I am making an assumption but would love somebody that knows to clarify.
The MSB amps are auto sensing and 240V doubles the Watts at the same current, but I am assuming the rest of the circuitry doesn’t double the output (as I dont see a seperate 240 power rating) therefore what is the effect of running at 240?
So what happens when the amps are switched from 120 to 240? I am looking for the coles notes version not the electric engineering version (cooler, lower %, volume reduced by %?, etc.)
No, when the M500 is running on 240 V is does not double the Watts.
When it M500 is running on 240 V is draws half the current it does on 120 V.
If the M500 was outputting it’s full 500 W and you measured the current in the 240 V AC line you would see that it was half of what you would measure if the M500 was running on 120V.
This is all based on Ohm’s Law (the real details would need Maxwell too, but that’s a bridge too far). If you want I could add a bunch more details…
There are theoretical reasons why running the M500 on 240V is better than 120V, but I think a lot of it depends on the quality of power in your area and where the noise in your system is coming from.
But if you really want to know which is better for you, you would have to set up 120V vs. 240V test and see what your ears tell you. I’ve looked at adding 240V lines for my system but it’s a pretty big lift for a whole bunch of reasons besides getting the wire pulled.
Dan
Thanks Dan that is what I was suspecting which means in my rather unqualified opinion that the Amp should run significantly cooler at 240 than 120, in my case the conversion to 240 is a fairly small cost increment.
So if I am correct and it runs cooler are there other benefits?
One of the 7000 benefits is the massive reserve for transients, would the 240 approach give you something along the same lines (not 90A) but still more than on a 120V circuit?
@Daniel_Francis Would the Cascade also run cooler on 240? (it’s actually the component that runs the hotest in my system and the main reason my wife is vetoing the system going under the stairs)
I don’t know if it will run cooler or not. I don’t know were most of the heat losses are.
The AC line from you panel to the amp will run cooler as will the primary side of the transformer inside the amp. Less current means less heat.
But it may well be that most of the heat comes from the output transistors and other components in the circuit. If that is the case you won’t see a much lower case temperature.
So some measurements on a 240 and a 120 M500 would be needed to see if the 240V one runs significantly cooler. My total guess is there won’t be much difference between the heat thrown off by the 240 vc. 120 models… just a guess though.
Dan
@Daniel_Francis could I ask for a favour, can you run a test and tell us what the difference is on the M205, M500, Cascade is between a 240 vs 120 config?
Peter, it will not change the operating temperature of the units.
There is no noticeable difference for running the DAC or other digital units with 240 vs 120. They will perform well on either 120 or 240 mains.
Only in the case of the amplifiers, the better access to power through 240 connection can provide some extra power during listening. This is best heard when music has power intensive moments and needs to draw on extra power. 240V is a benefit, but is not as revelatory of a change as better components in the system. This will add subtle improvements to the performance of our amplifiers but is not a necessary setup configuration. We only encourage this for those wanting to push every metric of their system.
Hmm, @Daniel_Francis I suspect the latter sounds like me 
ok well that makes my life simpler or more complex or no difference, now I need to figure out the building code, stay tuned for the outcome
Simpler I would hope then, because your path is clear. Good luck @Peter.Bomberg !
iIf I am using 240V voltage, can I also use half size fuse?
Hi Harri,
I don’t know, but I would not..
On any electronic equipment I would only use the fuse the manufacturer specifies.
Dan
Can I ask why? The whole reason for going to 240 is to give the amps access to MORE power not less, as the saying goes more is better
But all kidding aside, the current draw depends on a bunch of factors and the last thing you want to do is lose power over and over again to save a couple of dollars, the potential cost of damaging your electronics is significantly higer than the cost of the fuse.
Ok so the electrician gave me a semi thumbs up, but I don’t have a clue where to find a NEMA L6-20 plug and receptacle that takes 8-gauge wire, any suggestions?
@Vince_Galbo have you come across any brands that you would recommend
Is this what you are looking for?
yes but this one only goes to 10AWG, I would like 8AWG, ahh the quest for the stereo never ends
for 20 amp:
15 amp is also fine
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Best Regards,
Vince Galbo
MSB Technology
National Sales Manager
716-688-3527
@Vince_Galbo thank you, electrician was here today and with a minor twist we have a plan, my dual female approach is not allowed so he will make pigtails for me.
Very good. Looking forward to your results
Best Regards,
Vince Galbo
MSB Technology
National Sales Manager
716-688-3527
