Japanese Imports

[Burt25]

I’m thinking of buying a Japanese import cd player, but it will of course need a transformer to run on 240V. Would this have any impact on sound?

 

[Al ears]

I’m thinking of buying a Japanese import cd player, but it will of course need a transformer to run on 240V. Would this have any impact on sound?

Possibly, depending on the quality of said transformer.
I'd be more worried about warranty and possible return if faulty.
See thread regarding Japanese Voltage but admittedly that was regarding an amplifier

 

[Shrek]

Whats better about Jap imports ?

 

[Burt25]

Whats better about Jap imports ?

Vintage Technics CD player (SL-P770) can be had cheaper than the UK model

 

[Gray]

I’m thinking of buying a Japanese import cd player, but it will of course need a transformer to run on 240V. Would this have any impact on sound?

Not if the transformer itself was audibly quiet.

 

[Roger_A]

Vintage Technics CD player (SL-P770) can be had cheaper than the UK model

On Ebay at the moment there are UK versions of this for sale at about the same price as those from Japan. If buying a Japanese one then you have to buy a suitable transformer (and trust you've got the right one), possibly have to pay customs duties and have a problem if it's not working or as described. Why so keen on doing this - the transformer alone will make it more expensive than a UK version?

 

[Al ears]

On Ebay at the moment there are UK versions of this for sale at about the same price as those from Japan. If buying a Japanese one then you have to buy a suitable transformer (and trust you've got the right one), possibly have to pay customs duties and have a problem if it's not working or as described. Why so keen on doing this - the transformer alone will make it more expensive than a UK version?

...and don't forget shipping costs.
The only thing I have bought direct from Japan was a cartridge, no additional costs involved and because of size shipping was cheap.

 

[Deliriumbassist]

You may not actually need a step-down transformer for the import one. The manual states the following under power supplies:

For USA/Canada: AC 120V / 60Hz
For UK and Australia: AC 240V / 50Hz
For Continental Europe: AC 220 V / 50Hz
For Others: AC 110-127V / 220-240V 50/60Hz

Suggests to me that the unit has a universal power supply - or at least the ones supplied outside of USA/Canada/Europe/Australia. Would make sense, as having it set for the major markets would potentially reduce grey importing, but at the same time save the logistics headaches for ROW.

 

[Rui]

I’m thinking of buying a Japanese import cd player, but it will of course need a transformer to run on 240V. Would this have any impact on sound?

No, i have components bought in japan and power transformers used to be good, have them working since 1974 with higher sound quality, never had a problem with power transformers and one was built by a friend, really heavy

 

[Shrek]

I prefer jap import cars

 

[Al ears]

I prefer jap import cars

Had one once, parts were the problem......

 

[Shrek]

Had one once, parts were the problem......

I had Toyota MR2 twin turbo import i got parts faster for that then my old ford from Toyota

 

[Fandango Andy]

I’m thinking of buying a Japanese import cd player, but it will of course need a transformer to run on 240V. Would this have any impact on sound?

Start by checking the manual. The CD play probably runs on somewhere between 5 and 15v DC, some electrical products have a universal transformer that works in many different countries.

If not you have two choices, a new transformer, or an external step down transformer.

Things could be complicated further as half of Japan runs on 50hz and half on 60hz.

Most manuals are available online.