AudioCircle

Community => Regional Audiophiles => The Australian Audio Circle => Topic started by: Bob in St. Louis on 24 Nov 2013, 04:03 am

Title: Using a transformer for Australian voltage
Post by: Bob in St. Louis on 24 Nov 2013, 04:03 am

Hey fellas.

So...I found myself a friend and he happens to live in OZ.
It seems he's got some "audiophile" in him and has been asking me some questions. To date, I've been ok with his inquiries , but he last one has me stumped. 

Here's what he wrote:
===============
Last night it occurred to me, if power supply noise is an issue, am I insane to be thinking of using a 110volt with a transformer here?
Won't that be noise that may have a big negative effect?
===============
He's talking about using US voltage equipment, but with a transformer between the "wall" and the unit.
My buddy seems to be partial to vintage solid state receivers and amps like the Marantz and Sansui units from thirty to forty years ago.

Any assistance would me most helpful. I'll be linking him to this thread.

Thanks in advance.  :thumb:
Bob

Title: Re: Using a transformer for Australian voltage
Post by: JohnR on 24 Nov 2013, 10:20 am

Um...

There's no choice, if you have 120V gear you have to use a step-down transformer. Personally, I'm over it. Does he want to buy some vintage amps?  :green: :lol:

Title: Re: Using a transformer for Australian voltage
Post by: rollo on 24 Nov 2013, 03:48 pm

Quote from: JohnR on 24 Nov 2013, 10:20 am

Um...

There's no choice, if you have 120V gear you have to use a step-down transformer. Personally, I'm over it. Does he want to buy some vintage amps?  :green: :lol:

   John if you have a Leak Amp one of my friends in Aus is looking for one.


charles

Title: Re: Using a transformer for Australian voltage
Post by: Bob in St. Louis on 24 Nov 2013, 07:25 pm

Quote from: JohnR on 24 Nov 2013, 10:20 am

Um...

There's no choice, if you have 120V gear you have to use a step-down transformer. Personally, I'm over it. Does he want to buy some vintage amps?  :green: :lol:

I think what he's asking is that would it better to stick with native voltage equipment, or does the act of stepping down degrade the quality in any way.

I'll certainly ask him what he's looking to buy.

Thanks John!
Bob

Title: Re: Using a transformer for Australian voltage
Post by: JohnR on 25 Nov 2013, 07:13 am

Quote from: rollo on 24 Nov 2013, 03:48 pm

   John if you have a Leak Amp one of my friends in Aus is looking for one.

Hi Charles, no I don't, sold those already. Although (pertinent to the subject of this thread) any Leaks here in Aus are likely to be 240V.

Eico and Dynaco left.

Title: Re: Using a transformer for Australian voltage
Post by: JohnR on 25 Nov 2013, 07:16 am

Quote from: Bob in St. Louis on 24 Nov 2013, 07:25 pm

I think what he's asking is that would it better to stick with native voltage equipment, or does the act of stepping down degrade the quality in any way.

Hi Bob, I've just noticed that your OP said "vintage solid state". I think perhaps worrying about the stepdown transformer might be putting the horse before the cart. Or underneath it. Or something. I'd go for the 240V gear if it's available simply because of the hassle (and cost, if much power is needed) of having the stepdown.

Which city is this mystery person in?

Title: Re: Using a transformer for Australian voltage
Post by: Bob in St. Louis on 25 Nov 2013, 03:52 pm

Ok, thanks John.
He did register here and is awaiting approval. His moniker is "Buccaneer".
On the other forum I know him from, his profile says he's from "Sunset City Western Australia".
If memory serves, that's on the other side of the country from you?

Bob

Title: Re: Using a transformer for Australian voltage
Post by: JohnR on 26 Nov 2013, 10:42 am

It's a long walk  :D