Converting from 220V to 110V for Tube Amp.

[blindmullet]

Hi, I was gifted one of the Chinese Tube Headphone Amps. It uses what is called a Dark Voice or Black Voice circuit. I'm not very well versed in tube Amps and this one is in 220v. Is there any downside to using a converter to 110v or is it difficult to go into the unit and convert it that way. It was a gift from a family member who didn't know better so I would like to make it work so they could see it when they visit rather than have to sell it and hurt there feelings. Thanks

[jdandy]

blindmullet.......Being a headphone amplifier makes me think it isn't a component with a large current draw. I would consider using a buck transformer to take your 120 volts and convert it to 220 volts you need. There are many transformers available. This is one from Simran.





Copy and paste this web address to your browser line to check it out and several other models of step up/step down transformers.

voltage-converter-transformers.com/collections/voltage-regulator-stabilizer-with-110-220v-transformer/products/svr-750-automatic-voltage-regulator-with-built-in-110v-240v-up-down-voltage-transformer-750-watt

[blindmullet]

Hi and Thanks, you are correct its output is 20 to 200 milliwatts. I see many converters for sale at all price ranges. Since this is just s headphone amp and a gift, I don't want to spend more than the Amps worth to convert the power (judging by similar ebay items I estimate $200 to $400 value. Is there any converter to worry about such as a type that may generate noise or is there a certain type for audio equip. as opposed to appliances. I have one of those travel ones I picked up on a trip to England a few years back to run hair dryer coffee pot and such but was afraid to use it on this amp. It's just a simple adapter that plugs in the socket. It think it only changes 220 to 110. Anyway thanks

[antipop]

Each product is different regarding conversion and you wouldn't know it without opening the unit or having the technical manual.

For the major brands, it is usually fairly easy to do. They don't bother creating a 220V version and 110V one but rather have one version and then it's a simple switch to move from one to the other. I've already done it and it was as simple as moving a cable from one slot to the other.

Other use soldering or specific transformers and you are stuck unless you have some solid technical background.

Obviously, this is all at your own risk and you'll most likely void the warranty.

[blindmullet]

Thanks, this one has a seperate power supply which was giving me heartburn about going inside and changing anything. I did get the manufacturers name last night and sent an email. Very nice Chinese fellow who's just getting started in USA. He said a converter would work fine but should be 100w or better and gave me another spec which is in his message but can't remember what it is off top of my head. Also said if I sent it back he would convert it but because it's designed to run with outboard power supply that would need to be changed and he felt like there would be no benefit other than cosmetic over a converter for such a small output amp. Meaning he'd have to charge me more money for little to no benefit or at least that's what he seemed to mean. So I'm just gonna do that and I'll report back how it works with pictures. It's a really nice little amp with wooden casework and s huge colored tube and a smaller tube in front not sure of the tube numbers one is a 6N something and the other has similar number. Thanks for the reply really appreciate.

[blindmullet]

Ok that's a 6N11 and a 6N5P tubes and he said should be an isolation transformer. The other member that responded sent s link for a real nice one that I think will cover everything. I also got feedback from one of his customers in Sweden that said the Amp sounded wonderful and far surpassed the Music Fidelity x-can V3 he was using. That doesn't mean anything to me as I'm not familiar with that one but nice to know he's happy with it. It's a gift to me so I'm very happy and haven't even used it yet. Thanks to all!