Amplifier with 220 input voltage, will it work in US?

[usmcjlp]

I am currently building a Troels Gravesen designed 3 way speaker. The designer gives several recommendations for amplifiers to match with these speakers. He highly recommends the Jungson JA-88d(09). I have heard and read only extremely good things about this amplifier.

I am new to these chinese manufacturers. After having read the multiple threads here, I realize that most members have very strong feelings about the subject. I do not wish to start that debate again here.

I have been looking for several weeks. Most of the sources I find list a supply voltage requirement of 220. Can this be used in the US with a step up transformer or will it affect the sound quality? Can I replace the internal components to make it compatible with 110? If so which components and where can I find them?

I am finding the JA-88d(09) for about $700 US with 220v input from many Hong Kong distributors. The only North American distributor lists it at $2300 with 110 input. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[multisync]

check with the manufacturer, ask if the transformer has 2 primary windings ie 110/220. There may not be a switch on or in the case but a simple rewire of the power transformer will get you going.

[usmcjlp]

Thank you, Does anyone else have a suggestion?

[multisync]

there is another way, but you will have to be very careful. Several years back I bought on ebay a used colour laser printer from the US. I was able to get it for a reasonable price (at the time) for the simple reason it was rated at 220 volts input. I bought a double breaker for the AC panel in the house, the kind you would need for a stove, hot water tank, air conditioner heat pump etc. I also bought a 220 volt 15 amp socket and the matching 220 volt 15 amp plug. I used standard 2 wire plus ground 14gage nomex cable, I rewired the power cable for the printer and ran a separate line from the breaker panel to the den where the printer is.

After triple checking my wiring I plugged in the printer and it is still running. Of course now you can buy a brand new colour laser printer for less than what I paid in shipping.

[lowpoke]

I have the reverse problem here in Australia, 240v input voltage with 110v components. I have found a very good solution to my problem in the discovery of hospital grade isolation transformers.

I bought a couple on ebay that enable me to select the input and output voltages between 240 and 110. It seems hospitals often source medical equipment from other countries and run into the same problems we do.

The beauty of these is 1) that they usually look much nicer than industrial products 2) they have regulated supplies and 3) they're isolation transformers, which block DC signals from one circuit to the other. They also block interference caused by ground loops.

Mine works a treat with my audio equipment. Being able to select the input and output voltages means that it will never become redundant as you can also use it for your domestic equipment (although not at the same time obviously).

[kimbo]

You may find some useful info in Rod's recent article....
Importing Equipment From Overseas ...Effects of Voltage & Frequency on Electronic Equipment

More applicable to 220/240v users than the US, but still interesting as it points out some of the 'gotchas'