I would also like to know what happens when a transformer is used with audio products. I am in China now, and some of my gear is from the USA.


Do I need a 'line conditioner' if I'm using a transformer? What are the downsides? Other option is I leave my gear in the USA and buy new hear.

 

AV equipment is generally cheaper in the US than Europe, so if you have both option buy in the US.


Most amplification sold in the us comes with 110V only and no switch, so you would need a transformer for Europe. You can typically find these in the US on Amazon or Frys and a smaller selection at Radio Shack etc.


Some equipment does come with 110v/220v autoswitching power supply. For example the Oppo DVD players, Squeezebox etc. But it is more rare with amplification. However, for example the S8-APR subwoofer that I bought from Aperion about 4 years ago has a 110/220v toggle switch. But typically, you'll need the transformer.


There is no harm to amps if you use a transformer, I have done this before. Typically the only area where there is an issue is motors eg hair dryers, kitchen blenders etc. But solid state equipment such as amps I have never had a problem using after importing to Europe from USA.

 



Quote:
Originally Posted by Osamede /forum/post/20379682


AV equipment is generally cheaper in the US than Europe, so if you have both option buy in the US.


Most amplification sold in the us comes with 110V only and no switch, so you would need a transformer for Europe. You can typically find these in the US on Amazon or Frys and a smaller selection at Radio Shack etc.


Some equipment does come with 110v/220v autoswitching power supply. For example the Oppo DVD players, Squeezebox etc. But it is more rare with amplification. However, for example the S8-APR subwoofer that I bought from Aperion about 4 years ago has a 110/220v toggle switch. But typically, you'll need the transformer.


There is no harm to amps if you use a transformer, I have done this before. Typically the only area where there is an issue is motors eg hair dryers, kitchen blenders etc. But solid state equipment such as amps I have never had a problem using after importing to Europe from USA.

Ok, I feared that. It would be so much nicer to avoid a step-up/step-down transformer. Do you know whether these transformers are silent? A constant humming would be a no-go for me. The efficiency would also be interesting. Many thanks for the answers so far.

Cheers,

Jonas

 

ARCAM stuff are usually dual-voltage: you can see the switch in the diagrams in the manuals.


I believe Europe has different digital radio broadcast standards from the US.


US Denon AVRs generally support 50Hz video but I don't know about others.

 

There is a place called world-import.com

They carry or modify equipment for dual voltage use.

 

Be aware that 110/120V-only units designed for the US market will be optimised to run at 60Hz. 50Hz mains requires more iron in the transformer and a 60Hz transformer running on 50Hz mains will saturate earlier and may well generate audible hum from the transformer's laminations.


There are secondary issues too, like handling 50Hz video and having the correct de-emphasis for FM radio (75us in the US vs 50us in Europe).


As another poster already said most Arcam AV equipment is dual voltage and dual frequency.


HTH,


John Dawson (Arcam)

 

Buying European brands also gives you a good chance of getting the 110/220 autoswitching or toggle switch, for example the Arcam mentioned above.


But you may not save much buying European AV equipment in Europe. It's the American Brands eg Parasound and the Japanese mainstream ones eg Pioneer, Denon etc where you will find more cost savings by purchasing in the US rather than Europe.

 

There are sites that specialize as mentioned already, and I have myself looked at Oppo and Arcam for that exact reason. Emotiva amps are also switchable. I bought Oppo for that reason (one of many) and I'm running my old Marantz and TV off a Seven Star Automatic Voltage Regulator with no issues.

 

Can I use a transformer with a Projector such as the HC4000 from mitsubishi?


If the Amp is rated at 1000 watts, how big of a transformer to get? If rated at 500?

 

Recommended maximum load is typically 80% of capacity of the regulator. different vendors might have different recommendations.

 

There don't seem to be dual voltage versions of the current models of the major brands. The Arcam AVRs seem like great pieces of equipment but I need HDMI 1.4 and they are over my budged (~1500 $). Voltage regulators seem like the best option for me (or selling before I leave the US).

Quote:
Originally Posted by aranum /forum/post/20382672


I'm running my old Marantz and TV off a Seven Star Automatic Voltage Regulator with no issues.

Is the regulator audible at all? Which version are you using? How much easier could things be with a single worldwide mains voltage/frequency.

 



Quote:
Originally Posted by sloth0815 /forum/post/20383867


There don't seem to be dual voltage versions of the current models of the major brands.

Some Pioneer AVRs (and players/recorders) in Hong Kong are dual voltage (110/220-240V).

 



Quote:
Originally Posted by sloth0815 /forum/post/20383867


Is the regulator audible at all? Which version are you using? How much easier could things be with a single worldwide mains voltage/frequency.

No hum, fan or impact on the sound as far as I can tell. i have Seven Star ATVR-1000.

Almost better to just buy a cheap Onkyo HT-RC370 or eq in the local market and go from there. By the time you move again, who knows what we will have.

You can also buy the cheapest AVR with PRE-OUT and use as a processor (specs change so much anyway) and buy an amp from Emotiva or Arcam.