Sunn 2000s

[cintaskep]

Hi,

I've just become the proud owner of a 2000s head, but i live in the UK so i need to get a converter for it.  I can find them no problem but there are different wattages and i'm unsure which wattage converter i should use.  If anyone can help i'd be very greatfull.

Thanks in advance,
_>cin

[JoeArthur]

I'd do at least a 400 watt.  Tube amps are very power hungry and not too efficient with what they do eat.  Since the 2000s is rated at 120 watts, I'd double that for peak (240), add around 60 watts for the tube heaters (300) and go an extra 100 watts for things like transformer losses and for an extra margin to make sure.

The power transformer should be able to handle 240 volt service - the primary windings need to be placed in series instead of parallel.  Just disconnect the blue/black wire and the blue/white wire, twist the ends together, solder and tape them to insulate..

Even if you have a tech do it, it would probably be less than the cost of a transformer and you don't have to lug one around.

[rick.heil]

The 2000s is fused for 5 amperes at 117 volts ac, at 60 hertz.....which is around 585 watts of current draw before the fuse blows.  i'd go as far as the price would allow you to - but 600 watts would be a minimum.

[rick.heil]

gotta love physics ( P=I*E, power(watts) = current(amps) * volts).


Joe has a better point though - a simple re-wire is a lot easier than having to heft a massive tranny about.

[cintaskep]

Cheers for the info guys, i think i'll try re-wiring it, i'm pretty handy with a soldering iron so i'll give it a go.  What would be the worst case scenario if it goes wrong though?  I relly don't want to mess this up.

_>cin

[George Snyder]

Just pull all the tubes before you power up. Once powered check the PT secondary voltages. If your heater voltages are correct then you probably are good to go.
Also change to a lower rated fuse. If you double the mains voltage you need to half the fuse rating.

HTH, DirtyGeorge