uk amps? and transforming us amps to uk

[stevecara123]

hi,

i've been looking how to change a us voltage amp to a uk. I will need either a transformer or a tech to convert it for me but i have a few issues. One is that the process is supposed to be quite expensive and two that i have heard that the sound quality lacks once changed.

If anyone has had an amp transformed esp a 1200s please any information would be gratefully apprieated plus an easy solution would be if sunn or like the one i'm looking at a fender sunn makes uk voltage amp heads?

Thanks

Steve 

[JoeArthur]

The AC power supply requirement for most Sunn equipment is determined by how the primary side of the power transformer is connected.  The primary side will usually have two coils - connect in series for a 240V primary supply, and connect in parallel for a 120V primary supply.

This is only a change of roughly two connections inside the amp even if it is hardwired - I find it hard to believe that it would be an expensive thing to do.

A Sunn 1200s to me was a tube amp, and this is a pretty simple conversion.

If you are talking about the Fender amp issued under the 1200s name, I don't know specifically about that one - but since the Fender version of the model T has the dual coil primary transformer that I talked about above, I would really be surprised if the Fender 1200s didn't have a similar power transformer.

[stanner]

i know bands that traverse the pond and have to change their setups for the different voltages etc.
never heard of a 'sound quality lack' from going back and forth if done correctly.
i think you need one of these:
http://www.voltage-converter-transformers.com/

[JoeArthur]

i know bands that traverse the pond and have to change their setups for the different voltages etc.
never heard of a 'sound quality lack' from going back and forth if done correctly.
i think you need one of these:
http://www.voltage-converter-transformers.com/

Yes, I definitely agree and I forgot that aspect of your question.

Matching the AC supply voltage should not change the secondary voltage (the B+) aspect of the amp.  If the secondary voltage is the same, the amp should not care about what the primary voltage is.

In other other words, the tone should not change.

[stevecara123]

Right, thanks guys. so basically am i right in thinking that to change from the us voltage to the uk you either need to get a transformer thats around £40-50 or have a simple re-wiring job and that it shouldn't effect the sound quality one bit?

Also the 1200 i'm looking at is fender made. Do you think the same will apply?

thanks

[rick.heil]

It could or it couldn't apply.  If you can't get an online schematic for the Fender-made 1200, you could ask your local friendly amp tech if he or she has the schem and could tell you if it was possible.

[Oli]

greetings,

just got an old sorado with max. 117V / 60hz from the usa. i use a simple 230/115V transformer, works out great. but u shold look at this: the 60Hz / 50Hz do squeezes the tranformer (called : ironloss?). that will cause a lot more heat. just a hind: run the amp for a couple of hours und check the temperature. mine runs all right with no problems, but just in case...


greetings

oli 

[man_at_arms84]

What happened with this?

I recently Bought the same amp from the states and have the same problem.

Would be great to know what the outcome was.
Cheers 

[Oli]

Hi,

you mean the sorado (=200S)? I did put an 230V....115V trafo in between and then I did check the temperature for 5 or 6 hours. It was no problem, the transformator temperature goes up to app. 50°C and the amp runs all right. That's what  tech at tube amp worms told me. anyway, i found an very interestig picture in the www., hope its o.k. to post it here. It's from an 200S amp and says 50/60 Hz.

Right now the amp is in a (head)case togehter with the 230...115V transformer. I can send U a picture in three days - works great, no problem and fit for the road.

Greetings

Oliver

[Oli]

Hi,

a simple solution for this task: the amp and the step down transformator in one case. there is a app. 2cm wodden part (fixed to the case) between the step down transformator and the amp. on the amp-side it's covered with some cellar. i use this set up since this jan., it works great, i've got no heat-problem!

greetings

oliver

[stevecara123]

After all that i found a uk one with a fender 2 "15 cab. lovely jubbly!

Loving the tones, just got myself the foot pedal but struggling with the 2nd channel to get it nice and dirty, apart from that, i'm in love!