Changing an amp from 220v to 110v
- Thread starter Markk
- Start date
y2stevo
New member
Re: Changing an amp from 220v to 110v
The cost of a new input transformer,that would be a permanant solution,though some amps(like the older marshalls) have switchable input voltages.
You could also just buy a step up(110-220 v) transformer that can handle the rated wattage that the amp needs.(remember a "50watt" tube amp can use 200 - 350watts + input power be sure to check the back as to how much power the amp needs)
The cost of a new input transformer,that would be a permanant solution,though some amps(like the older marshalls) have switchable input voltages.
You could also just buy a step up(110-220 v) transformer that can handle the rated wattage that the amp needs.(remember a "50watt" tube amp can use 200 - 350watts + input power be sure to check the back as to how much power the amp needs)
That90'sGuy
DyzaBoyzologist
Re: Changing an amp from 220v to 110v
y2stevo nailed it :fing2: The best solution is to get a new transformer for your amp (not always the most realistic financially). Otherwise, a step up wall plug transformer will get you there (you want a plug in transformer that will take that 110v on the primary side and give you the 220v on the secondary to run your amp off of).
y2stevo nailed it :fing2: The best solution is to get a new transformer for your amp (not always the most realistic financially). Otherwise, a step up wall plug transformer will get you there (you want a plug in transformer that will take that 110v on the primary side and give you the 220v on the secondary to run your amp off of).
Markk
New member
Re: Changing an amp from 220v to 110v
Would a step up transformer waste a lot of energy. I have a 'step down' one that goes 220v down to 110 and it heats up really nicely (I can turn off the central heating in the apartment
).
Would there be the same kind of problem in going up?
How much does a permanent input transformer cost around? Would I be able to plug it [guitar amp] in directly seeing as how the voltage is lower so the amplifier technically wouldn't blow? Or is there more to the game, like amperes and not just volts?
y2stevo: weren't you supposed to give me a review of a certain Korg D4?
Would a step up transformer waste a lot of energy. I have a 'step down' one that goes 220v down to 110 and it heats up really nicely (I can turn off the central heating in the apartment
).Would there be the same kind of problem in going up?
How much does a permanent input transformer cost around? Would I be able to plug it [guitar amp] in directly seeing as how the voltage is lower so the amplifier technically wouldn't blow? Or is there more to the game, like amperes and not just volts?
y2stevo: weren't you supposed to give me a review of a certain Korg D4?
Markk
New member
Re: Changing an amp from 220v to 110v
Hmmm, interesting with the taps thing. Never took a look at the gizzards of the amp. I'm gonna wait until the guarantee runs out maybe before gutting them. To be more specific the amps would be the Pathfinder 10 and the Brian May Special. I know that they aren't worth much and for some reason I have this feeling that getting a tech to change the power thing would cost more than the amps themselves, but I am confident that I'd be able to convert them without any problem (or atleast my [electrician] father would
). I would just some place to start.
Hmmm, interesting with the taps thing. Never took a look at the gizzards of the amp. I'm gonna wait until the guarantee runs out maybe before gutting them. To be more specific the amps would be the Pathfinder 10 and the Brian May Special. I know that they aren't worth much and for some reason I have this feeling that getting a tech to change the power thing would cost more than the amps themselves, but I am confident that I'd be able to convert them without any problem (or atleast my [electrician] father would
). I would just some place to start.
noth
New member
Re: Changing an amp from 220v to 110v
Usually step-up/step-down transformers can be used either way. If you have a step-down you should be able to use it in reverse: Apply 110 VAC to the output (110 VAC side), and you should get about 220 VAC at the 220 VAC input side. The key is the current or power capacity of the thing. What y2stevo said is key: It's better to have one rated well above the maximum your amp draws from the wall, or it will suck down your amp's sound and dynamic range. Look for the power consumption rating in Watts or VA (same thing) on the back of your amp. The step-up should have about 50% greater capacity. The efficiency of the transformer is pretty good; you won't loose much there. Be aware that these things can also affect tone; some for better; some for worse.
If you want a good replacement, check out Mercury Magnetics, in Chatsworth, California.
If you're not a tech, get one to do this or you could damage yourself or the amp.
Noth
Usually step-up/step-down transformers can be used either way. If you have a step-down you should be able to use it in reverse: Apply 110 VAC to the output (110 VAC side), and you should get about 220 VAC at the 220 VAC input side. The key is the current or power capacity of the thing. What y2stevo said is key: It's better to have one rated well above the maximum your amp draws from the wall, or it will suck down your amp's sound and dynamic range. Look for the power consumption rating in Watts or VA (same thing) on the back of your amp. The step-up should have about 50% greater capacity. The efficiency of the transformer is pretty good; you won't loose much there. Be aware that these things can also affect tone; some for better; some for worse.
If you want a good replacement, check out Mercury Magnetics, in Chatsworth, California.
If you're not a tech, get one to do this or you could damage yourself or the amp.
Noth
