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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
almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
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.
I believe that both of those statements are true. Also, I believe that all European countries have 50 Hz AC, so I suspect the reason that 60 Hz wasn't indicated on your unit is simply that the European market it was intended for doesn't use 60 Hz.

If so, as far as the warranty is concerned the use of 60 Hz would not be a justifiable reason for a manufacturer to deny coverage. Although I would imagine that there are some manufacturers who might use it as an excuse and deny coverage anyway.

Good luck. Regards,
-- Al
 

ferrari365gtb's avatar
ferrari365gtb OP
20 posts
 

Hi almarg:


Many Thanks for you comment and for trying to reasure me. I've seen it that way, the part that, the manufactures simply put 50hz on European products, because they're meant for the european market. You could be right, but I do think though, that they are genuine information, Like for instance "Don't put your cat in the microwave" kind of thing, so that they free from liability, should you do something stupid. Now that doesn't necessarily mean, that the make and insert different transformers for 50 and 50hz Versions. It could be, to save money and fuss, they just make ONE, which can take both frequencies, but this is kind of what i need to know. I need to know, that their transformer and the rest of the parts inside can take both frequencies, without any harm done to them. I'll probably have to contact Luxman themselves, but they seem kind of ghostly, when it comes to contact-info. On a Higher Note, seems like a Commercial for them, but NOT the company itself and so since the closed down some 20-25 years ago and since the re-arose from the dark again, I haven't been able to find the actual website of the company itself. Maybe you or somebody can help me with this.


Anyway almarg. Thanks so much for your comment and insight. I Appreciate it A Lot.


Sincerely Thomas.

czarivey
5,928 posts
 
60hz frequency is more beneficial to DC part of equipment by having smaller wavelength to rectify and get smoother pulse for DC. The turntables with AC motors usually have different size motor pulleys for 60Hz frequency 
auxinput
2,920 posts
 

I concur with almarg's comment.  The difference between 50hz and 60hz A/C waveforms will not hurt any electronics equipment.  Actually, the older PS Audio power regenerator allowed you to alter the power waveform frequency and some people used up to a 120hz cycle. 

The major problem that you would encounter is when you used a 120V device on a 240V A/C outlet.  The transformer may or may not be able to handle the 240V (it may burn it out), but the biggest problem is the increased voltage in the power supply capacitor bank.  That increase would probably blow the capacitors in little time.

The other possible issue is with turntables that have A/C motors.  The drop in cycles would affect the speed and the records would play slower.

pbnaudio's avatar
pbnaudio
1,613 posts
 
It is no problem running your CD player on 60Hz mains voltage as compared to 50 Hz mains voltage - it is actually easier on the transformer.  

As soon as the voltage enters the CD Player it is fed into a transformer then rectified to DC Voltage which is what the CCD player works from.

As far as your  Mark Levinson pieces - they may have some protection built into them that will prevent them from turning on if connected to a different mains voltage frequency, they do this to prevent gray marketing of their product - if your products are affected by this I don't know, but it could be an issue.  

Good Listening

Peter
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