Recommend a sub $100 variac

[MadAsAHatter]

Since I'm starting a new amp build and have a couple other future builds planned, it's about time I get myself a variac. It will mainly be used to dial up to full voltage for initial amp startups. I don't need anything fancy, just something that's decently accurate and has a digital display in the $100 or less range. I see Amazon has a bunch of options in that price range. Are those any good? What are some recommendations?

 

[Nigel]

So you don't have to use a multimeter to get a true reading:

https://www.amazon.com/Mophorn-Transformer-Voltage-Automatic-Regulator/dp/B07ZH95TGN/

All of them, practically speaking, require 110v input, which none of us have, so the physical dial readings are always wrong.

 

[MadAsAHatter]

So you don't have to use a multimeter to get a true reading:

https://www.amazon.com/Mophorn-Transformer-Voltage-Automatic-Regulator/dp/B07ZH95TGN/

All of them, practically speaking, require 110v input, which none of us have, so the physical dial readings are always wrong.

Sweet, that's actually the one I put in my cart to go back and look at more closely.

 

[Music&Chaos]

Since I'm starting a new amp build and have a couple other future builds planned, it's about time I get myself a variac. It will mainly be used to dial up to full voltage for initial amp startups. I don't need anything fancy, just something that's decently accurate and has a digital display in the $100 or less range. I see Amazon has a bunch of options in that price range. Are those any good? What are some recommendations?

I looked into them and decided that other than very short term testing - I would not trust them to not damage my equipment. I found some more expensive ones but I personally do not have a need for it. I DO however believe that voltage coming in affects the tone, as I have done this testing myself. I noticed that my Furman changes the voltage to make it more steady and 1 volt lower than without it, it affects the way my amp sounds. This is what originally had me going down the Variac trail.

I know you are seeking it for building purposes, so leaving an amp connected and on for a longer period of time probably isn't a worry.

Good luck in your building and hunting for answers.

 

[Geo]

https://www.circuitspecialists.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoo0-CzmGYjjUk2ybm58llgRWzkg72iMTTTSG2xutERDuNHGoFvF

 

[Music&Chaos]

https://www.circuitspecialists.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoo0-CzmGYjjUk2ybm58llgRWzkg72iMTTTSG2xutERDuNHGoFvF

I dig the new avatar!

 

[Geo]

I dig the new avatar!

derka derka

 

[FourT6and2]

Find a used Staco, like the 3PN1010 on eBay. Made in the USA. I got mine for under $100 and they're designed to run on 120v. You'll still need to check it with a meter though.

 

[7704A]

Superior Electric seems to have made good stuff too.

 

[PDC]

I have the 20 amp version of the one in Nigel's reply. I have no complaints!

 

[FourT6and2]

I have the 20 amp version of the one in Nigel's reply. I have no complaints!

Read the reviews. I bought one and just like some of the reviews said, mine wasn't wired up properly. No ground, live/neutral reversed, cold solder joints. Not a bad unit if you correct this stuff though.