Any suggestions on step-down transformers which are clean enough to be used with HiFi gear? There are plenty on the market but they all look really dodgy. Are there any name brands in this arena?

All you have to be concerned about a step-down transformer is having the ability to handle the current you need.

You also need to be aware that some countries operate on 50hz not 60hz. This can affect motors. PIC clocks, and some electronics.

Any suggestions on step-down transformers which are clean enough to be used with HiFi gear? There are plenty on the market but they all look really dodgy. Are there any name brands in this arena?Transformers are a commodity item. Look online or the Yellow Pages near you for 'transformer manufacturers' and give one a call and discuss the requirements with them. An electrostatic shield can reduce noise transfer, and usually only adds a few $ to the cost. I also have a strong preference for EI cor units in this application as they have lower bandwidths than toroids, but toroids are cheaper and smaller.

Adding a 'name' to a step up/down transformer will add no performance and simply bring you a large cost penalty.

All you have to be concerned about a step-down transformer is having the ability to handle the current you need.Yep, but I like to make sure by going up a size, eg buy a 500VA when the gear is rated at 300VA for example. This is proportionately less expensive than the increase in rating.

You also need to be aware that some countries operate on 50hz not 60hz. This can affect motors. PIC clocks, and some electronics.Something not often considered. Might be worth sending an email to the manufacturer's tech dept to enquire. Really should not be an issue with most items.