Moving To Europe [resolved]

[WK3K]

Hi All,

I'm relocating to Copenhagen (230v @50Hz) from the US, so I'm wondering what steps to take to ensure that my Bottlehead gear stays safe. I know that the Crack has a universal transformer that can be rewired (will need new power cord), but it doesn't look like the Reduction and SEX2.1 do. Should I just pick up a standard step-down transformer, or are there other modifications that need to be made? Does a powerstrip into a single transformer work, or should I be getting a separate transformer for each amp? Any transformer recommendations? Thanks so much for your help, I know this probably seems straight forward but I really don't want to fry my gear.

Also, any other Bottleheads out in Copenhagen?

W

 

[Paul Birkeland]

The current Reduction does have a universal power transformer.  The Sex 2.1 never did have one though. 

A 500VA step down would be more than enough for a SEX amp and a Reduction.  You want to resist the temptation to get something too big though, as the output voltage will creep up if you can't load it down enough.  Do be sure that whatever you get is rated for 50Hz use too. 

A Hammond 289CT with the appropriate plug would work fine, though it's a bit on the expensive side.  It is, however, very convenient to have something premade like that.

(I'll also throw in that you could use this as an excuse to build a new SEX amp and phono preamp )

 

[WK3K]

Thanks PB. I have the "original" Reduction, so I guess I'm SOL there too.

I do like your recommendation to upgrade to the new versions of the SEX and Reduction... or maybe it's time for the Stereomore and Eros. In for a penny, in for a pound right?

 

[Jameson]

Having just upgraded to the Eros from a Reduction, I think the Eros is the right move.

But it’s not my money, so you do you.

 

[Paul Birkeland]

In for a penny, in for a pound right?

In for a Krone, in for a kilogram.

 

[WK3K]

HA! Well put. I guess I'll have to upgrade  ;D. Now just have to find someone to buy my existing amps. Honestly will be sad to let them go, I've been so happy with my system. It's been a few years since I had the pleasure of building a kit. Sounds like just the right thing to pass those long Danish nights.

 

[Thermioniclife]

Perhaps a long legged Danish woman can help also.

 

[WK3K]

That will get me into more trouble with the wife than buying the new kits will! 

 

[Thermioniclife]

I understand your problem. but if you play your cards right you can receive your new bottlehead products during the many months that your wife is mad at you and you can build them in the dog house where you will reside. When she accepts you back you will have new stuff.
I think that's a good plan, maybe its just me.
Perhaps I should not give advise to anyone.
Sorry,
Best wishes on your move.
Regards,
Lee

 

[WK3K]

Can't argue with the logic there.

 

[RayP]

I am moving back to Australia (240 v 50 hz) later this year after living in the US for over 30 years. I plan to buy a couple of the following, not so much for my audio hobby, but because we have other expensive or hard to replace items that we plan to take with us. For example, my wife's Juki sewing machine or her 50-year-old pizzelle maker. Note the prices are in Aussie dollars (roughly 70 US cents) and I will get 2000 watt models.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Giantz-1000W-Transformer-Voltage-Converter/dp/B07KQZXWKY/ref=sr_1_3?hvadid=253844635410&hvdev=c&hvlocint=2036&hvlocphy=9008108&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t3&hvqmt=b&hvrand=17357112305760207366&hvtargid=kwd-15428211&keywords=voltage+transformer&qid=1573829294&sr=8-3

Another possibility for you is to replace the transformers in the Bottlehead gear with locally purchased 230 volt transformers with the appropriate output voltage and wattage which you should be able to get from the schematics. The physical size should be similar. Then just store the old transformers if you return to the US.

And yes, I will be getting rid of quite a few 115 volt transformers from my stash.

ray

 

[Paul Birkeland]

Another possibility for you is to replace the transformers in the Bottlehead gear with locally purchased 230 volt transformers with the appropriate output voltage and wattage which you should be able to get from the schematics.

That doesn't do enough to get something like an Eros transformer, which is also designed to be very quiet magnetically.

 

[WK3K]

Thanks @RayP. I'll keep those transformers in mind for other appliances. On the amps, I've listed my current ones on eBay and will be rebuying kits with the universal power transformers — that way when/if I move back to the US, I'll be covered and won't be adding a bunch of extra gear to the circuit. Plus a good excuse to upgrade

Appreciate everyone's feedback and advice!

 

[WK3K]

Well this is what happens... I've upgraded to the Stereomour and Eros and couldn't be happier. I'll do a more complete write up, but just thought I'd bing this thread full circle.

 

[Paul Birkeland]

You lucked out with the width of the space in there!  You couldn't even fit a "wafer thin" mint in there

 

[Jameson]

I knew what it was before I even clicked on it

 

[WK3K]

Thanks PB. I was lucky indeed - just us to change the height of the upper shelf to accommodate the 2A3’s, but that was pretty painless. Our current SF apartment is so tiny that everything is a tight fit, but hoping to have some more space soon.

I’d probably rather have the amps out where I can admire them, but the console is great for when friends with kids come over. I’ll probably need to install a fan in there at some point, but haven’t really needed to yet.