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My latest acquisition (Dynaco PAS-4 preamp) was manufactured overseas and comes with a step up transformer which converts the current into 220 Volts.
Is there a way to modify the amp to be able to plug it straight into the wall outlet, bypassing the step up transformer?
Follow Ups:
Here's a excerpt of the transformer ...
Dmitri Shostakovich
Edits: 08/17/22
That helps, assuming that's either a picture of Magiccarpetride's actual preamp, or that he has the same power transformer in his.
It doesn't appear that the transformer has dual primaries, and if that's the case, can only be used with a 230 VAC input.
There was no information for that model on the Jelonnek transformer site that I could find.
That would seem to lead to the conclusion that a power transformer replacement would be necessary. Or the original poster could have a dedicated 240 V line installed in his listening room. Either way, it's an expensive proposition.
the people that are trying to help are more interested in a solution, than the one that needs the solution.
But in this case I'll give magiccarpetride credit for at least saying "thank you". I've noticed that too many don't acknowledge answers here on the Asylum anymore (Google Syndrome?), which often causes people who could help, not to.
Oh well. In this case it was enjoyable to put our collective heads together. Next, maybe we can help OJ find the real killer.
I apologize for not being in the position to open the lid and take detailed photos. At this point, I kind of feel that the solution would be too much trouble for me.
The only reason I would like to mod the preamp to the North American standards is to be able to use my Shunyata power cord on it. But it's okay even if I can't get there.
Thanks everyone for the great discussion!
If it is, indeed a Panor PAS 4, it was manufactured in the US. Your step up transformer must be used to make it work on Euro 230 v systems.
That's what I was asking a few days ago.... I asked for pictures of the unit and the Transformer, to try and figure out what the OP has....
It used to be run by Joe Curcio/Dynaco Doctor. I have no idea if he is still around these days.
Many years ago I took a PAS3 to him, he put in one new circuit board, replacing 4 tubes with one, and that thing made beautiful music. If it had a remote I would still have and use it.
Hope Joe is still around and doing well. Dynaco Doctor website is at the top of the forum page.
The expert on Pas preamps!
One can find MUCH better sounds for Far Fewer $$ AVA has been overcharging/milking Dyna owners .. for decades.
Try Updatemydynaco.com For Better than AVA EVER managed for a fraction of the cost.
I have bought a lot of gear from AVA over the years.... Until I got into SET amps and Horns, which he does not provide.
As far as Audio Vendors that are willing to scam you, AVA is about as honest as you can get. Not sure what Frank did to you, but you certainly have a bone to pick... And maybe you do, I dunno? --- Let us know.... Frank can be irascible and cutting, but usually has a valid point.
But my experience is AVA is a Great Bang for your Buck... His gear is very reasonably priced and is Rock Solid. He won't sell you a $500 Cable, even though he could 'get away with it'.
There are much more Vendors to slam other than AVA.... All of the Big Name Audio Vendors charge much more and give you much less.
But, if you have a Valid complaint, please let us know here.
Again; UpdatemyDynaco does FAR better SQ than AVA ever managed. For a fraction of the price. Try it.. then post ?
Ohhhh.. I forget myself this a 'Buy a product / fanboy forum'.
Not any resemblance to a DIY arena where independent thought isn't usually :-) ridiculed.
Nt
Frank's been modding Dynaco for a looooong time!
I had him overhaul my Dyna FM-5 tuner ~ 30 years ago (!??). It totally blew away my Magnum Dynalab so I sold it.
Not sure what you mean by 'comes with a step-up transformer'. Is this separate from the unit itself? --- I have some Step-down transformers that I took to Australia to plug in my 110 Devices.So, yes, the unit could be modified to convert to 110 volts, and I have worked with Manufacturers to do this. Sometimes it involves just wiring the internal transformer differently, but in some cases it involves replacing the existing Transformer with another for 110 volts.
Some pictures of what you have would be helpful. Internal etc. - But, in the end since the unit is old, you'll probably need to find a tech to help you out on this one.
Edits: 08/15/22
Here are the pics:
https://drive.internxt.com/s/file/4c3e0f517e4ef63e24ea/e58c0a193dcd8c46ff750286d816e6a18190592c742d8484c01b3c36314ed7b5
https://drive.internxt.com/s/file/2b8e2115c05566797c9f/f7d4a11279e915957c0cb11d8b25e5d873ea54db54e858bf5ef0112bb3243710
You need to post pictures of your Pre-amp.... Inside and Out.... Take the cover off....
https://res.cloudinary.com/eiaudio-de/image/upload/f_webp,q_auto,w_576,h_324/dynaco-pas-4-03.jpg
https://res.cloudinary.com/eiaudio-de/image/upload/f_webp,q_auto,w_576,h_324/dynaco-pas-4-04.jpg
I'm guessing that these are not your pictures or your exact unit. They are too small to see anything at all also.
What I would like to see is pictures of the rear of your pre-amp (nice big Pics).
A picture of the output transformer of your unit in the inside
I agree that the pictures at the links don't help. I tried cropping out the picture of the power transformer and doubling its size, as show above. Then I tried using Windows magnifier on the picture, but it still wasn't legible to me.
About the only thing I can almost make out is the primary voltage, which appears to be 233 V, if I'm reading it correctly. That makes perfect sense why the external step-up transformer would be necessary for USA usage.
Magiccarpetride, the first step, as Cut-Throat noted, would be to post a clear, close-up photo of the label on the power transformer of your preamp.
And to answer your original question, yes, with the information from the power transformer, it will be possible for you to eliminate the external step-up transformer. However, unless the transformer in your Dynaco is able to be reconfigured for 120 VAC (usually via jumpers or primary leads) you're going to have to buy a new, 120V power transformer which meets all the same values on its secondary(s), and you're going to have to make sure it fits inside the chassis.
If it were mine, and the transformer has 120/240 V capability, I'd reconfigure it to 120V. But if it doesn't, I'd keep using the external step-up to 240V, unless you're willing to make what could be a substantial investment in a new power transformer and the labor to install it, assuming that you can't do it yourself.
OK, I see one picture you provided of a Step up/ Step Down Transformer. If you are currently using this Pre-Amp with this Transformer and it works fine with the Step up transformer plugged into 110 volts, it means that the pre-amp is indeed wired for 220 volts.
I could not see the other picture you posted... But it would be nice to get a rear shot of the Pre-amp and the internal output transformer.... Sometimes there is a 110/220 switch on the back of the pre-amp (doubtful as the previous owner had already acquired a Step up/Down Transformer.... Sometimes there is a switch on the inside of the case (Also a bit doubtful, but worth a try).
As others have suggested, calling Frank Van Alstine of AVA Audio, would be a good place to start for advice.
PAT 4 yes, PAS 3 yes.
Not enough details. Is the transformer you have internal or external?
Maybe some pics would help
Here are the pics:
https://i.ibb.co/TWcMchD/IMG-2274.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/kSmxQGP/IMG-2273.jpg
https://eiaudio.de/gear-and-review/pre-amplifiers/dynaco-pas-4/
PAS-4
thanks, looks very interesting. I can't help the OP
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