Should I spend $200 on changing the voltage on my Krell?

crazy

Greeting folks,

So I finally made it to Singapore - great city! Let me know if any of you plan on visiting this part of the world!

I'm getting my shipment from the US in 3-4 days so I'm obviously anxious on hooking up my music system first! My CD player (Arcam) is dual voltage so that should work perfectly, but my Krell 400Xi amplifier is 120 V/ 50Hz which needs to be converted to 220 V/ 60Hz (might have got the Hz thing reversed). Anyways, I called up the Krell dealer here and they said that they can make the switch for US $200 and it would take a day to do this. Isn't that a bit too much to pay for just a voltage transformation?? Should I just buy a 220-110V convertor instead which should go for $50 max???

Thanks!

crazy

Also , I guess if I do go the 220-110V transofrmer route, a hi-end audio store in Singapore should be able to tell me what kinda transformer I should get right?

Anyone from Singapore - can you please answer this question? Also , what kind of voltage protectors should I get here? I researched and found that Monster and Belkin products are not available here.

THANKS!!!

ledhed

I don't know anything about the converters but, I'd invest in a nice high quality multiple outlet one son you can plug other things into it (I'm sure you have other things that will need to be plugged in)

crazy

ledhed wrote: »

I don't know anything about the converters but, I'd invest in a nice high quality multiple outlet one son you can plug other things into it (I'm sure you have other things that will need to be plugged in)

No, I actually sold all my US electronics before moving down to Singapore (except the ones which are dual voltage). I just didn't sell the Krell and hence the need for a single voltage transformer.

Sherardp

You can order a step up step down transformer online. I had a somewhat similar situation being in Japan and running on 100v(i needed a step up transformer in my case). Save the cash and go with the step down transformer since all of your gear is US spec. You should also invest in a power conditioner. So your connection from outlet power ----> step down transformer--->power conditioner---->audio equipment. The larger VT5000 will suffice.

peep the link http://www.voltage-converter-transformers.com/step-up-transformer-2.html

crazy

Sherardp wrote: »

You can order a step up step down transformer online. I had a somewhat similar situation being in Japan and running on 100v(i needed a step up transformer in my case). Save the cash and go with the step down transformer since all of your gear is US spec. You should also invest in a power conditioner. So your connection from outlet power ----> step down transformer--->power conditioner---->audio equipment. The larger VT5000 will suffice.

peep the link http://www.voltage-converter-transformers.com/step-up-transformer-2.html

Thanks a lot! I guess the step down transformer does seem to be a much better option!

Just one more quick question, these transformers all have different ratings, 100W, 200W ... all the way to 5000W. Any idea which one I should use for the Krell KAV 400Xi to make it work at it's optimum output?

Should I go for a higher rating such as a heavy duty 1000W step down transformer? Do I really need the 5000W transformer?

THANKS!!

venomclan

Hi Crazy,
If I were you I would sell the Krell and buy the 220v version. Here is my thinking:

1- Converting your U.S. Krell into 220v, even done so by the company, may de-value your 400Xi should you wish to sell it later on.

2- Using a power converter may introduce noise into the system and in the end make the point of having that nice Krell moot.

If you know that Singapore is where you will be for a long time, I would just get a new 220v integrated and call it a day. Any $ hit you will take now will balance out later on.
V

Sherardp

im using a power transformer on my system and there is zero noise in my system. No hum in my speakers, nothing. To each his own, however I wouldnt get rid of my gear if I were in his shoes, then to only go with a 220v version and face the dilenma again when returning to the US. Go for the larger transformer, which will give you breathing room when you connect up all your gear on the power conditioner.

crazy

Friends - thanks for all the feedback.

I did end up going with the 110 to 220 V conversion through the Krell dealer. The funny thing is that they ordered the part from Orange, CT (Krell factory) which used to be like 30 mins from my place

I had called up Krell to see if they could make the switch before I moved from the US and they said that they couldn't because of the contracts with their dealers and I had to make the switch at a local Krell dealer at the country I was moving to!!

Also, I do feel like kicking myself for selling my Belkin line conditioner - had I not sold that, I would have gone with the step down transformer route.

polkatese

So, Crazy, how are you coping with the humidity?

Glad that your Krell is alive again. Which neighborhood do you live in?

Ricardo

Hey, when you have some time (like a full day...) go to "The Adelphi". Lots of high end dealers in the same building. Don't miss the store that sells MBL. I spent some time there with a very nice guy that allowed me to dream for a while with absolutely no pressure.

crazy

The humidity is BAD. Oh well, you gain some you lose some!

I'm on the East Coast, right next to the ocean so I enjoy a great sea view while enjoying great 2-channel music!

I have visited The Adelphi ... around 10 times already That's where the Krell dealer is. But I've been a nervous browsing the stores since unlike the US, there seems to be virtually no one else in these stores.

HTrookie - I will definitely check out MLB store

ooztuncer

Sherardp wrote: »

You can order a step up step down transformer online. I had a somewhat similar situation being in Japan and running on 100v(i needed a step up transformer in my case). Save the cash and go with the step down transformer since all of your gear is US spec. You should also invest in a power conditioner. So your connection from outlet power ----> step down transformer--->power conditioner---->audio equipment. The larger VT5000 will suffice.

peep the link http://www.voltage-converter-transformers.com/step-up-transformer-2.html

Hello there,
I lurked around time to time and it's time to post - even tought this is an old thread!

I am in a similar situation with OP - moving from Portland, ME to Turkey and decided to take my audio-video gear with me. Therefore I bought a APC 9621 step down transformer and APC H15 surge protector/power conditioner.

The setup will be: AC mains (220 volts) > APC 9621 (220 to 110) > APC H15 (surge prot./power cond. > audio-video gear.

Initially I assumed that it would be just fine and dandy until I read this: "Never Use a Surge Protector with a Step-Down Transformer"

What do you think? Thanks in advance...

Sherardp

I use a step up transformer with Monster Power Conditioners, have been doing so for the past 5 yrs out here in Japan with no issue.

ooztuncer

^^ thanks for the response.

I learned that APC 9621 is not OK to use in 220 volts (it is designed for N. America), therefore I am going to buy another good quality step down transformer.

Now, one final question: step down transformer will output 120v/50hz (from the 220 volts/50hz AC outlet) but the power conditioner is working under 120v/60hz - would that be a problem?

I sent a similar question to APC (as part of the bigger question) and I caught this between the lines: "Our step down transformers have only one setting of windings, not primary and secondary. By primary and secondary windings, it sounds like you are seeking an isolation transformer. We would not recommend using a step-down transformer with the H15 power conditioner." I am thinking that H15 may work under 50hz cycle, but is not recommended?

Sherardp

Most converters wont change the timings. But no it should not affect the perfomance of your AV gear. Check this site for the transformers I'd recommend. I use one with volt meters just so I know what the unit is putting out.

http://www.220-electronics.com/Transformers/trans/simranconverter.htm