Just received an Ampeg 1972 from the USA. I live in Europe. The ac connector is different from the ones we use here. Is it possible just to swith the connector or can't i use this amp with European voltage? And what use has the polarity switch?
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
SVT 72 voltage
- Thread starter guybassman
- Start date
If it has not been modded for Euro voltage then the answer is no.guybassman said:
My '73 is designed for 110v-120v range. I know the fuse is rated 120v.
What does yours say on the rear panel where the AC cord is postioned?
Additionally, I'm not sure if there is an internal accomodation for other voltages.
In ungrounded electrical outlets the polarity switch functioned like a phase flip or polarity reverse to cut hum.
Lastly, Congratulations on the score but I would not turn it on until speaking with someone with much knowledge.
The backside says 120 vac and the fuse is 10amp 125 v. But i already own a 76-79 i boght in Europe and the backside says the same ... Maybe i should buy an external transformer wich transforms 220v to 120 v...?
Yep, that's what you'll need, and it'll have to be a big one, rated somewhere between 750 -1000 Watts, otherwise it will overheat. So it's going to weigh rather a lot.guybassman said:
...As if the SVT wasn't heavy enough on its own!
The only alternative would be to get the amp's own mains transformer changed for one that runs off 230V. This would cost a great deal of money though, as the SVT mains trannies are complex beasts with lots of taps for the various circuit voltages - definitely not a standard, off-the-shelf item. You'd either have to buy one new from Ampeg (OUCH!) or hunt down a second hand one from a scrapped SVT (like that's ever going to turn up.....)
Or have it looked at by a technician....
A FEW old SVTs were made with dual voltage transformers. If you have one, that will save you quite a bit of money, so it may be worth checking on.
The ones that DO have dual-voltage wiring will have 4 wires from each transformer to the mains wiring instead of just 2 from each.
Those can be re-wired for the 230/240V mains, although the fuse will need to be changed also, typically to half of the original ampere rating.
A FEW old SVTs were made with dual voltage transformers. If you have one, that will save you quite a bit of money, so it may be worth checking on.
The ones that DO have dual-voltage wiring will have 4 wires from each transformer to the mains wiring instead of just 2 from each.
Those can be re-wired for the 230/240V mains, although the fuse will need to be changed also, typically to half of the original ampere rating.
The original schematics for my '73 indicate with a footnote:Jerrold Tiers said:
*The Power Tran. & the Filament Tran. for 240v models have black wire connected to blue wire
So if yours is older it's likely to have this ability.
I would take Jerrold's advice and take advantage of the built-in proper voltage. I'd rather invest in that job than spend money on another piece of gear like a converter.
When i bought the amp i wasn't aware of another voltage in the US until i opened the box and saw the connector...Maybe it's best i buy an external because i'm afraid to mess in the amp . Thanks everyone for the advice.
Went to the shop today and bought a 1000 w transformer. It has even US plugins so i don't have to switch the AC connector. Everything works fine now.
