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230v Amp Transformer to 120v US question help please

jgscott

jgscott

Well-Known Member
So I see a Amp I'm thinking about buying. Its a UK version amp and has 230v marked on the back near the power input cord jack. The guy said he has this US step up transformer with it that I pic attached here.

What I would like to know is if It was built for UK 230, and I use that transformer here in the US, will that feed more noise into the Amp. As oppose to it being a US version 120v version that would not require that Step Up Transformer? Will that affect the sound quality or noise or signal path at all?

Anyone who knows, I would appreciate a simple understandable answered with a clear yes or no. Thanks
 

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jgscott said:
So I see a Amp I'm thinking about buying. Its a UK version amp and has 230v marked on the back near the power input cord jack. The guy said he has this US step up transformer with it that I pic attached here.

What I would like to know is if It was built for UK 230, and I use that transformer here in the US, will that feed more noise into the Amp. As oppose to it being a US version 120v version that would not require that Step Up Transformer? Will that affect the sound quality or noise or signal path at all?

Anyone who knows, I would appreciate a simple understandable answered with a clear yes or no. Thanks
Click to expand...

A quality transformer should isolate the noise, not introduce it.
 
Yes.

I'd go further and say pretty much any transformer fits that criteria. How one of any reasonable design might introduce more noise escapes me at the moment.
 
The power drain of of your amp and the capability of the transformer need to be compatible. IOW, if the maximum power draw of the amp is, say, 300W, the transformer needs to be rated for about double that to prevent problems.

FYI...
 
EchoWars said:
The power drain of of your amp and the capability of the transformer need to be compatible. IOW, if the maximum power draw of the amp is, say, 300W, the transformer needs to be rated for about double that to prevent problems.

FYI...
Click to expand...

+1 on this wise purchase criterion.

I would also add to make sure that the transformer is a real one, with separate primary and secondary windings, and not of the "self-transformer" type, with only one winding. It is also important to tale into account the need of sufficient heat dissipation for the transformer which should be located in a place with free open air space around.
 
OK thanks guys, but again can you tell if the one in the pic is one that is correct and ample?
 
I would seek to purchase a local transformer. That is, one made/sold in the USA to convert your 110V AC to 230V AC. It will fit your local sockets for the 110V. You can either buy a plug converter or put a new US plug on the amp to fit the 230V AC output of the transformer.

As mentioned, make sure it is rated double to the amop power requirements.
 
The amp MIGHT have a dual-voltage transformer that can be rewired for 120V.

If you need one, that transformer looks fine. I don't see a problem using a non-isolated "autotransformer" for modern equipment. Isolation transformers have their uses, but will be larger and weigh twice as much as a non-isolated one.
 
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