Difficult Choice to Make

[Audio_ElF]

Have you tried contacting the importers of McIntosh in the region you are moving to - they maybe more sympathetic.

Eloise

[jack d]

Have you tried contacting the importers of McIntosh in the region you are moving to - they maybe more sympathetic.

Eloise

Well no because, as the McIntosh rep stated, I will have to pay twice the amount that I would pay in the US. This is why they have the rigid policy in the first place. It's to protect their overseas dealers who, for a variety of reasons, charge a lot more. Some of the "overseas premium" might be legitimate and some not so legitimate.

[audioqueso]

That sucks. Sorry to hear that it didn't work out. What are you going to do then?

[jack d]

That sucks. Sorry to hear that it didn't work out. What are you going to do then?

I'm considering the purchase of a stepdown transformer.

[1oldguy]

Have you checked out Bryston amps?

[jack d]

Have you checked out Bryston amps?

Nope. Do they make any muscular amps that are user switchable between 110 and 220?

[KahunaCanuck]

I think the power transformers would be the easiest thing to solve this...then your amps stay the same...I found this on PS Audio: http://www.psaudio.com/ps/forum/viewthread/335/

[energyandair]

Nope. Do they make any muscular amps that are user switchable between 110 and 220?

You could consider Plinius. I think that people who like Mac's are likely to also like the sound of the Plinius amps and they certainly go up into the range you are interested in.

The only one I've seen inside is the 9100 and it has a terminal block next to the transformer with simple diagrams of how to reconnect the wires for 110-120V or 220-240V power. My guess is that Plinius use a similar terminal block arrangement throughout their range so they can ship the same model to countries with different voltages.

David

[htsteve]

I'm considering the purchase of a stepdown transformer.

Some ideas:

http://www.starkelectronic.com/st500.htm

http://www.voltage-converter-transformers.com/step-down-transformer.html

http://www.amazon.com/Seven-Star-Step-Transformer-TC500/dp/B000AY72DO

Hope this helps.

[jack d]

Thanks for the links guys.

[dknightd]

If it is a place that sees lots of come and go traffic, you might be able to pick up used one from somebody leaving.

[jack d]

You could consider Plinius. I think that people who like Mac's are likely to also like the sound of the Plinius amps and they certainly go up into the range you are interested in.

The only one I've seen inside is the 9100 and it has a terminal block next to the transformer with simple diagrams of how to reconnect the wires for 110-120V or 220-240V power. My guess is that Plinius use a similar terminal block arrangement throughout their range so they can ship the same model to countries with different voltages.

David

Thanks but no way I am going to rewire the thing myself!

[jack d]

If it is a place that sees lots of come and go traffic, you might be able to pick up used one from somebody leaving.

Perhaps. I wonder, however, how many people there are who as crazy as I am in this regard... Especially in Zambia. Most expat types travel light because they know they are going to relocate every few years.

[KODG MAN]

YOU COULD SELL YOUR CENTER (250LBS!!) IT IS EASILY YOUR HEAVEST PIECE OF EQUIPMENT & LIKE YOU SAID BUY THE HMT2D. I HAVE A BRAND NEW ONE W/STAND & AIM LOOKING AT POSSIBLY UP-GRADING TO THE CENTER YOU HAVE, SO MAYBE THEIR IS A DEAL THERE? I ACTUALLY DID,NT PURCHASE THE MONSTER YOU HAVE BECUASE OF THE WEIGHT, BUT HAVE STARTRD LOOKING FOR ONE.


**I WOULD BUY A COUPLE OF THE PS AUDIO POWER PLANT PRIEMERS, THEY WILL REGULATE THE VOLTAGE & CLEAN THE AC & CAN BE PURCHASED IN BOTH 120/220 V. LOOK INTO THEM AT PS AUDIO.COM.

I ACTUALLY CAN GET GREAT PRICING ON THE UNITS AS I HAVE TWO FRIENDS WHO ARE PS AUDIO DEALERS.

I CURRENTLY USE TWO IN MY SYTEM & THEY REALLY DO CLEAN /RE-GENERATE MY AC POWER! THAT TO ME WOULD BE THE BEST SOLUTION TO PROTECTING YOUR EQUIPMENT & CLEANING THE AC POWER COMING INTO IT.

KODG
kodg@verizon.net if you want to talk about the center channel idea.

P.S. I WOULD ALSO BUY THE BEST SECURITY SYSTEM I COULD AFFORD!!!!!

[KODG MAN]

Another Thought!

Sell/trade Your Htm1d To Me/some one else Buy My/someone else Hmt2d & Purchase Some Quality Class D Amplifiers. I Drive A 10.2 System W 802ds, Htm2d Ccm-817's,ccm 80, Ds8s & Two Jl Audio F-113 Subs With No Problem With My Class D Amp. The Weight/SIZE Of Class D Is Nothing Compared To Your Mcintosh WITH THE ADDED BENEFIT OF LESS POWER CONSUMPTION!! & 90% EFFECIENT!!

You Could Sell Your Hmt1d/ Mcintosh/ 802ds/804s. Purchase A Hmt2d & 4 803ds & Class D Amps & The PPP From Ps Audio & I Think You Would Be Very Happy & it would lower your weight by at least 60%.

There Is No Way Your Plasmas Will Make The Trip, They Will Get Destroyed!! Either Ship Them & Have Insurance Buy You New Ones, Or Try To Sell Them Locally.

Kodg

[jack d]

kodg,
Thanks for the ideas.

I think, however, I will keep my HTM1D! I love the combination of the 802Ds and HTM1D across the front. Will want to come back to that when I return to the States.

As for the power situation, I already have a Richard Grey 1200c. I've been discussing with them how to do the set up with 220. They have suggested that I get one of their sub station pros, which will, among other things, step down from 240 to 120. In fact, they actually recommend that set up even in the States. In other words, they suggest that one run a 240 line to the HT room and then use the combination of the sub station and the 1200pc. I don't understand a lot about electricity but they say this is the best way to isolate one's HT gear from all other electrical interference. The price of the sub station, however, is hefty so I'm also considering if I can just get the 1200c rewired for 220/240. Or use the 1200c with a simple step down transformer which would be significantly less in terms of cost.

As for power conditioning, I was always a sceptic but after testing the RG 1200c, I no longer have any doubt that it can improve system performance. It's just a matter of how much one is willing to pay for the added benefit which can be subtle.

[dknightd]

Perhaps. I wonder, however, how many people there are who as crazy as I am in this regard... Especially in Zambia. Most expat types travel light because they know they are going to relocate every few years.

There is a lot to be said for traveling light :T

[jack d]

There is a lot to be said for traveling light :T

Agreed. There is also something to be said for enjoying life to the fullest however you define that.

[dknightd]

Jack,
I think you need to consider where you are going, why you are going there,
and what you hope to accomplish. I assume you have already thought about these
things, and your research here is just the tip of the iceberg. I love music (not much of a movie fan) so I'd bring with me the ability to play good tunes - that does not have to reproduce what you have at home IMO. I'm assuming you know where
you might be going, and are talking to people there with their suggestions on what
you might want to bring with you, and what you might be able to find there.
When in doubt get local knowledge, and support your local brewer. I suggest you
focus on why you are going there, not on bringing all your stuff with you. Again,
I assume you are, and you are just discussing this stuff here to see what your options are. Do you know what your accommodations will be? They may not want all your crap there, on the other hand maybe they could provide you with the power you desire

Have Fun.