Two weeks ago I got myself a Forte 40 Preamp, with the intention of also buying a Model 3 poweramp. It should make a nice combination for a relatively low investment.
Now I found out that the Model 3 I have my eye on, was actually imported from Canada. It was obviously intended for use with 110v, not the 230v we have here in Europe.
It doesn't seem to have an external switch, since the current owner is using it with a step-down transformer. So far, the people I know with technical knowledge of audiogear are telling me not to buy it if it can only be used with a step-down transformer, because the sound will be very much affected.
Can anyone tell me if it's possible to switch the unit internally to 220/240v or that it can be converted by a specialist at reasonable cost?
Thanks for your input.
Rob
Now I found out that the Model 3 I have my eye on, was actually imported from Canada. It was obviously intended for use with 110v, not the 230v we have here in Europe.
It doesn't seem to have an external switch, since the current owner is using it with a step-down transformer. So far, the people I know with technical knowledge of audiogear are telling me not to buy it if it can only be used with a step-down transformer, because the sound will be very much affected.
Can anyone tell me if it's possible to switch the unit internally to 220/240v or that it can be converted by a specialist at reasonable cost?
Thanks for your input.
Rob
As far as I recall, all Threshold (and Forte) products had
dual 120v primary windings on the transformers. They
were run in parallel for 120 and in series for 240
Be sure you properly identify the input windings - The
120V wire of one winding attaches to the 0V wire of the
other, otherwise either nothing will happen at all or you
will pop the fuse very quickly.
You will also want to change the fuse value to 1/2 of the
previous 120V value.
As always with high voltages, if you don't feel competent,
then bribe a technician to do it.
dual 120v primary windings on the transformers. They
were run in parallel for 120 and in series for 240
Be sure you properly identify the input windings - The
120V wire of one winding attaches to the 0V wire of the
other, otherwise either nothing will happen at all or you
will pop the fuse very quickly.
You will also want to change the fuse value to 1/2 of the
previous 120V value.
As always with high voltages, if you don't feel competent,
then bribe a technician to do it.
Thanks mr Pass. With the info coming from you, I have no hesitation anymore. I'm going to pick the unit up today and know a technician who can do the job for me. He is a specialist in repairing, restoring and modifying high-end gear. Do you have any idea how much time he will need to do the job?
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