Duncan Powerstage 170 voltage question.

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bolek

New member
Hello. I bought a Seymour Duncan Powerstage 170, that I use with my pedalboard (including a One Control Sonic Blue Twanger as a preamp). It sounds great, and I probably won't change my setup anytime soon.

I just realized the the Powerstage 170 takes only 110V that is fine in US, but I'll be moving to a foreign country where 220V is the standard.

I didn't check the product's details in advance, and somehow thought it was universal like 110~220V...

As you can imagine, what I love about the Powerstage is not only the sound but also the size. I know that their 700 version has universal voltage, but it's a bit too big for me now.

I'm thinking about getting a step up/down transformer, but definitely not willing to have something too big or heavy.

I'm not a tech at all but I just guess that the transformer doesn't have to be one of those heavy boxes. I'd be using the transformer for only the Powerstage 170, what transformers (or whatever adjusts the voltage safely) are the smallest and lightest possible for this application?

Also, I figured out that the Duncan makes exactly the same Powerstage 170s for foreign countries, so maybe it's possible to modify it easily? (This, I have no idea. Just guessing...)

Any comments, concerns and suggestions will be really appreciated!

Thanks in advance
 
Re: Duncan Powerstage 170 voltage question.

This is the sort of question that possibly only Duncan HQ can answer. I would call them M-F 8:00-5:00 PDT
+1(805)964.9610 or email them (although calling can be much quicker) to find out the answers to this before you start digging around inside of yours or hook it up to a transformer.
 
Re: Duncan Powerstage 170 voltage question.

Mincer,

Thanks a lot for replying! I just wrote them (had to fit that into 150 words..), hopefully they will answer soon.

Meanwhile, I still wish some knowledgeable folks can get me some response. If anyone has anything to say, please tell me!

Thanks!
 
Re: Duncan Powerstage 170 voltage question.

Whatever you find out, let us know. I'd be interested as I might buy one as a travel head. The place I play on pcasion in South America has speakers that do decent for guitar work, but no amps.
 
Re: Duncan Powerstage 170 voltage question.

Don't buy anything until you hear from SD...I don't know if the PowerStage could be operated with a transformer like that. If you are getting impatient waiting for them to respond, just call and ask.
 
Re: Duncan Powerstage 170 voltage question.

I didn't buy it yet, was just thinking if that works for the Powerstage. Spec-wise, I wonder why it doesn't work though. Can anyone explain how/why it's not good for the Powestage? Sorry, if it's a silly question, but the transformer does step up/down with 110~220v, and it provides almost 2000w while the Powerstage's max is 170w.....

Thanks,
 
Re: Duncan Powerstage 170 voltage question.

Like I said, I'd talk to the actual people who designed it. Give them a call.
 
Re: Duncan Powerstage 170 voltage question.

bolek said:
I didn't buy it yet, was just thinking if that works for the Powerstage. Spec-wise, I wonder why it doesn't work though. Can anyone explain how/why it's not good for the Powestage? Sorry, if it's a silly question, but the transformer does step up/down with 110~220v, and it provides almost 2000w while the Powerstage's max is 170w.....

Thanks,
Click to expand...

Be careful. Those cheap step-downs are often highly overrated in terms of wattage rating.
 
Re: Duncan Powerstage 170 voltage question.

Got a reply from them.

"David Carrillo (Seymour Duncan)

Jun 19, 16:03 PDT

Unfortunately they are different internally per country and there are various versions per region offered. We wouldn't recommend using one unit outside of the specified region, and as such, damage incurred in this manner wouldn't be covered under warranty"
 
Re: Duncan Powerstage 170 voltage question.

bolek said:
Got a reply from them.

"David Carrillo (Seymour Duncan)

Jun 19, 16:03 PDT

Unfortunately they are different internally per country and there are various versions per region offered. We wouldn't recommend using one unit outside of the specified region, and as such, damage incurred in this manner wouldn't be covered under warranty"
Click to expand...

So you roll the dice and you take your chances. Or, you sell it and buy a new one when you get overseas.
I think, if you get a decent converter, it should be ok. But, you lose the warranty.
 
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Re: Duncan Powerstage 170 voltage question.

Yeah, I feel the same. Well, there's still some times to think about what to do...

Anyway, thank you all for posting and telling me your opinions!
 
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