Necessity of a variac with MKIII Transformer(s)?

I have two MKIII's that I have rebuilt using Roy's newest kits. The amps are not seeing really any use as I have an MC275 in my system currently. After perusing this forum I am concerned about modern line voltage and the need to use a variac with these amps to keep it more civilized.

Is that the only and best course of action? I assume buying and installing new transformers would mitigate the concern as well...

snip73 wrote:I have two MKIII's that I have rebuilt using Roy's newest kits. The amps are not seeing really any use as I have an MC275 in my system currently. After perusing this forum I am concerned about modern line voltage and the need to use a variac with these amps to keep it more civilized.

Is that the only and best course of action? I assume buying and installing new transformers would mitigate the concern as well...

A better way (imho) is to connect them via a step-down transformer that reduces the
voltage a fixed amount ( 5 or 6Volt). These are small cheap transformers from manins to 5 or 6 Volt
where the secondary is connected in series with the mains to the amp. Connected in one way
it will reduce voltage connected other way it will increase voltage, one has to measure
when building.

There are threads here with examples.

A still better idea is a multi step bucker.

AC voltage can vary on the season in various parts of the world.

This guy built a nice example
Three Voltage Bucker

I use a bucking transformer - nothing fancy like the one above - just a hammond transformer and some parts from Lowes - didn't cost much and does an awesome job.