Buying Trio KA amps from Germany?

[Simon75]

I've been looking at Trio KA amps from the 70's and someone in Germany is selling a few. I am thinking I would just need to stick on a UK plug adapter and that it would be ready to play. But is this likely to have any impact on the sonic abilities of the amp? Would I need a separate power adapter etc to get it sounding it's best?

[Bigman80]

Heres what I know from experience

It isnt wise to plug an amplifier rated for 220v into the UK power supply. Depending on where you live your home supply can go up to 250+v (mine gets up to 250v @ times)

Amps can draw a lot of current when in use and this will cause issues with the capacitors.

You cant buy a 240v to 220v converter for sensible money so you'll either need a bucking transformer fitted or a variac.

If you know someone electronically gifted. You should be fine



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[Firebottle]

It depends to a large extent on the rating of the internal reservoir capacitors.

In Bigman80's case the internal supply voltages were close to the maximum ratings and the capacitors would definitely have been over driven.

For example if the capacitors were rated at 50V and the internal supply was 40V with 220V mains, then raising the mains to 250V should be OK.

[CageyH]

If it is an amp with a 230/240V input, just remove the Schuko plug and fit a UK plug.

[Simon75]

Thanks the feedback, it's really helpful. So from what I understand it is doable. Is it the norm that an amp in Germany would have a 230/240volt input?

[struth]

Some do. Depends on the tx fitted. If it was the same basic model for everywhere it could have a 110 tap position too. Others were uk specific and some euro .it will say on back either on a label or it will have a switch or plug to move. Sometimes you have to change fuse, and some have fuses for both

[Bigman80]

Thanks the feedback, it's really helpful. So from what I understand it is doable. Is it the norm that an amp in Germany would have a 230/240volt input?
Its usually​ 220/230 I believe.

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[CageyH]

I just checked out a few KA amps on ebay.de and the majority look like they are 220V.

[Simon75]

Just looking at a Trio KA 9100 on gumtree at the moment (collection only unfortunately). It has a switch on the back for 110-120 volts or 220-240 volts. Doesn't mean they are the same in Germany of course.