Use of American(117V) mark IV in Europe(240V), need help!

[Cost]

Hello guys!
I'm new to the forum and to the boogie family. I always dreamed of a mesa boogie mark iv and I just bought one! I really love it! It is a '96 model head and cab used but in perfect condition. It is the american model (120V) but I live in Greece and we use 240 Volts. I know I can make it work using a step up/step down voltage transformer, but I was consulted from a friends music store that in order to get the best sound in this power supply I should better buy a transformer from boogie designed for use in europe. Is there such a thing and if there is where I can find it? it is external or I need to make modifications? Any information anyone could give me will be very helpful!
Thanks again guys, and take care!

 

[SpongeRob]

Hi and welcome to the board!

Well, it's possible to change the Transformer for European use. You will find matching tranny's at tubeampdoctor.com


All the Best!

Rob

 

[Cost]

Great! I will check it out, thank you!

Costas

 

[zebpedersen]

I use a step down transformer for my Princeton and it works perfectly. Loads of people use them for imported Boogie products and swear by them. It'll be about a quarter of the price to get a step down rather than replace the internal transformer.

 

[Cost]

I use a step down transformer for my Princeton and it works perfectly. Loads of people use them for imported Boogie products and swear by them. It'll be about a quarter of the price to get a step down rather than replace the internal transformer.

Indeed, it is much easier to buy the transformer, what model and how many watts it is yours? I've heard though that there is a loss in the quality of the sound, is that true, have you notised anything strange?
Thanks

 

[zebpedersen]

Nah that's bull, no difference at all. I'm not sure of the model of mine as I don't have my Princeton with me at the moment. But since Boogie stopped building amps with export trannys how do you think people use them on tour? Just look at the range and spend what you can afford.

 

[sparklesmcgraw]

I use this with my USA voltage Mark IV combo and it works perfectly.

http://www.netpcdirect.co.uk/step-down-transformers/stepdown_500_watt.html

I highly doubt there is a loss in quality unless you use a low rated poor quality product.

 

[LonesomeSheik]

Go & check Tube Amp Doctor , they've got everything in store! :wink:

 

[Cost]

thanks guys!

 

[emperor_black]

Also, a transformer is the heart of the amp. Much of its tone is due to that one single component. Be very very sure before changing it.

 

[Cost]

I finally bought an external tranformer and the amp works great!!! it is 500watts (I got a big one for safety). Also I haven't noticed anything wrong with the sound, I' ve tried both modes tweed and full power and I must say I was blown away! I have also a marshall TSL 602 but it never gave me the gain I needed..

this is the transformer I use
http://www.alifragis.com.gr/full_product.php?prod_id=THG%20750VA&page=1
__________________

Ernie ball musicman petrucci (standard)
Takamine ENV 460SC
Fender fat strat mexican

Mesa Boogie Mark IV custom Imbuya/wicker (short head)
Marshall JCM 2000 TSL 602
Fender Frontman 25R

 

[Vigo1999]

this is the transformer I use
http://www.alifragis.com.gr/full_product.php?prod_id=THG%20750VA&page=1

you're kidding us right?? :mrgreen:

then only words i got were "newsletter", "email", "username" and "password" :lol:

 

[Vigo1999]

sorry guys, double post.

 

[Cost]

this is the transformer I use
http://www.alifragis.com.gr/full_product.php?prod_id=THG%20750VA&page=1

you're kidding us right?? :mrgreen:

then only words i got were "newsletter", "email", "username" and "password" :lol:

LOL!!! you are right but I don't know if I can find it in another site, anyway you got the point! at least you can see it!

Autotransformer/Converter THG 750VA
suko plug
fuse protected
input: 110/230VA.C
output: 110/220VA.C
power: 750VA (560 watt)

 

[Cost]

I use this with my USA voltage Mark IV combo and it works perfectly.

http://www.netpcdirect.co.uk/step-down-transformers/stepdown_500_watt.html

I highly doubt there is a loss in quality unless you use a low rated poor quality product.

Hello,
Let me ask you something, what kind of music style do you play with your mark iv? because I tried some settings on the amp for heavy staff and I didn't like it, it seems it cannot give me the gain I want, but I found it great for blues and hard rock!