Voltage Step Converter With Amplifier?

[fuzz092888]

So does anyone have any experience with a voltage step up converter with an amplifier? Would this introduce a lot of noise or anything else into the system? To be clear, this is about voltage only, the cycle would still be matched. The amplifier is 220/240V 60Hz so the voltage converter would be stepping up and there would be no cycle changing needed.

Something like this?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J0CF8W4/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=DY0XI3WNFDB4&coliid=IR5IXL71ZZFEA&psc=1

 

[fuzz092888]

Anybody?

 

[Seth=L]

It doesn't address cycle duty. If the amplifier power supply runs at 50Hz it won't be ideal and could reduce the life of the amplifier.

Edit, helps if I actually read.

You should be fine IMO.

 

[fuzz092888]

It doesn't address cycle duty. If the amplifier power supply runs at 50Hz it won't be ideal and could reduce the life of the amplifier.

Edit, helps if I actually read.

You should be fine IMO.

Thanks. Is the one linked "good enough" you think? I know the company that sells the amplifier also sells a voltage converter, but I believe at something like 33 times the cost .

 

[slipperybidness]

You should just PM TLS

 

[highfigh]

Thanks. Is the one linked "good enough" you think? I know the company that sells the amplifier also sells a voltage converter, but I believe at something like 33 times the cost .

What is the item that needs to operate with the higher voltage? If it's a high powered amplifier that demands high current, I doubt this will work well, or for long. Amplifiers need all of the current they demand and transformers that aren't up to the task will limit the current and if the transformer melts down, it can be dangerous.

You may be able to find a transformer for the local service voltage that is a direct replacement for the one in the unit.

 

[walter duque]

I would talk to Bob, it seems to me he's still the OEM for them amps. Call John and see what he has to say?? Go straight to the Source, that's what I would do. John is not building speakers for Bob because I mentioned John to him about 5 years ago. I think there is more to it than that.
That amp draws 5.500 watts at max. power and peak current is 125 amps. I think that box from amazon might have a meltdown.
The closer I look at that amp it looks like it's from Bob's Cinema Series.
Now if you do pick that amp up at that price you better go to confession and tell the priest "Father I stole an amp". As far as I know retail on that is a little under 15k.

 

[fuzz092888]

I would talk to Bob, it seems to me he's still the OEM for them amps. Call John and see what he has to say?? Go straight to the Source, that's what I would do. John is not building speakers for Bob because I mentioned John to him about 5 years ago. I think there is more to it than that.
That amp draws 5.500 watts at max. power and peak current is 125 amps. I think that box from amazon might have a meltdown.
The closer I look at that amp it looks like it's from Bob's Cinema Series.
Now if you do pick that amp up at that price you better go to confession and tell the priest "Father I stole an amp". As far as I know retail on that is a little under 15k.

3 days left and I can't help it, but starting to get my hopes up. This is a recipe for disaster.

 

[TLS Guy]

So does anyone have any experience with a voltage step up converter with an amplifier? Would this introduce a lot of noise or anything else into the system? To be clear, this is about voltage only, the cycle would still be matched. The amplifier is 220/240V 60Hz so the voltage converter would be stepping up and there would be no cycle changing needed.

Something like this?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J0CF8W4/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=DY0XI3WNFDB4&coliid=IR5IXL71ZZFEA&psc=1

That transformer should be able to power a hefty amp.

What amp are we talking about? Don't forget phase angles with inductive loads. The transformer must be able to meet the apparent power needs as well as the actual power needs, in terms of current. So as long as the transformer has a watt rating equal to the KVA rating of the amp you will be OK.

The bigger issue, is why are you going this? Every US home has 240 volts coming into the panel, for heavy loads like dryers and stoves etc.

So it would be much better to have your electrician instal a 240 volt outlet for you.

 

[walter duque]

3 days left and I can't help it, but starting to get my hopes up. This is a recipe for disaster.

I wouldn't worry about it. I have one outlet that I can convert back to 240 volts.

 

[fuzz092888]

That transformer should be able to power a hefty amp.

What amp are we talking about? Don't forget phase angles with inductive loads. The transformer must be able to meet the apparent power needs as well as the actual power needs, in terms of current. So as long as the transformer has a watt rating equal to the KVA rating of the amp you will be OK.

The bigger issue, is why are you going this? Every US home has 240 volts coming into the panel, for heavy loads like dryers and stoves etc.

So it would be much better to have your electrician instal a 240 volt outlet for you.

I'll have to look into the KVA of the amp. I'm in an apartment so I'm not sure they'd be willing to run a 240 for me.

 

[TLS Guy]

I'll have to look into the KVA of the amp. I'm in an apartment so I'm not sure they'd be willing to run a 240 for me.

If what Walter says is correct you can not run that Amp on a 120 volt circuit. The primary from the transformer would draw too much current. In any event that transformer would have to be on a 20 amp dedicated circuit. I doubt you have that in your apartment.

To be honest, I don't think it is safe to run an amp like that off a 120 volt outlet. It does require a 240 volt outlet, so the current draw would be in the 10 amp range. The heating effect in the wiring goes up by the square of the current.

So the heating effect on wiring and receptacles is only one tenth at 240 volts versus 120 volts.

That is why jurisdictions with 240 volt system have far less electrical house fires. North America was insane to adopt 120 volts as the household wiring voltage.

 

[fuzz092888]

If what Walter says is correct you can not run that Amp on a 120 volt circuit. The primary from the transformer would draw too much current. In any event that transformer would have to be on a 20 amp dedicated circuit. I doubt you have that in your apartment.

Assuming those specs are correct, wouldn't that only factor in if the content/volume control called for it to do that? At low-medium volumes with real world content and without all channels driven, wouldn't that current draw be a non-issue?

 

[TLS Guy]

Assuming those specs are correct, wouldn't that only factor in if the content/volume control called for it to do that? At low-medium volumes with real world content and without all channels driven, wouldn't that current draw be a non-issue?

There is merit to what you say, except that I think the start up in rush current would blow the breaker, even a special slow blow one.

My amp case takes less current than the amp you are talking about.

I have a dedicated circuit to the amp case. I had to instal a slow blow breaker. Without that the breaker blew just starting the amps for the right and left mains.

Even with that, I have to pause between starting the mains, center, surrounds and rear backs or the slowest acting breaker you can get blows.

I seriously doubt you could turn that amp on with ANY 120 volt circuit.

And talking of starting the amp, how to you intend to do that? You can't use a 12 volt trigger, so you would have to use the switch on the amp. I could not find a 12 volt relay that would handle the task.

So I have installed 24 volt industrial relays.

The red rocker switches turn the amps on.

From left to right the switches turn on the right and left mains, the center, the surrounds and the right most the rear backs.

I can assure you when you join this league, you will have to design for problems you likely have not thought of.

The switches turn on the relays, with a 24 volt line to all switches.

 

[PENG]

It does require a 240 volt outlet, so the current draw would be in the 10 amp range. The heating effect in the wiring goes up by the square of the current.

So the heating effect on wiring and receptacles is only one tenth at 240 volts versus 120 volts.

It should be 1/4 not 1/10, typo I guess??

I don't know what amp he is planning on, but I won't touch that transformer without knowing the full specs of it. On surface it is way too big for a 120V 15A cct. or even 20A cct., unless it has some sort of soft start and suitable protective circuit breaker or fuses, but if it is protected properly it will be as it should be limited to under 2kVA. Again, hard to guess without the full spec. It also needs to be UL (or equivalent, CE is not equivalent) approved for the US.

 

[TLS Guy]

It should be 1/4 not 1/10, typo I guess??

I don't know what amp he is planning on, but I won't touch that transformer without knowing the full specs of it. On surface it is way too big for a 120V 15A cct. or even 20A cct., unless it has some sort of soft start and suitable protective circuit breaker or fuses, but if it is protected properly it will be as it should be limited to under 2kVA. Again, hard to guess without the full spec. It also needs to be UL (or equivalent, CE is not equivalent) approved for the US.

Thanks for catching my typo. I have a really heavy respiratory infection at the moment, which is making me senile than usual.

Anyhow, I think that amp is 240 volt for a reason. It is just not practical to run it of a 120 volt supply.

So, Fuzz you have to pass it up, or get a 120 volt outlet.

 

[fuzz092888]

So, Fuzz you have to pass it up, or get a 240 volt outlet.

Feel better

 

[Rickster71]

I missed this thread, though it looks like you've got the answers you're looking for... even though you may not like them.

Just a thought; lets say you're getting a really great deal on the mystery amp.
Check the price of having its transformer swapped with one of the correct voltage.
Or, still assuming it's such a great deal, sell it to someone that has the proper 240v outlet.

Otherwise take a pass on this one and let your girlfriend hold onto the credit card for a while.
I understand, sometimes the deals are irresistible.

 

[slipperybidness]

I missed this thread, though it looks like you've got the answers you're looking for... even though you may not like them.

Just a thought; lets say you're getting a really great deal on the mystery amp.
Check the price of having its transformer swapped with one of the correct voltage.
Or, still assuming it's such a great deal, sell it to someone that has the proper 240v outlet.

Otherwise take a pass on this one and let your girlfriend hold onto the credit card for a while.
I understand, sometimes the deals are irresistible.

Depends on the TF, some have the capability to be wired for 240V or 120V. Not a job for a noob.

 

[fuzz092888]

I missed this thread, though it looks like you've got the answers you're looking for... even though you may not like them.

Just a thought; lets say you're getting a really great deal on the mystery amp.
Check the price of having its transformer swapped with one of the correct voltage.
Or, still assuming it's such a great deal, sell it to someone that has the proper 240v outlet.

Otherwise take a pass on this one and let your girlfriend hold onto the credit card for a while.
I understand, sometimes the deals are irresistible.

Well, assuming I get it, which I still consider a long shot, I won't have it re-wired. I'll store it until I can feed it the 240V.

Not to beat a dead horse, but what about a 120-240 converter with a dual plug. So two 20 amp 120V circuits feeding the converter which is outputting 240V?