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Can US 220 Volts Be Used On European 220 V Amp?

I am in the US and all my audio components run on the traditional voltage from a standard wall outlet. I am considering the purchase of a European amplifier that runs on 220 volts. If a US 220 Volt socket is added in my listening room, will the 220V European amp run properly on this US 220 voltage? Some thoughts I had is that the US 220V is 60 Hz, while (I think) the European 220V is 50 Hz.  I plugged in a volt meter into my wall outlet and it reads +/- 120 volts. Does that mean the the 2-pole voltage is 240 volts? Lots of questions and I don't want to damage the 220V European amp if I decide to buy it. Let me know your thoughts and experiences. Thanks in advance.

3zub
rhg3
227 posts
 

@lou_setriodes, @cleeds  Thank you!

3zub OP
26 posts
 

Seems it is not worthwhile to acquire an amp running 220V rated. Each of the options have their drawbacks.

Thanks to all for your replies.... hertz included. :)

lou_setriodes's avatar
lou_setriodes
727 posts
 

@3zub 

Just curious, what 220 amp were you considering?

@cleeds 

someone told me of a cheaper workaround that works just fine.  I moved overseas 18 months ago, and this person told me he used this in Greece for several years with no issues.  Under his advice, I got a 220V power supply and a power inverter that’s used on boats and plugged the power inverter into the power supply.  Cost me all of $120 or so on Amazon and works like a charm.  All of the other devices to go from 60 to 50 Hz are all at least $500 which was almost as much as my Ariston TT.

cleeds
6,622 posts
 

lou_setriodes

I got a 220V power supply and a power inverter that’s used on boats and plugged the power inverter into the power supply .. works like a charm.

I wouldn't want an inverter near my system. I think it's better to use gear designed for the type of power it will run on, 120VAC/60hZ for most of us in the US.

calieng
203 posts
 

Unless there is an internal voltage switch or a transformer tap for 115V that can easily be connected I would not bother.

There are lots of nice equipment for sale that runs on 115V. 

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