I had the same problem. Mark Levinson is defending its 9200 euro extraprice levvel, instead of 6000 USD price level. Now, dealers also defending their profit share. Normal step down transformer does not help you as ML has an inbuilt chip, which ensures that the machine only works, if it gets 60hz. There are two solutions. One, you find a technician who has the drawings of the player and able to circumvent this chip. I know one, but in my country, which probably makes difficult for you to get him. The second is that you buy a PS Audio P300 powerplant (US model), which able to have 230v/50hz inlet (there is an internal switch inside the PP with which you could change the unput voltage from 110v to 230v). The P300 will output for you 110v/60hz. as far as I know, this is the only one solution. Additonally, you may benefit using the P300 as far as quality of soundprint concerned. I also advise you to get an extra transport, if you plan to buy an ML cd-player. The optical unit after certain hours gets wrong. There wont be dealer which help you to fix it. If you lucky, you may get one transport for around 1200 euro!!!!, but if you in Germany, it is likely that they just dont talk with you. You know, rules are rules, especially in that country. So, the only one soulution will be to sending back your player to Madrigal for big sum to US or use it as a DAC only.
Mark Levinson / Voltage Conversion US = Europe
Hi folks. Probably this question was already asked once before in these threads, however I could not find anything so far.
My situation: I am living in the US right now and would like to get a 326 / 431 / 390s. At some point of time (one year or so) my contract will end and I might go back to Germany.
I can not afford to get these components new, so I would buy them used in good condition, which is still a good junk of money.
However before I make this relatively big investment I wanted to know following: Is there someone someone who would professionally convert the components from US voltage to European (German) standard. It does not matter if here in the US or in Germany or in Europe.
So, to get an answer to my question I called the customer support at harman/madrigal in the US and they told me technically this would not be an issue, but they do this only for the original owner and only if you have proof of leaving the US. Apparently "just" a power-supply-platine and the back-cover would have to be changed.
For pre-owned components they referred me to the importer in Germany to check with them if they would do it. So, I called them (Sun Audio in Munich) and they told me that they will not do it either because of TUeV and CE reasons, which I think is complete BS.
Sure, I can understand that they are trying to protect their overseas market, but I look at it from this side: Every used model which is sold, creates a demand for a new one. Like I said this would only work for me, because prices are lower here, and there is no way for me to afford these components overseas.
My question now: Does anyone have experience with a conversion from US to European voltage? Who / Where / How long / How much / What to do / What not to do / etc.
Please let me know.
Thank you for your response in advance.
My situation: I am living in the US right now and would like to get a 326 / 431 / 390s. At some point of time (one year or so) my contract will end and I might go back to Germany.
I can not afford to get these components new, so I would buy them used in good condition, which is still a good junk of money.
However before I make this relatively big investment I wanted to know following: Is there someone someone who would professionally convert the components from US voltage to European (German) standard. It does not matter if here in the US or in Germany or in Europe.
So, to get an answer to my question I called the customer support at harman/madrigal in the US and they told me technically this would not be an issue, but they do this only for the original owner and only if you have proof of leaving the US. Apparently "just" a power-supply-platine and the back-cover would have to be changed.
For pre-owned components they referred me to the importer in Germany to check with them if they would do it. So, I called them (Sun Audio in Munich) and they told me that they will not do it either because of TUeV and CE reasons, which I think is complete BS.
Sure, I can understand that they are trying to protect their overseas market, but I look at it from this side: Every used model which is sold, creates a demand for a new one. Like I said this would only work for me, because prices are lower here, and there is no way for me to afford these components overseas.
My question now: Does anyone have experience with a conversion from US to European voltage? Who / Where / How long / How much / What to do / What not to do / etc.
Please let me know.
Thank you for your response in advance.
15 responses Add your response