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AUDIO FORUMS >> General Discussion and Support >> Zen in US, Zen in Europe question (110 vs 220)
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Message started by questor on 08/25/18 at 06:36:26

Title: Zen in US, Zen in Europe question (110 vs 220)
Post by questor on 08/25/18 at 06:36:26

I would love to have a Zen that I could run here in US but also take to Europe. Thinking it through, I'm thinking there are a couple of options. Maybe someone can help me think this through.
1) Buy two Zens.
2) Build a Zen kit with two power transformers. (I'm not eager to build another amp, but if it is the best solution I guess I could)
3)??? How hard would it be to swap power transformers on a "decware built" Zen?
Thanks in advance for any advice!

Title: Re: Zen in US, Zen in Europe question (110 vs 220)
Post by Lon on 08/25/18 at 12:00:20

According to the product pages the newest Zens can be wired in house for various national electrical needs. I would inquire from Steve whether this is easily accomplished as an end user and perhaps you just need one amp that you can change.

Title: Re: Zen in US, Zen in Europe question (110 vs 220)
Post by questor on 08/25/18 at 21:54:53

Sounds like good advice. Thank you.

Title: Re: Zen in US, Zen in Europe question (110 vs 220)
Post by alper_yilmaz on 09/12/18 at 06:20:03

Hi questor,

Rather than changing the wiring, I have a few step-up/step-down transformers which are decently priced. I have been moving back and forth between NY and Istanbul and some of my gear are wired for 120V and the others for 230V. Rather than dealing with all the hassle of re-wiring, the transformers work quite fine.

Best,

Alper

Title: Re: Zen in US, Zen in Europe question (110 vs 220)
Post by questor on 09/16/18 at 01:49:46

Thank you. That is also a great idea. In fact I asked Steve directly and that was one of the solutions he proposed.

It is certainly the simplest! Maybe I'll go with that one.

Title: Re: Zen in US, Zen in Europe question (110 vs 220)
Post by adamttt on 07/15/24 at 10:33:11

Hello everyone, first time poster here!

I have monoblocks that I got from the US and that I run through a step up/down transformer in Europe. The thing is the transformer is - in my opinion - way too powerful at 1000W vs the low W from the amps.

What transformer would you recommend? Is something at around 70W enough? Should I worry about the shielding and filtering if I use a transformer?

Thanks a lot!

Title: Re: Zen in US, Zen in Europe question (110 vs 220)
Post by Donnie on 07/15/24 at 13:08:41

Welcome here adamttt.

If you are not having humming issues with your current transformer I wouldn't worry about it.

The amps take what they need, the power isn't forced into them, so you will be fine.

Title: Re: Zen in US, Zen in Europe question (110 vs 220)
Post by CAJames on 07/15/24 at 13:17:08

I would keep your 1000W transformer. If you are going to use a transformer IMO it should be rated for 10 times the power you need so you aren’t limiting transients. There is no such thing as a transformer that is “too powerful.”

Title: Re: Zen in US, Zen in Europe question (110 vs 220)
Post by Gilf on 07/15/24 at 14:09:11

Greetings, adamttt. Welcome to the forums. This is a great place to get your questions answered and share your experience. BTW- those are my SV83 monos that you purchased!

I agree with Donnie and CA. If what you have is working, not humming, and 10x the amp rating (or at least 2x) you are good. In my experience you cannot go wrong providing a lot of capacity in the power section, and would prefer this to risking not having enough.

Title: Re: Zen in US, Zen in Europe question (110 vs 220)
Post by adamttt on 07/16/24 at 10:22:01

Thanks for your answers everyone and that is correct Gilf! I do get a bit of hum from the transformer itself - I bought it second hand and it looks like it's lived a little already - but I wouldn't say it impacts the speakers. And the hum is quieter with this new power strip I got. So I may still get another transformer but I now know the power isn't the issue. If anyone has specific recommendations, let me know!

Title: Re: Zen in US, Zen in Europe question (110 vs 220)
Post by cmdc on 07/16/24 at 14:48:43

I have a European ZMA that I bought off this forum several years ago. I have run it in the US using a 1000W transformer for 3 years without any problems. So, if you’re experiencing problems with hum, and you can’t find another source of the problem, it might be worth picking up a new transformer.

Title: Re: Zen in US, Zen in Europe question (110 vs 220)
Post by CAJames on 07/16/24 at 18:57:54

Quote:

Posted by: cmdc Posted on: Today at 06:48:43

...So, if you’re experiencing problems with hum, and you can’t find another source of the problem, it might be worth picking up a new transformer.

It is certainly possible that a poor quality (or perhaps damaged) transformer can cause hum. But a (very?) common source of transformer hum is a DC offset on your AC mains power.

Title: Re: Zen in US, Zen in Europe question (110 vs 220)
Post by tttadadam on 07/18/24 at 11:56:14

Thanks everyone. I will look into it all. I think a slightly newer transformer will do the work