Technics sr u 1000 ... vs Accuphase e-480

I have an E-470, and I have to say that it is an absolute joy to listen to, the features are all very useful and it’s built to the highest and most precise standards that I’ve ever seen in an audio component. While the impedance sensing and compensating circuit on the Technics might very well be a legit and useful feature, the Accuphase will handle low impedance speakers with ease and loads of reserve.

~Oran

Loved the SU-R1000 enough to haul one back from Japan. 
Saved enough to pay for air ticket and many many fancy meals. 
 

@johnsonwu 

Interesting!  A new Accuphase could be had in this manner too... and yes, that SU-R1000 as well which I hadn't even thought of.  I've never been to Japan, so it might make for a nice trip...

But, isn't the voltage different for Japan models than for American?  What did you do about that issue?  I've read up on it and have gotten conflicting reports: a. don't bother pony up buy an American version from the get go. b. have it modified by a competent shop, a simple rewire apparently in the Accu anyway.  c. use an external voltage modifier (and , of course like all things audio, conflicting claims of "affects the sound" vs. "totally indiscernible affect."   How did you handle it?  

I’m sure some people here will start firing torpedoes but as far as I know this amp has a switching power supply that takes up less than 60W and I see no difference in heat or sound whether I plug it into the wall straight for through $70 Amazon step down 100V which doesn’t vibrate or heat up after weeks of continuous up time For other Japanese imports I have I would never do that.

btw I am of the step up step down “absolutely affects the sound” camp for traditional class A or AB amps that draw some few hundred watts and dim your room lights when powering on.   But not for something that draws less than an Alienware computer. 

You plug your laptop when you’re at a hotel overseas don’t you?

Japan is 110V, 60 Hz west of the Fujigawa river and 110V, 50Hz, east of the river. Go figure. You can basically operate anything made in the US over in Japan without dire consequences but the same doesn't hold for the other way 'round. 

Having said that, any decent step down transformer should be able to handle something like the Technics SU-R1000. I wish johnsonwu the best of luck with his new Technics, and I envy the discount he got. 😄

All the best,
Nonoise