre_79]

2 points
1st mr Boonshoft of aguilar told me himself that aguilar amps canbe converted with a simple jumper change.
2nd the new phil jones bass amps have inteligent power systems so that they detect the voltage they are plugged into and jus work.

Dan

Yes Tru.Aguilar just emailed me confirming this. And quick response too.
"
All of our AC line powered products require changing the internal wiring AND a fuse change. In the case of the AG500 there are internal jumpers that need to be re-positioned, and a fuse change. I can provide instructions if you like....The work is pretty easy to do for a qualified tech. Let me know if you would like the instructions."

 

[Vin_MM_Sabre_79]

Thanks for the heads up Dan, I'm the soon_to_be proud new owner of JTLee's AG500SC.

 

[Vin_MM_Sabre_79]

Update: Bought the Aggy had the voltage switched over in under 15 minutes- there's a switchboard in the back. Contact the Aguilar techies and they'll send you out a how-to sheet for all different voltages.

Moral of the story? I ended up with a $2200Au amp for a little over $1000Au including shipping etc... My advice to any Aussies shopping for amps- NEVER buy new locally. I don't know why they insist on charging so much - A rip off as far as I can tell.

 

[Bassman62]

Moral of the story? I ended up with a $2200Au amp for a little over $1000Au including shipping etc... My advice to any Aussies shopping for amps- NEVER buy new locally. I don't know why they insist on charging so much - A rip off as far as I can tell.

Same story in Rip-off UK, Mesa told me all sorts of garbage as to why it's not advisable to ship yourself to avoid the rip-off. My friend just returned from the US last week he'd brought a Strat for nearly half the UK price.
Mesa refused any advice on the voltage selection/change whatsoever.

 

[Vin_MM_Sabre_79]

Mesa have totally different transformers for domestic and export- a local techie here says converting their amps is a complete mess.

I dunno if its a deliberate design decision to prevent people going international and undercuttting local markets. If it is- its a really poor decision. Mesa is almost totally no-existent in Australia- and I'd say largely due to excessive prices.