Forte Model 3 110v to 230v ?

Gobbie · 15th January 2011, 03:55 PM

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

Nelson Pass · 15th January 2011, 11:20 PM

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.

Gobbie · 16th January 2011, 11:16 AM

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?

Zen Mod · 16th January 2011, 12:16 PM

not Mr. Pass ........ but I can chime in

your tech will need no more than 1/2 hr for that job

coffee consummation included

Gobbie · 16th January 2011, 02:41 PM

Thnx!

Nelson Pass · 16th January 2011, 05:07 PM

Most technicians are more pliable with beer.

Zen Mod · 16th January 2011, 06:05 PM

beer is poof invoking

at least during work

Gobbie · 16th January 2011, 07:10 PM

Thank you for the suggestions, gentlemen.
Unfortunately, my technician doesn't drink....
I found that out, while trying to buy him with a bottle of Scotch.

I would know what to bring to you, though ;-)

15th January 2011, 03:55 PM	#1
Gobbie diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2011	Forte Model 3 110v to 230v ? 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

16th January 2011, 12:16 PM	#4
Zen Mod diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: ancient Batsch , behind Iron Curtain	not Mr. Pass ........ but I can chime in your tech will need no more than 1/2 hr for that job coffee consummation included __________________ my Papa is smarter than your Nelson ! tnx to clean thread ; Cook Book ; PSM LS Cook Book ; Baby Diyaudio FORUM ; Mighty ZM's Bloggg;I'm dumb

16th January 2011, 06:05 PM	#7
Zen Mod diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: ancient Batsch , behind Iron Curtain	beer is poof invoking at least during work __________________ my Papa is smarter than your Nelson ! tnx to clean thread ; Cook Book ; PSM LS Cook Book ; Baby Diyaudio FORUM ; Mighty ZM's Bloggg;I'm dumb

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15th January 2011, 11:20 PM	#2
Nelson Pass The one and only Join Date: Mar 2001	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.

16th January 2011, 11:16 AM	#3
Gobbie diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2011	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?

16th January 2011, 02:41 PM	#5
Gobbie diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2011	Thnx!

16th January 2011, 05:07 PM	#6
Nelson Pass The one and only Join Date: Mar 2001	Most technicians are more pliable with beer.

16th January 2011, 07:10 PM	#8
Gobbie diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2011	Thank you for the suggestions, gentlemen. Unfortunately, my technician doesn't drink.... I found that out, while trying to buy him with a bottle of Scotch. I would know what to bring to you, though ;-)

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