US electronics in the UK

[Bol]

In a couple of months, I will be moving from the US to the UK.  I am wondering whether any of my stereo equipments can be made to work there.  Does anyone have experience in this department?  Some research online indicates that I should not be moving my turntable because of frequency difference (50 in the UK, 60 in the US).  I understand that voltage transformers can be bought.  Do US CD players work with such transformers?  Thanks in advance for any help.

[lipi]

Well, first of all, only turntables with an AC motor will be a problem. If you have a DC motor, it's not an issue (and even some fancy AC motor-driven ones don't use the mains' frequency but correct it).

Second of all, some electronics (all laptops, many other portable devices, some other devices) actually take either voltages and frequencies. Look on the back where the power cable comes in, and see whether it says something like "Input: 110V-120V, 1A, 50Hz" or something like "Input: 110V-240V, 1A, 50Hz-60Hz". If it's the latter, you don't even need a transformer.

Third, yes, you can just purchase a transformer and a CD player will work fine. It doesn't depend on the frequency of the AC.

[Bol]

12 hours ago, lipi said:

Well, first of all, only turntables with an AC motor will be a problem. If you have a DC motor, it's not an issue (and even some fancy AC motor-driven ones don't use the mains' frequency but correct it).

Second of all, some electronics (all laptops, many other portable devices, some other devices) actually take either voltages and frequencies. Look on the back where the power cable comes in, and see whether it says something like "Input: 110V-120V, 1A, 50Hz" or something like "Input: 110V-240V, 1A, 50Hz-60Hz". If it's the latter, you don't even need a transformer.

Third, yes, you can just purchase a transformer and a CD player will work fine. It doesn't depend on the frequency of the AC.

lipi,

Thanks for a very helpful post.  Let me ask:  How do you figure out whether your turntable uses an AC or DC motor?  I've looked at the turntable and also the manual, and can't find any indication.  I have a Rega P1.  Ironically, it was made in the UK, but its input designation is 115V ~ 60Hz only.

[sidewinder]

I've moved Linn decks to and from North America to Europe and in each case it required an internal wiring reconfiguration by a reputable dealer. Should be no problem for a Rega. I suspect that most UK specialists should be able to arrange this for you after you have brought it over here (which is what I did with my older Linn model).

It's 230V 50Hz over here - different plug arrangement as well with the clunky 3 pin BS plug with earth pin.

UK mains step-down transformers work OK with 115V AC appliances that are compatible with UK mains frequency. I did this as an interim with my amp.

Edited March 2, 2016 by sidewinder

[lipi]

The Rega P1 definitely has an AC motor. This stereophile article mentions the AC motor explicitly, for instance:

http://www.stereophile.com/turntables/507rega/#DH8pvWpw2pbkbhKu.97

I guess in general, if the manual doesn't mention it, you'd ask the manufacturer. (Or assume it's AC, since most are, I think.)