http://www.hifishock.org/galleries/electronics/arcam/integrated-amplifier/fmj-a18-arcam-1.JPG
Look like there's a voltage conversion switch next to the IEC socket.
Look like there's a voltage conversion switch next to the IEC socket.
Need Help with Voltage for Integrated
I recently acquired an Arcam FMJ 18 (nice little unit, BTW), plugged it into my standard (120/240v) power outlet and began using it without problem. Subsequently, I saw printing on the back of the unit that indicated 220/240v. There is not (contrary to the manual) a switchable power button on the back. My working hypothesis is that either (a) the printing is erroneous and the unit is 120v, or (b) I'm using the wrong power supply and will fry the unit. FWIW, the previous owner, who was something of a stroke, told me that he had used the unit with standard 120v power with no issue. Should I be concerned here?
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Changing the fuse value will not change the voltage capability of the unit. I believe the manual is stating that because the required fuse amperage is half the value at 240V when compared to 120V. For example, if a unit requires 10A fuse for 120V, it would require 5A at 240V. ------ If you have a 240V equipment and plug it into a 120V outlet, you are basically under-powering the unit. The FMJ 18 is is mostly an pure analog integrated amp. The amp circuit is most likely an "un-regulated" power supply and will run at half voltage (just like op amps can run fine within a voltage range such as +/- 5V to +/- 15V). The front panel is probably running off of 9V or 12V DC - which is most likely regulated down from the main amp power supply which is at least 35V DC. If running at half voltage, it will see about 17V DC, which is still fine to be regulated down to 9/12V. ---- So, ultimately, if the amp seems to be running fine, it will have no problem. However, you won't get all the power output capability. FMJ 18 appears to be a 50 watt per channel amp, so you might get 20-25 watt per channel when plugged into 120V outlet. |
lj, Per the downloadable users manual Version at the Arcam site,the voltage is changeable via a fuse internal to the amp. Have you popped the top and checked the fuse value/location/etc.? Might be obvious once you get your eyes on it. Or not..... BTW, per a review I read, it looks like the may have made the voltage change switchable via an external switch at some point during the production cycle. But the users manual version at the Arcam site does not show an external switch. Link to users manual: https://www.arcam.co.uk/ugc/tor/a18/User%20Manual%20(English)/a18e_manual.pdf |