Audioquest Niagara question - use in Europe?

[LarryK]

It’s a Class A amplifier. I believe it pulls 500 watts at idle, so, 4 amps, but I’m looking for the spec spreadsheet.

The specifications for all Gryphon products is here:

https://gryphon-audio.dk/wp-content/uploads/Tech.-Spec.-ALL-Products-05032020-7.pdf

The legacy products are at the bottom of the spreadsheet. The Colosseum stereo amplifier is now a legacy product.

Yes, I’d like to know if I should sell my amplifier and preamplifier and buy new or run on a step down transformer.

My repair shop, SoundSmith, recommended that that I run with a step down transformer.

 

[LarryK]

I received the following reply from Niagara:

"Though I realize you would ideally wish to not sell off or store costly audio components, this is not simple I’m afraid. Because this is not a matter of a low current non-critical appliance needing basic voltage conversion: the stepdown transformer would need to have nearly a 30-amp capacity not to severely current compress the power amplifier. Also, the Niagara-5000 may mechanically buzz due to the interaction between the inductive transformer and the Niagara’s transient power correction (the latter is hard to predict).
Best case, this device (240 to 120VAC stepdown isolation transformer) would need to have a capacity of approximately 6000 to 7000VA. That’s expensive and quite heavy but might be preferable to investing in all new components (at least those without universal switching power supplies).
By the way, if the Niagara powers the entire system and is rated for a maximum RMS current draw of 20 amps @ 120V, I realize that’s 2400VA, however, there the peak current draw you’ll need to be concerned with, and you never want to be within 50% of the maximum rated capacity of such a transformer if at all possible. You will need tremendous headroom, or you will be quite disappointed in the performance…"

To refresh people’s memories, I am running the massive Gryphon Colosseum amplifier.

Can anyone recommend a high quality 6000-7000VA step down transformer?

I’m still undecided if I should sell all my electronics, and buy new in Europe. I could keep the speakers.

I found this information on step down transformers. One of the answers links back to What’s Best.

https://www.perplexity.ai/search/please-show-me-a-high-quality-lyy_48xlSI6yUfyDX.KpsA

AirLink lets you specify your transformer, so they build it custom.

 

[Holmz]

…
This gear includes a Gryphon Colosseum amplifier plugged into one of the high current outlets and all of my sources and Gryphon Pandora preamp plugged into the other outlets.
…

If gryphon will not swap out the transformer so that you can run it straight off the wall, then your only options are:
1) Sell it
2) Use a transformer
3) Store it and use different power amp(s)

I’d start by leaning on Gryphon… but I think you said that they would not do that conversion.
To me, if a company does not support such moves between regions, then it puts me off.

I run all of my gear plugged into a Niagara 5000 power conditioner that is plugged into its own dedicated 20A line.

I’m not the right one to opine… as I use no power conditioners.
You will need a transformer for the source gear anyhow, and if the move is permanent, then you might as well dispose of the unit.
Whether you need an Eu equivalent or not, then you could possibly get one there.

A lot of this 120v versus 240v drama is why I’ve swapped out a lot of my components.
They look a bit nicer, but are not really a lot better in the sound sense.
They are certainly no worse either.
And they have the jumpers needed to run them either on US or Eu/Au power.

For the front end you also have choices:
1) See if any of the gear can be converted to 240v
2) Use the transformer
3) Sell it or store it.

Many places in Europe have smaller sized rooms.
And they may not support large “US sized“ racks.

If nothing can be converted over to Eu voltage, I would seriously consider just starting fresh.
Accuphase and Mitchell should be easier.
The Aqua I have no idea on.
And Gryphon seems like it is the long pole in the tent.

Gryphon states:

“Our products are built specifically to the mains voltage stated on the serial number label. It cannot be changed.”

so, their position is that the voltage cannot be changed.
…

Just ignore the manual…
(Standard boiler plate stuff.)

Have you phoned them to see what they can do?
You’ll need to start there, if you have not done it.

If they are not compassionate to your situation, then you can decide what to do.
If they are compassionate, then your situation has gotten a lot easier.

I think you mentioned France??
I suppose you work with a dealer there, but I would reach out directly to Gryphon.
But if there is a French dealer, that could make sense too.

 

[LarryK]

Thanks for the reply.

I’ll reply at greater length but I want to mention that it was my repair place, SoundSmith, that repaired my Gryphon Colosseum twice, who contacted Gryphon directly to ask about the voltage swap.

 

[Holmz]

Thanks for the reply.

I’ll reply at greater length but I want to mention that it was my repair place, SoundSmith, that repaired my Gryphon Colosseum twice, who contacted Gryphon directly to ask about the voltage swap.

Ok… crap.
I’d still phone them though, you have nothing to loose at this point… and everything to gain.