Using Japan 100V Accuphase amp in US 120V. Safe?

Did the seller make this argument before the transaction took place? I think he really misrepresented the unit. A 100V unit is clearly not "universal" as it would be fried if plugged into European 240V. I would not follow his recommendation, but seek appropriate change to 120V by an Accuphase technician. It should not be a big deal and cost you very little (some manufacturers do it for free, like Monarchy Audio). Good luck.

Sorry, you will need to find someone with specific knowledge of the Accuphase But if the transformer is truly designed for 100V then it will likely be stressed at 120V and therefore vibrate and hum more than it should. I have experienced this with operating 220V transformers at 240V and the problem was not significant enough for concern, but the difference between 100 and 120V is twice that. If it was me, I would open the unit up and examine the input side of the transformer. If there are more than two cables or tags going into the primary side then you can probably conclude the conversion job will be simple. If the transformer connects directly onto a circuit board then look for jumpers on the board labelled with terms like 100V etc. They will be close to the transformer. I am not a sparky but can usually work out how to convert anything that can be converted, just by tracing the connections and using a meter. If you have a look inside and post what you see I can comment further.

Hi Arni.
The seller did not disclose about it at all. When I got the unit after paying the full bid amount I noticed 100V on the back of the unit. He has other Accuphase item for sale on Audiogon but I am in the process of negociation with the seller so I am not going to blow his ID yet. But we don't need this kind of seller in our Audiogon community. Thanks for your help on this issue. Thanks.

Arni, Accuphase can convert it to 120V for USA voltage, but it ain't cheap! However, people have been playing the "buy it there, use it here" game to save money, and Accuphase now has a BIG disclaimer on their website saying that the warranty WILL NOT be honored if their product falls into this category. Furthermore the warranty won't be honored if a non-authorized voltage conversion was performed, or if a transformer has been used. I don't know their service policy concerning an out of warranty item that is not in the country of its origin.

Cyuagain, the seller should have disclosed that this item was a 100V Japanese unit BEFORE the sale.

Accuphase units made before 2002 can be converted internally to 100/120/220/240V. Just check the bottom side of the unit (you have to remove the bottom plate first).