But if you have to use a 120 source, the bias should be hot enough to restore some of the compression and rolled off highs that the variac provides.įor my old Vox amps, they go through the regulator and then into a 1:2 step-up transformer to give them 240V. The cooler bias will restore some clarity and dynamic range that you lose by dropping down to 110. I prefer to run my bias a little cooler and set it for 110 operation. If you run your bias pretty hot and set it up for your variac voltage, if you ever have to go without your variac, you will be pushing your tubes a lot harder than you want to. This is why I use the regulator and a line conditioner for the old amps.Īnother variable is how you set your bias. I have a brown-out a few times a month around here and throw in lightning storms for surges and it makes for real messy power. My typical wall voltage is usually around 117 but varies from 105-125. If your typical wall voltage is 120 or above, you will notice more of a difference dropping to 110 than if your wall voltage is 115. There are a lot of variables to this though. The advantage of the regulator is that it keeps your supply voltage consistent even if your wall power is as dirty and changing as my local power is. For my vintage amps, I don't use a variac but, I do run a voltage regulator set for 110VAC.
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