Converting An Amp To 220 Volts??

[LooseCannon]

Hey all. So i'm getting the Peavey VTM but where I live we use 220v sockets, so will it be a problem or cost big $ to convert the amp from 120v (I guess that's the US voltage no??) to 220v? Would it involve a transformers swap or is it a simple mod a tech can do? Thanks.

 

[kevlar3000]

Re: Converting An Amp To 220 Volts??

Hey all. So i'm getting the Peavey VTM but where I live we use 220v sockets, so will it be a problem or cost big $ to convert the amp from 120v (I guess that's the US voltage no??) to 220v? Would it involve a transformers swap or is it a simple mod a tech can do? Thanks.

http://www.voltage-converter-transformers.com/step-down-transformer.html

You need a step down transformer. You plug the amp into it, and then the transformer plugs into your wall socket. Pretty cheap, I am guessing you would need a 200 watt to cover your needs. Never used one, I am sure someone more in the know can help out.

 

[LooseCannon]

Re: Converting An Amp To 220 Volts??

So i'll need a step up transformer then not a step down right? I have a SD Convertible amp that I bought from a guy who bought it at the US and then got it modded to 220v over here, so I guess it's possible to do that on the peavey as well?

 

[Loserchief]

Re: Converting An Amp To 220 Volts??

So i'll need a step up transformer then not a step down right?

no the step down transformer is right what you need, because it basicly takes down the 220V from the socket to the 110/120V you need for an american amp. But i guess 200W won't be enough for a tube amp. My Engl sovereign is 100W all tube and has a maximum specified power consumption of 350W, so since the vtm is also all tube I'd go for something like 400 to 500 W to be safe. It won't cost that much more.

 

[gordon_39422]

Re: Converting An Amp To 220 Volts??

Man I was stationed in Germany and had a house full of step-downs.... I had a 700w for my amp... Some lower wattages MIGHT let it turn on, but once you get to pushing the amp, it will literally drain the transformer! I'm not sure where you;re located, but I went to the "thrift stores" in local areas and usually scored 750-1000 watt units for about 70 DM... I havent kept up with the exchange rate since the advent of the Euro, but then that was about 30-35 USD... Dont mod the amp if you can avoid it. you may want to sell it again and you have just narrowed your intended market.....

Good Luck,
Allen

 

[SirJackdeFuzz]

Re: Converting An Amp To 220 Volts??

YES, A STEP DOWN WILL DO THE TRICK !

I have bought many US products while in the Staes and took it home,where we too have 220V now (used to be 240)

Astep-down is the easiest no-fuss solution and works like a charm !!!
(...and is very safe !)

 

[Rich_S]

Re: Converting An Amp To 220 Volts??

Something to consider first...

Many amps have "export transformers" that will work on 110 or 220 VAC. Some (like Marshall) have a voltage selector switch on the back that makes it really easy. Others have wires for 110 or 220 coming out of the power transformer into the chassis, by re-arranging how the wires are connected inside the chassis, it can be changed over to 220-volt operation. Investigate whether the Peavey has such a transformer before you invest in a step-down.

If you do need a step-down, get one plenty big, like 150-200% of the rated inputpower. A too-small step-down tranny will make your amp sound loose and saggy.