UK to US voltage converter

[8bit]

Ordered a set of PC speakers from Amazon and they've arrived with a US plug and the markings on the back say it only accepts 120v. Amazon were the only place that sell that model new and they're predictably not helping much with the problem. Most of the voltage converters I've found with a quick Google are fairly large and not exactly cheap. The input draw is 330mA at 120v so that's a little under 40w, but the smaller converters I've found so far get very mixed reviews.

If there is a small, inexpensive converter available I don't mind doing that, if anyone knows where to get something decent (works and won't burn the house down)? Otherwise I'll be fighting to return the speakers...

[Mr Pointy]

Have you looked on Amazon?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/240v-120v-transformer/s?k...

Personally I'd be sending them back though.

[8bit]

Mr Pointy said:

Have you looked on Amazon?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/240v-120v-transformer/s?k...

Personally I'd be sending them back though.

I have, and as I said above the ones that look inexpensive seem to get dodgy reviews. Also given that the listing page didn't make it clear this item wouldn't work on UK voltage etc. I'm less inclined to spend more money there. The OP was a request for anyone who's actually got one of these things and can speak to how reliable it is.

The speakers themselves seem to be very hard to get hold of, not sure if they're an older model (still listed on the manufacturer's website though) so if it is just a case of a £15-£30 voltage adapter and that'll work safely then I'm happy with that.

[colin79666]

If you ordered from Amazon.co.uk then this is illegal. All mains electrical devices must come with a British plug (or shaver).

[wyson]

Are they really special audiophile ones or something? I’d return them if boggo speakers.

[mikef]

If you bought from Amazon.com, this is to be expected. If Amazon.co.uk, and they didn’t specify the voltage, then you should be able to return them

For what it’s worth, when we moved from the US to the UK I brought over all sorts of 120V electrical kit. It has all worked well with voltage converters, from wall-wart size things for small electrics up to a converter for large appliances that weighs a few kilograms. Much easer than converting the other way around…

[8bit]

Thanks. Yes they were ordered from Amazon.co.uk - it did say they were coming from Amazon US but it didn't say anywhere that they only support 120v input.

They're not super high-end audio-nerd hard-on stuff but they ticked all the boxes and I didn't think there'd be an issue since they were offered for sale on the UK site - I thought I might need to get a UK fig-8 power lead or something at worst but expected that they'd be autosensing for voltage. I can't find them for sale anywhere in the UK besides Amazon and a couple of used sets on eBay.

[Bill]

Are they running on a transformer? If so then get one with the right output rather than messing with voltage converters.

[8bit]

Bill said:

Are they running on a transformer? If so then get one with the right output rather than messing with voltage converters.

No, the plug is hardwired into the sub. I'll get onto Amazon tomorrow.

[Bill]

Ah. I did think that would be too simple!

[toohuge]

I’ve used ones like this before:

https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/SC5328.html

For this exact purpose. They weren’t as expensive as this iirc. But it worked fine with no issues

[8bit]

toohuge said:

I’ve used ones like this before:

https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/SC5328.html

For this exact purpose. They weren’t as expensive as this iirc. But it worked fine with no issues

Thanks. I've decided just to return the ones I've bought as there's no warranty apparently because they're imported and as they shouldn't legally have been sold here anyway.

[Trustmeimadoctor]

I'm interested in seeing what they are any link?

[8bit]

Trustmeimadoctor said:

I'm interested in seeing what they are any link?

Assuming you meant the speakers, it was these - https://www.edifier.com/global/p/computer-speakers...

Nothing spectacular but they ticked the boxes - relatively compact, 2.1, sound good (I have another set of Edifier speakers I really like) and crucially they have dual inputs that don't require switching. I have a PC and a Mac on my desk and want to have them both run through the same set of speakers.

[Trustmeimadoctor]

funny they are listed as battery powered on amazon !

[8bit]

Quite - even the remote control isn't battery powered. It does say the item is a US import but doesn't say that it's not suitable for use in the UK (much less legal for sale). Dropping it off at the UPS pickup point in a few minutes.