There will be no problem using a step down transformer. No noise will be introduced into your system.
Japanese Voltage.
I was on the verge of buying a Japanese Luxman 509Z, on ebay. It it 100Volts, Here in the U.K. we have 240Volts. And the price difference is £9,000 (here) to £5,000 (there). I immediately went on line for a decent transformer (£130) and ordered it. We here, have an audio disscusion group, so I tested the water with them. The general advice was discouraging. "It will introduce noise etc". What is the opinion of yourselves? I'm not in a hurry, I decided to buy an SACD player instead. £4,000 (here!)
Thanks, An avid reader,
IAN.
8 responses Add your response
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If the quality of the transformer and the transformer is sized property, then as jasonbourne71 said there will be no problem. What is the rated AC Hz, frequency, for the Japanese Luxman 509Z? 50HZ? 60HZ? or 50/60Hz? If 60HZ only the 600Va power transformer connected to 50Hz AC mains power will run hotter than normal and the extra heat could/will shorten its’ life. The transformer could/will hum louder than normal, if it is rated for 60HZ only, connected to 50HZ AC mains. . .
What 240V to 100V step down power transformer did you buy? Do you have a Web Link for the transformer? I assume you bought a 50HZ or 50/60HZ rated transformer... What is the VA rating for the transformer? Note, the EI power transformer in the amp is 600VA. . |
It’s kind of weird why Japan, depending on the geographical area of the country, has either 50HZ or 60HZ generating Power Plants. Therefore just a guess the Luxman 509Z has a 50/60HZ power transformer. Only a guess though... Like you I couldn’t find anything for sure either... What model number is the Airlink transformer? Is the transformer an auto-transformer or an isolation transformer? 500Va is smaller than the 600Va power transformer in the Luxman 509Z. Yes the 600VA transformer is oversized when you look at the power consumption shown in the amp’s specs. The designer of the amp didn’t spec the bigger VA rated transformer just to add weight to the Amp... Info on "AIRLINK transformer". Not a lot of info on head room loading. Some voltage converter can only be loaded 50% of their VA rating. Some at 80%. Better, good, at 100% + short duration over loads. I did read in the Web link the windings are copper, not aluminum. That’s a good thing! . |
