Help me choose the correct variac, please -

[Drew3419]

I'm looking to get a variac to run in front of my 2203. The fuses on the back of my amp say T3.15A - 220V / T6.3A - 110V. Of course, I'm in America, so I'm running naturally on about 120V. For that fuse value, should I get a variac rated for between 7A and 10A? I assume I shouldn't go for a 5A model?



Based on this, I had a few that I found on my own, but would love suggestions from the forum since I've never really researched purchasing a variac before. Here are the few I found. Please let me know if you have a better recommendation. I'm not looking to break the bank, but I want one that that won't break within a month as well. Are there certain brands I should look to or stay away from?

http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/72-110

https://www.parts-express.com/parts-exp ... c--120-844

http://www.frys.com/product/4638758?sou ... 7AoddAUA5g

http://www.circuitspecialists.com/varia ... 05kva.html

Thanks for your help,
Drew

[jnew]

I'd suggest to save some $ and get the 5A for $51. This thing is only there to serve one simple function and my 5 Amp has never had a hiccup about it.

Nice, shiny amp BTW.

[Drew3419]

I have the first one you linked. Used it for years. Works great with my plexi clone.

Thanks! I'm leaning toward that one. Looks like a good unit, and while it's more expensive, it'll give peace of mind since it's 10A. Glad to hear it's working for you.

[Drew3419]

I'd suggest to save some $ and get the 5A for $51. This thing is only there to serve one simple function and my 5 Amp has never had a hiccup about it.

Nice, shiny amp BTW.

Thanks for the suggestion. There are two reasons I'm hesitant: 1. Because I'm not sure of the brand and am therefore unable to research the quality of the unit, and 2. My amp is rated at 6.3A rather than the Super Lead's 4A, so I'm not sure if I should feel comfortable with a 5A unit or go up to a 7A or 10A unit. If my amp were rated at 4A, I'd be on the same page with you.

While not well versed, I have at least heard of Parts Express, Philmore, and Tenma. The no-name Circuit Specialists unit does look pretty much exactly like the Philmore one though... like they're probably made in the same factory.

[jnew]

Yeah, mine is a TEMCo. I think they're all the same stuff. Staco, etc.

[Drew3419]

Nice, shiny amp BTW.

Thanks! I bought it and had it shipped directly to George for him to do his thang... It's lived a pretty easy (but fun) life since then. Now I'm trying to increase the level of fun...

[rgalpin]

The third one you have listed is the one I have.

[Drew3419]

The third one you have listed is the one I have.

Thanks for your response. Do you like it? Any issues? Are you playing a Super Lead on it or a 2203? I believe the SL has a 4A fuse, but the 2203 has a 6.3A fuse. Would that make a difference in your decision?

[rgalpin]

it works good for me with a Super Lead. I've never hooked it up to anything else - sorry i don't have anything of value to add as far as a recommendation.