[J&J]

Now that I've joined the forum you should start catagory for dumb questions. Since you don't have one I'll ask here. If I buy a overseas amp or any other peice of equipment configured for 220v do I just buy a 220/110 stepdown transformer at Radio Shack for 110 voltage? Is there anything else I should know? Thanks

 

[kvant]

You would need a step up transformer, converting the 110V mains up to 220V your amp needs. There will certainly be a limitation on the power the step up transformer is able to supply, so you need to make sure you are getting one that is "big enough" to power your piece of equipment.

 

[vcoheda]

watts is important as well.

 

[Lad27]

The transformer must have sufficient power rating (W, or sometimes VA) - as a minimum it should at least match the power rating of equipment that transformer is connected to.

 

[Capt. Z]

Depending on what am you buy.
Many can be internally converted from 220 Volt to 110 Volt.

 

[donor]

OK, I have an amplifier that's 220v, but I live in the US. So I need to find a "step up transformer?

Would this affect the sound quality?
I mean if I'm using an really good after market power cord, but then have to run the power cord into one of these converters, it seems like it would do have a negative impact on the sound quality. Maybe I'm just being overly paranoid.

 

[balou]

best thing would be to just mod the existing transformer in your gear. some of them can just be wired slightly different. or you have to buy a new transformer with similar specs, only different input voltage.
if your amp uses a cheap transformer, you could get a toroidal one, and convert your amp to 110v _and_ upgrade your power supply in one step