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The effect 60Hz Cycles on 50Hz SACD-PLayers

Hi Everyone: I am originally from Denmark, Europe, where 230V/50Hz is used in the Outlet. I have though recently moved to Ecuador, where they have 110V/60Hz. Now The Voltage is not a problem, since you can get Voltage Transformers/Stabilisers all over as well as have a certified electrician change the voltage from 110 to 220V in some or all sockets, depending on your individual wish, without any problem.

My problem is the Frequency 50 versus 60Hz. Now as far as I can deduct, My Mark Levinson Pre and power-amp will not be affected, since there on the back of the Pre (No. 28) says 220V and 50/60Hz and on the back of the Power-amps (No. 20.6) it says 210-240V and 47-400Hz. With these data, ingraved on the back, both should be in the clear as far as I can see. Now I can see, that the power-amps have been changed to 230V. This I can see, by looking down through the top-plate and down into the front print-board, where it says 230V. I cannot remember if it also says 50Hz, but I seriously doubt it, since it, as earlier mentioned, says 47-400Hz.

Now my newly purchased (from new) Luxman D-06 SACD-Player is another matter. it is definately a 230V/50Hz Machine, according to the note on the back of it. Now I have tried to read several forums here on Audiogon and elsewhere. Some say, that the cycles can burn the internal transformer of the Player, saying something to the effect of, that the current rises or something like that, I didn't quite understand it, to be honest. This problem, should though, as far as i could understand mostly if not always, be when you take a 60Hz apparatus to a 50Hz country and not so much, if at all, the other way around (My case). Others say, that since all CD and SACD-Players have DC-Motors, then the cycles does NOT affect the motors operating the SACD at all. What is true??? I have thought about buying a certain apparatus, which changes the cycles from 60 to 50Hz to plug in between the outlet-socket and the Luxman, but I've heard, that such devices are very costly ($600USD/Unit) and since my SACD-Player is the only apparatus, which is Firmly a 230V/50Hz Unit, then this is where I ask You Guys. Is it necessary for me to buy such a Cycle-changing unit, just for my SACD-Player, when all other unit are fine with 60Hz??? Some say, that it all depends on the quality of the parts used in general and the transformer in particular and if this is true, then there should be no problem, since I believe I can safely say, that Luxman are known for using High Quality Parts.


So my question to You All therefore is: Can my Luxman D-06 Stand The Muster of being fed with 60Hz??? Is it in such good quality, that it won't overheat or burn out the Transformer or any of the other parts inside??? Wil it affect It's Sound Quality??? Or is it Definately Necessary to buy such a Cycles-Change Apparatus for it to work properly and safely??? Will my warranty change, because I use 220V/60Hz instead of the specified 230V/50Hz???


I'd appreciate any and all comments to help me decide what to do.


Have a Great Audio Day All of You.


Sincerely Thomas.

128x128ferrari365gtb
erik_squires
15,877 posts
 
You might want to investigate if the transformer in your unit can be switced. Many transformers can go from 110 to 220 and back by swapping leads. Only someone who is qualified should attempt this. The tell-tale of this is that the primary coils have 4 leads instead of just 2.

Best,

Erik
czarivey
5,740 posts
 
Erik, how to distinguish someone qualified from someone not qualified to swap leads of transformer on consumer electronics?
I believe you only need qualification if you swapping leads on power station or substation or on commercial building... Other than that it’s just swap -- wire X replaces wire Y.
I’ve seen that also swap in certain units must be done on secondary coil where you’re supposed to swap at least 4...6 wires especially in full function integrated amps. With service manual it's very easy that tells you which set of wires should change the AC input voltage and not to hard without just by simply measuring the output voltage with given input on each transformer output and match.
glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,531 posts
 

one other thing to keep in mind  Japan uses both 50 and 60 cycles depending on the area of the island so I would imagine its fine for either.  ( Luxman being build in japan) put the proper voltage into it and you should be fine as the above people mentioned. DC after the trany.

How do you like the Luxman digital i've been eyeing them?

kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,410 posts
 
Transformer might be slightly more efficient at 60Hz but it doesn't make much difference when power is low (SACD etc.).   Filtering after rectification will leave a little more ripple but it might be inaudible.  Motor might be a "Step Motor" being fed frequency to obtain exact linear speed/frequency.  In either case - DC or Step Motor it is regulated system independent from the 50/60Hz line frequency and most likely crystal based.
ferrari365gtb's avatar
ferrari365gtb OP
20 posts
 
Hi Everyone. Thank You All Sooo Much for your Huge Help and Wonderfull Comments. I usually prefer to answer ALL Personally, but these last two days have just been so hectic, so I'll try and answer in several groups, according to different areas of the subject of the title of this discussion. 

Many of You have commented on whether or not 60hz into a 50hz SACD-Player, will destroy some internal parts, such as the trannie and part of the signal-handling system down the line from the trannie. You aml seem to agree with each-other, that this should be a problem, since the parts either have a tolerance for both frequencies, even though they may not be specifically made to resist both frequencies, they still can handle both with no problem. Then there were several of you who said, that there ARE parts and entire Audio Equipment, MADE to work fine with both and have a built intolerance for both frequencies from the factory. Then more specifically in regards to Luxman, one of You mentioned, that Japan uses BOTH cycles in different part of the country and thus there it is more likely, that japanese products in general, are more able to withstand both frequencies, since its not likely, that the make one transformer and o e set of parts for the gear going to one part of the country, which uses 60hz and then another complete different set for other part, which uses 50hz. That probably doesn't make sense profitability-wise as well as Time-wise. It is there most probable, that most japanese Audio Manufactures, probably makes just one set of parts, that can withstand both.

No regarsing moving wires inside the apparatus, it is probably doable, but I have just never beeb a fan of it myself. My gear is all with Original Boxes and on them , it says the Original Voltage and I have Always to buy, own and sell my gear, with voltage given by the factory, because that means, that the next buyer, safe can buy from, nowing that the Originality of the gear, has never been tampered with...

Regarding the right voltage. Obviously, the gear always has to have the right or nearly the right voltage. And thus is why I can happily say, that I yesterday had a certified electrician come and change two specific  chosen outlets from 110 into 220Volts and Everything works Perfectly and Sounds Outstanding. Thanks So Much Everyone, for your Advices and Comments.

Have a Greasaaaat Audio Day All of You.

Sincerely Thomas.

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