Hi
Here is my setup.
Amp: Unico Teatro 8-channel amp
DVD: Arcam FMJ DV27
Projector: Sony HS-10
All of the above works on 220v. I would love to buy an outlaw 950 provided they make gear for the 220v/230v folks

Are we talking about 230v/50Hz (European) or 220V/60Hz? (I have to think that we're talking 230V/50Hz here, as I can't imagine someone producing a 220V/60Hz DVD player, so presumably you are overseas?) I know that some Outlaw gear has been manufactured at 230V/50Hz for distribution in Europe (handled by Soundcenter.fi ). The 950 was going to get the 230V/50Hz treatment, but I haven't heard if that has happened yet. I think that the Model 200 may be capable of either 120V/60Hz or 230V/50Hz (see this picture -- also apparently true of the IR1000 beta units ).

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gonk -- Saloon Links | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | 950 Review

Hi,

Only 1 wire has to be changed. It's connected to the primary winding of the transformer. The transformer has a 110V and a 230V lead. Just disconnect the 110V wire, and connect it to the 230V wire. There is a wire bridge on the pcb which has to be changed.
Did my 950 about 5 months ago.

Regards,

Reinier.

I am moving overseas, to India. I understand it is 220v 50hz in India while it's 110v/60hz here right?

Could you please give a detailed instruction on how to swith from 110volts to 220 volts.
Thanks
jezi

I would give Outlaw a call and ask them about an overseas version or modifying a 110V/60Hz 950. From what R.Bauer says, it sounds like it's reasonably feasible, at least.

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gonk -- Saloon Links | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | 950 Review

Fellow Outlaws

We've seen the comments about converting the 950 for use with 230 volt current, and we would like to make a firm statement that we do not recommend or approve that, or any other modification to the internal circuitry of the Model 950 by the end user or anyone other than an authorized service facility.

In addition to voiding the warranty, any changes to the circuit boards could create the potential for safety issues leading to possible injury or death. IN addition, changes to the circuit will also void the FCC Type B authorization, creating the possibility of increased interference with, or from, external devices.

Beyond those obvious warnings, changes to operate the 950 on a different voltage do not change other issues required for international operation such as tuner spacing increments and video standards.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE! Do not attempt to make any changes to Model 950's internal circuits. We don't want any "shocking" results!

Scott
Since the IR1000 is mentioned again, what is the status on it? any official news?

thanks.

I feel bad outlaw doesn't cater to this clientele.
Many audiophiles would like ther versatality of 220v and many audiophiles reside outside the US

I guess the only option is to pick up a Lexicon MC 1 or a B&K 30 for $1500

You can always use an external step down transformer when overseas.


[This message has been edited by soundhound (edited February 14, 2003).]

YOU ARE NOT SERIOUS!!!!

This is true, and hopefully there will be a 230V version for overseas distribution eventually. It is worth keeping in mind though that Outlaw is still a young company -- distributing to and providing support for the local US market alone is a big task to take on.



I'm curious about this... I had never heard of folks running 220V power in their homes for anything aside from an electric oven or a clothes dryer. Is there a benefit to having 220V audio gear in the states? (And if you use 220V state-side, it would actually be more like 208V since we're still at 60Hz, which would presumably not work well with equipment expecting 50Hz power...) Or (and this seems more likely to me) is it purely a matter of being able to take your equipment to 230V/50Hz countries and use it without a step-down transformer? For that matter, what would be the drawbacks of using a good step-down transformer to power gear in a case like that?

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gonk -- Saloon Links | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | 950 Review

[This message has been edited by gonk (edited February 14, 2003).]

Many folks on Audiogon argue that their ML/ Rowland amps sound significantly more lifelike with 220vac feed.
I know lots...and lots of people in Audiogon who run 220v gear in the US and claim it gives them a larger soundspace.
I even met lots of people in CES who use 220v gear in the US.

Most high end equipment I own is 220v switchable....Classe, ARCAM, TacT etc etc
You have to try using a non-audiophile (not medical grade) step down transformer with your equipment...the buzz generated cannot be ignored, IMO...if I were to buy a medical grade transformer, It'll cost me twice as much as a Outlaw 950

Well, actually I was. This is of course based on the presumption that any video equipment would be also be compatible with U.S. standards. There is no magic in making a good step down transformer. It does not have to have "audiophile" blessings to perform it's duties without interferrence or degradation of performance. I have done this with my digital audio workstation when I have worked overseas in England and Ireland with no problems. Most equipment nominally designed for 60Hz operation can operate at 50Hz without problems, since their power transformers were designed with this option in mind. The 950 may be an exception to this, but a call to Outlaw would sort this out.

Where did you purchase the step down transformer you said buzzed so badly? I hope you didn''t use one of those cheap things they sell at RadioShack for foreign travel.

If you are planning on staying out of the country permanently, of course a dedicated 220 VAC unit makes sense.

[This message has been edited by soundhound (edited February 14, 2003).]

Using 220VAC for running equipment offers the benefit of completely balanced AC power By doing this, any common mode interferrence picked up on the power lines will be cancelled out in the power transformer of the equipment. Ground loops also are less likely to occur, since the "circuit ground and chassis ground" is referenced to balanced power, and not unbalanced as in our common 120VAC systems. Also, running power amps on 220VAC can be a benefit because the power line is less likely to sag as signficant an amount as if it were run on 120VAC.

I actually wish we did standardize on a balanced power system from the beginning (either 220 or 120VAC) as it would circumvent a whole bunch of problems we face now with buzzes, hums and interferrence. I guess this wasn't much an issue in 1900 when the only electrical thing people had was an Edison light bulb or two.



[This message has been edited by soundhound (edited February 14, 2003).]