• WARNING: Tube/Valve amplifiers use potentially LETHAL HIGH VOLTAGES.
    Building, troubleshooting and testing of these amplifiers should only be
    performed by someone who is thoroughly familiar with
    the safety precautions around high voltages.

Using a voltage converter transformer

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I've been looking around lately and I noticed that 110-220vac converter transformers are much more available and cheaper than purpose built isolation transformers. Are these acceptable/usable substitutes?

Thanks in advance
 
depends on your application. There are small "efficient" switched mode converters which put out a harmonically rich version of a 50/60Hz sine. Wouldn't use one on any sound system of mine.

For lab work I'd still recommend a large hunk of iron. Clean power, stable performance in fault conditions and true, robust isolation.
 
My current amp project calls for a 200VCT transformer; unfortunately, I went over budget on other parts so I don't have much to work with. The average cost of a transformer in this voltage range is approximately $50USD. I can probably get a voltage converter transformer for $25.
 
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