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Differences between 110 & 220 V


dogmikael

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Just made a search, but didn't found what i was looking for.

 

I'd like to know if there are any significant differences using an amp at 110V or at 220V .

 

Speaking clear, i have found a lot of USA heads (110V) at cheaper price here in italy and would like to know if using this with a 110->220V adapter would affect the sound quality. :confused:

 

Your experiences? Which is the best way to use a 110V amp here in europe?

 

Thanks,

 

mauro

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I have never heard any difference to speak of myself. Make sure you get a converter or transformer that can handle the load of the amp, not one that is made for an electric razor. Some amps have dual winding transformers and you can simply rewire the primary for 120V. Some even have selector switches. You can find schematics for most amps on the web so check and see before you buy it and see if that option exists.

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Originally posted by BrainChild

Some amps have dual winding transformers and you can simply rewire the primary for 120V

 

 

1+ i`ve had this done with most of the amps i`ve bought and it`s a cheaper altenative to buying a step up transformer. Saves having to lug it around too.

Some amps will require a new PT but if it has an internal tap your set.

Most marshalls have a voltage selector also, as do splawn, Aiken just to name a few.

 

Good luck mate

 

Brad

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The amp is be a VHT Pittbull CL 100 with EQ...it goes used (2004)for 1330 eur...

 

Tha amp i currently own is a Pittbull 100...Kt88, 3 channels...just tried the CL and liked it more.

 

I'm thnkin' about selling the amp...but before doing it i'd like to swap some preamp tubes to see if something changes. Just need some mids it doesn't seem to have. Tried an eq(dan fish n' chips) in the fx loop but didn't liked.

 

I tried this configuration: brunetti mille midi pre->pittbull fx loop return->vht 4x12" (older cab, not fatbottom, eminence P50) and noticed that the power tubes are in good condition, so there should be something "wrong" with the preamp section.

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Why don't all amps come with transformers that can be wired for different voltages or better yet, just switched? You'd think that that would be pretty important especially for bands who tour many different countries.

 

I could see myself getting a Mesa Lone Star from the States because they're like half the price even new but you'd need to change the transformer and I bet that would cost like 200-300

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Originally posted by LaXu

Why don't all amps come with transformers that can be wired for different voltages or better yet, just switched?

 

funny thing, but most european amps do, most american amps don't.

 

as a matter of fact american amps are way more expensive here in europe than in the us, but u gotta buy'em because it's 240 volts.

if you couls just switch'em everyone would order his amp from the us, that would result in less profits for the amp manufacturer and the european dealers.

 

btw, i've got the feeling, that you guys in america like german amps a lot, like engl, diezel (kinda german), hughes&kettner, and many more (bogner is originally german, too).

don't ya?

 

so basically the same prob the other way round :)

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also if you get a power converter,make sure you get a good quality one,with earth/ground on it..

i bought an all tube preamp from the USA a couple of months ago,to use in Ireland( 220volts) so i borrowed a power converter off a friend,it was rated at 50W,which was fine cos the preamp is rated at 18W i think.

the preamp had a 3 pin USA plug on it,but the converter only had a 2 pin socket,and an adapter to convert 3pin to 2 pin.

i get the occasional shock off it,and if it werent for the emg's on my guitar,i think i would be fried by now..

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Originally posted by Bumble



Actually I talked to Mesa about that, their response was, and I quote:


"Using one on a step down transformer will not result in a difficulty

based on the 10 cycles per second difference ( 50 hz versus 60 hz).


Thanks,

Michael Wolf @ Mesa Booige"

 

 

 

right, but there might be probs with SOME amps.

 

have used my 110v mkII also with a step down without an difficulties @240v.

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