JAPANESE VOLTAGE

[ianrjones]

Hi, I would really be gratefull to know; what is wrong with Japanese 100V amplifiers? If here in the UK, I bought a decent transformer, will it introduce noise?
Or why don't we all buy Japanese imports? At around half price. There must be a down side to this logic. Please help me.
A LUXMAN wannabe.
IAN.

 

[jetblack9090]

So unfortunately I don't have any first-hand experience although I do have anecdotal experience in the matter.

So I enjoy hi-fi and anb I'm into listening to music more than the gear, however I have a friend who I met through work who is more of a gear focused enthusiast.

Anyway a couple of years ago he went and even though he has a very expensive main system he decided he wanted to get a nice acuphase integrated for a second small bedroom type system.

He did exactly what you said, he ordered it from Japan I think eBay or similar, and saved a ton of money and the thing looked brand new. However he ended up getting a step down transformer and unfortunately it did also as you say, it made a lot of noise.

Now he got one of the big ones but in spite of that when there was no music playing you could hear this noise in the background coming through the speakers and we pretty much universally agreed that it had to do with that transformer.

After much investigation and fooling around with it and even getting a more expensive transformer he still couldn't make it work without having added noise. Personally I think amplifiers draw too much current and their draw is not constant it's a fluctuating pull from the power and I just don't think they work very well in this way.

I would argue if you were to get much more simple item like a CD player or turntable or DAC perhaps that And have such constant fluctuation in its power draw it would probably be all right, and I have heard other people buying vintage turntables from Japan and having great success with using these stepped-out transformers.

 

[Al ears]

I don't think it's just the voltage it's the frequency as well.
Also you would need to add VAT and import duty to the prices.

 

[nads]

Many things to consider. Yes it is 100v but Japan uses two different frequencies.50 and 60 hz

Most modern electrics are produced as dual voltage (misnomer) and can manage a range of input voltages.

Transformers and noise? Mmmm what do you think is inside your amplifier?

 

[Al ears]

Many things to consider. Yes it is 100v but Japan uses two different frequencies.50 and 60 hz

Most modern electrics are produced as dual voltage (misnomer) and can manage a range of input voltages.

Transformers and noise? Mmmm what do you think is inside your amplifier?

Dual voltage types only work if the countries use the same frequency unfortunately.
You may well be able to switch from 240v to 110v but will not help if frequency differs.
Japan supply is completely different so buying direct from Japan is never the cheap option that it seems.

 

[abacus]

Most equipment these days is designed to work with 50/60hz so is not a problem.
Most step-down transformers that are used in industry are isolation transformers., so they do not transfer noise over, however they do have a higher output impedance than the normal mains, which while it will not affect industrial equipment, is not ideal for sensitive equipment. (Hence the problems)
A power regenerator on the other hand that is designed to output multiple frequencies and voltages, is ideal but expensive.
Look for step down power supplies for sensitive equipment and start from there. (Also make sure the sustained current rating of the output is well above what is required for the equipment)

Bill

 

[Al ears]

Most equipment these days is designed to work with 50/60hz so is not a problem.
Most step-down transformers that are used in industry are isolation transformers., so they do not transfer noise over, however they do have a higher output impedance than the normal mains, which while it will not affect industrial equipment, is not ideal for sensitive equipment. (Hence the problems)
A power regenerator on the other hand that is designed to output multiple frequencies and voltages, is ideal but expensive.
Look for step down power supplies for sensitive equipment and start from there. (Also make sure the sustained current rating of the output is well above what is required for the equipment)

Bill

Having to buy one will surely negate the cost benefits of buying direct from Japan.
Suggest OP looks for second-hand instead.

 

[daytona600]

IAG China own Luxman , or buy one from china these are 220/230v 50hz & half the UK price

 

[Al ears]

IAG China own Luxman , or buy one from china these are 220/230v 50hz & half the UK price

You're still looking at adding VAT and import duty I believe.
Not too sure how you would stand with warranty if it had to be returned for fixing any issues.

 

[nopiano]

I’ve also seen the apparent bargains from Japan. I know some items can be imported and a very simple bit of soldering on the transformer resolves the issue. Presumably that means the relevant ‘taps’ simply need connecting up. Unfortunately, I’ve no idea how widespread that type of design is.

One reason I understand these ‘wall wart’ devices are so popular is that they can be used anywhere with the selection of plug prongs.

 

[Sixtyten]

As an aside "Japanese Voltage" is a great name for a band.

 

[ianrjones]

Thank you gentlemen. I now, will not purchase a Japanese import (or Chinese).
I knew in my heart that it was a bad idea. But I needed it to be spelt out for me.
But I was close to spending over £5,000 for an amp I have been saving for, for over a year.
UK retail £11,000. So you can see how keen I was. It's like buying a car that runs on dilithium crystals.
I cannot thank you enough. Next time I want to do something stupid, I will come here first.
IAN.

 

[nopiano]

Thank you gentlemen. I now, will not purchase a Japanese import (or Chinese).
I knew in my heart that it was a bad idea. But I needed it to be spelt out for me.
But I was close to spending over £5,000 for an amp I have been saving for, for over a year.
UK retail £11,000. So you can see how keen I was. It's like buying a car that runs on dilithium crystals.
I cannot thank you enough. Next time I want to do something stupid, I will come here first.
IAN.

I completely understand as I’ve had similar temptations in the past. One example I know can be modified here is the CEC brand CD players, the weird ones with the belt drive. I simply couldn’t believe they might work and I almost bought one, but the fascination has passed now.

I’d be interested if there is a satisfactory way to transform 230v to 100v or whatever, as there are quite a few rare imports offered for sale in the UK if one looks closely.

From the prices I’m guessing the 509Z might have been the object of your desires? This ex display is two grand off if you sign up to the VIP club. https://petertyson.co.uk/ex-display-luxman-l-509z-integrated-amplifier-silver

 

[Al ears]

If you want a cheaper model Audio Consultants have an ex-demo 505uX Mk2 going for £3000

 

[daytona600]

£5K will get you some cracking UK/EU made amps

 

[Al ears]

£5K will get you some cracking UK/EU made amps

True but once you want a Luxman you want Luxman.....or perhaps Accuphase 🙂
always been on my wish list but, unfortunately, likely to stay on a wish list.

 

[TrevC]

Hi, I would really be gratefull to know; what is wrong with Japanese 100V amplifiers? If here in the UK, I bought a decent transformer, will it introduce noise?
Or why don't we all buy Japanese imports? At around half price. There must be a down side to this logic. Please help me.
A LUXMAN wannabe.
IAN.

You can purchase a transformer here https://airlinktransformers.com/category/japan-uk-voltage-converters and it will work absolutely fine. The frequency is irrelevant for an amplifier.

 

[Al ears]

Elite Audio have a second hand 509X for £4295...... Bargain!

 

[daytona600]

509X £8500 new Bargain for £4295 or lost 50% of value in a few years

 

[Al ears]

509X £8500 new Bargain for £4295 on lost 50% of value in a few years

indeed you wil struggle to find a better bargain from Luxman, a 64lb beast of an amp.
I would buy it myself if I had that sort of money available.
Go on @ianrjones you know you want it..... 🙂
not quite the 509Z but the next best thing!

 

[ianrjones]

You can purchase a transformer here https://airlinktransformers.com/category/japan-uk-voltage-converters and it will work absolutely fine. The frequency is irrelevant for an amplifier.

Thanks for the advice. Acually I have already ordered the said Transformer, the VA500. But as I was scared off The LUXMAN 509Z, (My bank would not let me spend £5K, but £130 was O.K.) So I decided to buy an SACD player. I will continue research into transformers and possible noise. And will buy an amp next year. The Yamaha A-S701 will suffice until then.
I'm an avid reader here. And appriciate all comments and friendly advice.
IAN.