Might operating a 50Hz unit at 60Hz affect sound?


I live in the US and will be moving overseas soon, where the power is 220V/60Hz, hence I need to solve this.

I could have my cdp, pre, amp switched to 220V. This is easily done. However these are 50Hz units, to be operated at 60Hz. Anybody knows if I'm likely to hear any difference? I guess it's all direct current inside the units...

Can a power regenerator take 220V/60Hz and deliver 110V/50Hz? Might be another option.

Thanks in advance!
lewinskih01
What country are you moving to? Most of the rest of the world is 220v/50Hz. Running a 60Hz transformer at 50Hz may run a little warmer, as there is less reactance - therefore more current in the primary. But if your components are voltage-switchable (or you get the transformers changed) this wouldn't matter. Probably can disregard the 50/60hz thing anyway. (except on some turntables which require the proper frequency for the motor).
Sorry, you are dead right. I messed up: my US system is 110V/60Hz and I'll move to Argentina, where the power is 220V/50Hz.

I don't have a turntable. For once this is good news.

Can I then disregard the 50/60Hz issue with both solid state and tube amps? In that case I guess I'm best off getting a power regenerator from 220V to 110V and keep my hi-fi as-is. Right?
I would say it probably be ok as long as the Voltage is correct. Also, here's another consideration. When you get to Argentina, your fuses might be too 'big'. Lets say your amp has a 4 Amp fuse for the US. You will need a 2 Amp fuse for 220V because while the voltage is doubled, the current is halved. Check your owners manual for proper fuse size with 220V.

Same thing happened to me, but in reverse. I bought a cheap Chinese tube amp that was dual voltage but was fused for 220V (at half the current as stated above). So when I turned it on, it blew the fuse. I just got a twice-bigger fuse and it worked fine. (Remember you have the Opposite situation - you wont blow fuses, but you won't have the proper protection with a too 'big' of a fuse.

Again, check the owners manual - because it may override what I said, which is usually, but not always, true.
Thanks for the input. Will change the fuse.

It turns out I asked my dealer in the US and the Mac 275 (tubes) is manufactured with two pairs of slots in the mains supply so it can be easily switched from 110V to 220V. No large transformer needed. Life is good!

Thanks all for the input!
Having lived in Europe for 6 years, I have had lots of equipment that I used on the different 50/60HZ. US operates at 60HZ while Europe operates at 50HZ. IF your equipment is not switchable between 110 and 220V, there are step down transformers availabe all over Europe to reduce the voltage. The difference between 50HZ and 60HZ will effect the speed of a turntable. I owned a Dual Turntable when there in the mid 80s. Turntable was bought in the USA and taken over. I contacted Dual and was sent a different size drive cylinder for the motor to compensate.
Other than that, I had no issues. In fact, I still own a Carver Amp and the Dual turntable and they both function flawlessly even after being over there for 6 years.