Japanese Luxman Integrated Amps

I've used a vintage Japanese 100V Luxman MQ-70 tube amp with a step up transformer from AcuPWR (quality US made transformers) with good results. Many people frown upon using transformers as they can increase the noise floor, and they generally decrease the value of high quality aftermarket power cords since the power then needs to go through the transformer. But depending on your expectations, you can still get good results.

One thing to note is that gray market equipment is not always serviceable by Luxman in the United States, so always take caution/consideration in your purchase.

Any japanese (or other) 100 volt device can be played in USA using a small voltage 120/100 transformer: transformer plugged into 120 volt wall socket, transformer's outlet out: 100volt.

this one will work either 120 to 100 or 100 to 120

you don't need some big thing, these do a great job.

Warranty is void for sure, as shown a good transformer is over $1k

better off sticking to U.S , then another Big issue especially as of last 2 years customs duties and big time damage issues and refusal to pay on claims I know several people who got burned ,even banks refused to get involved .

Luxman USA warranty policy

I brought a used Luxman 590AXII and love it, but I brought it in the US with 120V. As @audioman58 and others stated, there is risk not just in buying it, but in selling it. I doubt you'll save any money in the short or long run.

I've not heard of any 'software' for their integrated amps, maybe for their DAC's? 

I used a step up trannie for my Luxman CD D06u without loss of anything...it was simply perfect. I sold them both as a package and the buyer loves them too...

I’ve bought 2 from Japan: 505, 550.

buy a quality converter. I sold the 505 within a day of posting. Luxman America will not service Japanese products. George Meyer in LA, California will though.

a new 550 axII cost $6500 + tax compared to ~$35-3800 Japanese + import fees.

beautiful amps. 
be aware of service issues and know your options.

@maholl50 

Good information.

Charles

Thank you all for those very thoughtful comments. This has to be the most civil forums I’ve ever been on!

Which integrated are you looking at?  

I'm with others, buy a US spec version and you'll be better off in the long run.  

my Japanese 505 - flawless, sold it within 1 day, (multiple offers) to upgrade to the 550. I believe my converter failed with the 550 after about a year but not sure   but the unit wouldn’t turn on. 
I sent it to George Meyer in LA for repair.  They said that it was a Luxman fault not the converter. Then UPS lost it on its way back to me.😫

I purchased the 550 new off Eb.. for $3800 including import fees. 

repair and shipping to GM =$1100 = $4900 vs 7K new.

I would definitely buy another Japanese version but use a higher quality converter. 

I gotta say that it took a while to find a tech that could work on it here in the states.

I also saw on another resale site that they were able to convert a 100 v to 120 on a 505 but it couldn’t be done on the 550.

Luxman explicitly states they won’t service products mfg elsewhere. So no warranty.

I moved 4 times between Europe and the US with hi-fi gear and used basic (but not cheapest junk) converters without any problem for decades.

Exactly, as grizzly said: basic, just not cheap junk. 

I went with a small lightweight one at the end of a cord. It has zero hum, fits easily anywhere, i.e. right behind my turntable. I plug my 100v turntable into it, and plug it into the wall outlet several feet away.

My biggest concern is forgetting the TT is 100 v and forgetting the transformer, which is why mine is just behind the TT where I can see/be reminded of it.

IF you think, I'm gonna get a bigger one just to be sure, then think about it's weight and location, the bigger the more unnecessary heat, and ...

i don't know, is there more hum potential of larger ones?

Yes! You can convert the voltage,but in high demand,it will affect the quality of sound. I do not suggest.

Go and buy the right voltage amplifier.