Japanese Voltage.


I was on the verge of buying a Japanese Luxman 509Z, on ebay. It it 100Volts, Here in the U.K. we have 240Volts. And the price difference is £9,000 (here) to £5,000 (there). I immediately went on line for a decent transformer (£130) and ordered it. We here, have an audio disscusion group, so I tested the water with them. The general advice was discouraging. "It will introduce noise etc". What is the opinion of yourselves? I'm not in a hurry, I decided to buy an SACD player instead. £4,000 (here!)

Thanks, An avid reader,

IAN.

irjones

Transformers aren't just generic black boxes so there are potential downsides to using them as voltage changers. And it's not just a question of the VA rating.

@irjones - it does introduce noise, but whether relevant it depends on how transparency of your audio chain.  In high-end audio, better components often drops the noise floor so additional may or not be acceptable.  

I'm using an Esoteric K-05x built for Japan voltage. Using a TGK step up also made in Japan. No noise issues.

O.K. I ended up, purchasing an Airlink transformer, even though I don't yet need it.

It is the JACBS 1000, At the fair price of £400, delivered. Now, as it has two outputs, I started looking at a pair of mono blocks!  As I have time to accumalate the funds, over a year or so. So I have have plenty of time to be indecisive!

So now what I wish to know is; will the 100V amps be compatible with a 240V pre-amp? or is the best route to buy a 100V pre-amp? Honest, it's not just conjecture, I really need new amplification. And I'm pretty stupid. £10.000 is a lot of money for me, I cannot get it wrong. 

Thanks for reading this, I need help.

No rush,

IAN.