can anyone help? new to all of this. I am looking at upgrading my amp from my current Yamaha RX-v3000 to either the Yamy 3800 or the Denon 4308 -my problem being that in Australia I pay twice as much as the yanks - nearly $5000 aus for the denon - which I can pick up for $2000 aus from the U.S. Will running the amp via a stepdown transformer cause any problems and if not what wattage should I look at? I may also be looking to run a dvd player as well.

I'd be careful

I'd be careful if your power source is 50 Hz. If the U.S. equipment depends on the power line frequency for timing or synchronizing, it won't work properly if the frequency is different. In addition, most 60 Hz equipment including transformers will not run properly on 50 Hz and are liable to overheat.

I would get a transformer with at least 25% more wattage capability than the equipment I plan to connect to it. This allows for momentary added consumption as equipment is first turned on.

Video hints: http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/theater.htm

(50 Hz amplifiers and equipment not relying on power line frequency generally will work on 60 Hz although possibly with less output power.)

thanks for the info - I think I might just outlay the extra cash and buy from my local guy - if something goes wrong I've got help close by ( he's also done me good deals on previous gear (speakers -amps etc) - I just need to decide now between the yamy3800 or the denon.