Need a Good Voltage Converter for a 240W Subwoofer

[thm1223]

Hey guys,

So I decided to order an Adam Sub8 from the United Kingdom because the price difference is so significant. However, I am curious if anyone can recommend a 250v to 110v converter for U.S. standard outlets that can handle the type of wattage it requires.

 

[corkyg]

Audio output watts are not power input watts. You need an ordinary A/C transformer, 250 to 110. To get the power required by your Adam Sub8, you need the info from its data plate or the manual. AFAIK, any transformer available at most travel shops will suffice. This one should be good:

http://www.amazon.com/Power-Bright-V...ower+converter

The Adam Sub8's audio or music power is 240W, but the RMS power is only 160W.

 

[thm1223]

Audio watts are not power watts. You need an ordinary A/C transformer, 250 to 110. To get the power required by your Adam Sub8, you need the info from its data plate or the manual. AFAIK, any transhormer available at most travel shops will suffice.

Ah ok. Although interestingly I think the data plate says its a 300w sub. Basically I have a pair of Adam A7Xs right now that I use for my desktop, but want to get another pair to complement this woofer for my DJ setup. Thus I would ultimately need a converter with at least 3 outlets.

I was thinking about just getting something like this:
Simran SM-60 110V-250V Universal 3 Outlet Power Strip/Surge Protector for Worldwide Travel with Overload Protection, Black

 

[corkyg]

The power strip you cite would be used in conjunction with the step down transformer. It is not a transformer.

 

[thm1223]

The power strip you cite would be used in conjunction with the step down transformer. It is not a transformer.

Would you possibly be able to recommend a good 250v to 110v transformer to use in the case that I have the above 2.1 setup I described? I would want one that could safely run the sub and 2 170w monitors. I guess something like this?:

http://www.amazon.com/Power-Bright-VC750W-Voltage-Transformer/dp/B000MX1TB4/ref=sr_1_8?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1344708300&sr=1-8&keywords=220v+to+110v+transformer

Alternatively, what about getting a 110 volt power cord from the speaker manufacturer? The back of the sub says it takes a 100v-240v power source:

http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z478/thm1223/AdamSub8PowerInput.jpg


Also, what is the deal with ambiguous descriptions using 110v/120v and 240v/250v interchangeably?

 

[corkyg]

http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z478/thm1223/AdamSub8PowerInput.jpg[/URL]

Also, what is the deal with ambiguous descriptions using 110v/120v and 240v/250v interchangeably?

Your suggested transformer should do the job. And, if the unit can be adapted internally to use 240 or 120 by changing the power cord, that's doable. Many internaltional compnents have such switches.

The 250/240 and 120/110 VAC designations simply cover a range. Voltages can vary within those limits. The normal term is 220 vs 110. UK plugs are big, three pronged honkers - different than the rest of Europe. Plug converters are commonly available in most shopping mall that has a travel gear store.

These are typical plug adapters:

 

[thm1223]

Ya the plug is definitely a UK one.

I think I'll go with the combination of a 750w transformer and the Simran surge protector I linked to, unless anyone has objections. That way I will be able to order another pair of studio monitors at a price that is $500-$600 less than here, even after conversion rates, and still save a chunk of change.

 

[mfenn]

You don't need to buy an expensive step down transformer. It looks to me like the Sub8 has a standard IEC C14 socket on it. The picture you provided of the back of the sub states that it can take an AC input of anywhere between 100-240V and either 50/60Hz. This means that US mains power (120V 60Hz) will work just fine.

So yeah, just grab a standard IEC C13 (for IEC, odd numbers are plugs, even numbers are receptacles) to NEMA 5-15P cord (aka your standard computer power cord) and you are set.

 

[thm1223]

You don't need to buy an expensive step down transformer. It looks to me like the Sub8 has a standard IEC C14 socket on it. The picture you provided of the back of the sub states that it can take an AC input of anywhere between 100-240V and either 50/60Hz. This means that US mains power (120V 60Hz) will work just fine.

So yeah, just grab a standard IEC C13 (for IEC, odd numbers are plugs, even numbers are receptacles) to NEMA 5-15P cord (aka your standard computer power cord) and you are set.

Awesome! You're actually right. I went ahead and plugged in the power cable currently being used by one of my A7Xs. When I flipped on the power switch the sub, it turned on without a hitch!

I found these on Amazon, as the most popular brand (Cables to Go) had a few reviews that made me question their quality:

http://www.amazon.com/Tripp-Lite-P00...+to+NEMA+5-15P

 

[mfenn]

I've had no problem with Cables to Go or Tripplite, they're both fine for the couple of amps you're going to be putting through it, get whichever is cheaper.

 

[bryanl]

Audio output watts are not power input watts.

So true!

Q: What do you call a subwoofer that's fed 240W and puts out 3W of sound?

A: Highly efficient.