Got my amps running at proper voltage today (variac content)

[TheMagicEight]

I noticed a few weeks back that my wall voltage was a bit too high (125-128v). My Bogners say 117V on the back of the chassis, so I figured I needed to do something. Thought of getting a Furman voltage regulator but when I called, found out they're tapped in 5V increments; if my wall voltage was 127V, the Furman would put out 122V, still 5V (transformed to 20V +) difference. I decided to get a variac and manually set the voltage, and tonight that happened.

The results? Exactly what I had hoped for! Thick, buttery, chewy distortion with no hint or sign of harshness or fizziness! I highly recommend these things as they make quite a noticeable difference, even if the wall voltage is only a little ways off.

Back to playing!

 

[glpg80]

building codes in new houses for the state of NC is 115V AC, i have noticed in older houses, the wall outlets closest to the breaker box/junction box do average in the 122 range, and some houses were built around 120 or 125 depending on other states.

glad you managed to figure out a very important factor to tone

make sure you are running a power conditioner after the variac to remove and transient currents that could be caused by the rheostat operation/inconsistencies.

 

[petethorn]

I run one live with a furman- I hate seeing like 122-125V, I set the variac at 117V and it gives me peace of mind. I take it to Europe too, as sometimes after the step down transformer you still see like 125+V, scary.

 

[Rev]

I noticed a few weeks back that my wall voltage was a bit too high (125-128v). My Bogners say 117V on the back of the chassis, so I figured I needed to do something. Thought of getting a Furman voltage regulator but when I called, found out they're tapped in 5V increments; if my wall voltage was 127V, the Furman would put out 122V, still 5V (transformed to 20V +) difference. I decided to get a variac and manually set the voltage, and tonight that happened.

The results? Exactly what I had hoped for! Thick, buttery, chewy distortion with no hint or sign of harshness or fizziness! I highly recommend these things as they make quite a noticeable difference, even if the wall voltage is only a little ways off.

Back to playing!

Which variac do you own? I have looked on ebay but they range from $20-$200.

 

[TheMagicEight]

I noticed a few weeks back that my wall voltage was a bit too high (125-128v). My Bogners say 117V on the back of the chassis, so I figured I needed to do something. Thought of getting a Furman voltage regulator but when I called, found out they're tapped in 5V increments; if my wall voltage was 127V, the Furman would put out 122V, still 5V (transformed to 20V +) difference. I decided to get a variac and manually set the voltage, and tonight that happened.

The results? Exactly what I had hoped for! Thick, buttery, chewy distortion with no hint or sign of harshness or fizziness! I highly recommend these things as they make quite a noticeable difference, even if the wall voltage is only a little ways off.

Back to playing!

Which variac do you own? I have looked on ebay but they range from $20-$200.

General Radio Company's type W10MT3.

 

[steve_k]

I noticed a few weeks back that my wall voltage was a bit too high (125-128v). My Bogners say 117V on the back of the chassis, so I figured I needed to do something. Thought of getting a Furman voltage regulator but when I called, found out they're tapped in 5V increments; if my wall voltage was 127V, the Furman would put out 122V, still 5V (transformed to 20V +) difference. I decided to get a variac and manually set the voltage, and tonight that happened.

The results? Exactly what I had hoped for! Thick, buttery, chewy distortion with no hint or sign of harshness or fizziness! I highly recommend these things as they make quite a noticeable difference, even if the wall voltage is only a little ways off.

Back to playing!

Good move dude. Now, check your bias on all your amps. You will be surprised....

Steve

 

[TheMagicEight]

I noticed a few weeks back that my wall voltage was a bit too high (125-128v). My Bogners say 117V on the back of the chassis, so I figured I needed to do something. Thought of getting a Furman voltage regulator but when I called, found out they're tapped in 5V increments; if my wall voltage was 127V, the Furman would put out 122V, still 5V (transformed to 20V +) difference. I decided to get a variac and manually set the voltage, and tonight that happened.

The results? Exactly what I had hoped for! Thick, buttery, chewy distortion with no hint or sign of harshness or fizziness! I highly recommend these things as they make quite a noticeable difference, even if the wall voltage is only a little ways off.

Back to playing!

Good move dude. Now, check your bias on all your amps. You will be surprised....

Steve

Thanks for the tip! It was awesome before, but after bringing the bias back up to where is should be - at the proper voltage - I can say it's like a whole new amp to me now!

I'll also note that trying to bias the amp with wall voltage constantly changing is not the easiest task!

 

[steve_k]

I noticed a few weeks back that my wall voltage was a bit too high (125-128v). My Bogners say 117V on the back of the chassis, so I figured I needed to do something. Thought of getting a Furman voltage regulator but when I called, found out they're tapped in 5V increments; if my wall voltage was 127V, the Furman would put out 122V, still 5V (transformed to 20V +) difference. I decided to get a variac and manually set the voltage, and tonight that happened.

The results? Exactly what I had hoped for! Thick, buttery, chewy distortion with no hint or sign of harshness or fizziness! I highly recommend these things as they make quite a noticeable difference, even if the wall voltage is only a little ways off.

Back to playing!

Good move dude. Now, check your bias on all your amps. You will be surprised....

Steve

Thanks for the tip! It was awesome before, but after bringing the bias back up to where is should be - now at the proper voltage - I can say it's like a whole new amp to me now!

I'll also note that trying to bias the amp with wall voltage constantly changing is not the easiest task!

 

[again with this]

This definately warrants further investigation...