Buying an Class D amp in the States and use it in Portugal

[Stance]

Hello

Maybe this question has already been answered but here goes: I´m planning on buying a class D head (a GK or Ampeg or Aguilar), and I just want to know if when it gets here its just plug and play (considering that the US current is 110v and here its 220v), or do I need to do any type of adjustment to the amp?

Thanks

[yorick]

You'll need to check the specifications of the amp itself first. Some will run on dual voltage with a small switch on the back, to change over the voltage.
If the amp doesn't have one of these, you'll need a step down transformer to lower the voltage to 110v.
Hope this helps

Edited November 2, 2012 by yorick

[MarkBassChat]

The mains power voltage in different countries has nothing to do with class-D power amp. It has to do with power supply of the amp. If the amp uses "classic" power supply (with big transformer like Aguilar SC500) you need to adjust the amp (or in the worst case to replace the transformer). If the amp uses modern switching power supply (SMPS), then it depends. For example, some models of Eden amps will work with any voltage between 90V and 260V. And other (e.g. WTX500) need simple adjustment in the power supply module. So in general it depends on the model of the amp. Luckily this information is in the amp's manual. It meas that you need to read the manual. Of course, if you buy the amp in Europe (e.g. MarkBass) , it will be already adjusted to the mains voltage in your country.

Mark

[Stance]

Thanks for the answers.

Since I still don´t know which amp I´m going to buy, I´ll try to get a hold of the manuals and see what they say about this.

[PTB]

My Genz Benz class D amp has a switch on the back to select either US or Euro voltage.

[iiipopes]

Mains voltage. Mains voltage. Mains voltage. What the above said: unless it has a switch on the back of the amp near where a modular power cord plugs in that will switch to European 220/240 vac, or an automatic internal switch, then it is a pain to either rewire the mains transformer, or switch out one for the higher voltage, or get a step down transformer.

You need three things to get an amplifier in the USA that will work in Europe with a minimum of hassle:
1) a power supply voltage switch on the back of the amp or automatic internal switching;
2) a modular jack on the back of the amp (think computer power input cord) so you can get a modular cord in Portugal that is compatible with the physical mains plug in; and
3) (this is most important, and has not been addressed) warranty. Many USA amplifiers have a limited warranty that will not be honored at different voltages or in different countries.

For example, here is a Class D bass amplifier that is advertised as "internal switching" from 120 vac 60 Hz for the USA market or 240 vac 50 Hz for the European market, and is good value-for-money:

[url="http://www.carvinguitars.com/products/BX500"]http://www.carvingui.../products/BX500[/url]

Edited November 3, 2012 by iiipopes

[Stance]

[quote name='iiipopes' timestamp='1351905359' post='1856892']
Mains voltage. Mains voltage. Mains voltage. What the above said: unless it has a switch on the back of the amp near where a modular power cord plugs in that will switch to European 220/240 vac, or an automatic internal switch, then it is a pain to either rewire the mains transformer, or switch out one for the higher voltage, or get a step down transformer.

You need three things to get an amplifier in the USA that will work in Europe with a minimum of hassle:
1) a power supply voltage switch on the back of the amp or automatic internal switching;
2) a modular jack on the back of the amp (think computer power input cord) so you can get a modular cord in Portugal that is compatible with the physical mains plug in; and
3) (this is most important, and has not been addressed) warranty. Many USA amplifiers have a limited warranty that will not be honored at different voltages or in different countries.

For example, here is a Class D bass amplifier that is advertised as "internal switching" from 120 vac 60 Hz for the USA market or 240 vac 50 Hz for the European market, and is good value-for-money:

[url="http://www.carvinguitars.com/products/BX500"]http://www.carvingui.../products/BX500[/url]
[/quote]

Thanks for the tip!

But do you know if the Ampeg/Aguilar/Gk have a switch like you´ve mentioned?

I just wanted to avoid the $$$ of making some overseas calls.

[Stance]

I just browsed through these amps manuals and it seems that the Ampeg and the Aguilar have a voltage switch.

I guess I have to contact GK to know about their amp.

[glefty]

The GKs have an internal jump switch which can be changed by any experienced tech in a few minutes. Some stores on eBay offer this service for GK heads for free or $10-20 so I'd get it done in store if I were you & I actually did that with an MB200 & it's been fine. Search Gallien Krueger on eBay & you will see the stores that offer it if you read through their description. Good luck!