My Levinson doesn't like the juice


I have a problem I have been fighting since mid spring. My Levinson 383 shuts down and displays the message "HIGH LINE". The unit has been sent to Levinson and it was back in the system about two days before it shut down with the same message. (I've got to have my music and I'm freakin out man! Whoa.... I'm back now-I think?)

I checked the line voltage (I know, arse backwards trouble shooting) with a Simpson 260, which is uncallibrated, and it measured 126 V during the day and 130 V at night. I called the municipal power company; they arrived promptly, and measured the voltage level with a Fluke meter and read 122 V.
So with a 4 V discrepancy I'm guessing the night time voltage hovers right at 126 V, the 383's shut down level, because according to Levinson the 383's operating range is 115 V + or - 10% which tells me that it should be satisfied up to 126.5 V.

I live within a 1/4 mile of the substation and the line serves an area five miles away. And though the Utility may monitor my power with a recorder I doubt they will adjust the level downward for my listening pleasure.

So the question I pose before you here today is; are you a Steely Dan fan? But seriously, even if you're not, do you have any suggestions? I've considered a power conditioner with voltage regulation but I'd rather not spend that much if I don't have to and I think less is more in this area. Does anyone have any experience with using a buck-boost transformer with audio gear? Please help before I totally lose it.
garyb6

Showing 1 response by garyb6

I would like to update this topic.

Checked with Levinson again and the Levinson's range is 120 V + or - 10% which indicates that it is satisfied up to 132 V. This voltage seems more like it.

The power company found a problem with a switching capacitor which is used for periods of high demand. It was not switching off.

Problem solved and I'm back in business. Life if good!!

Thanks to all who gave advice and moral support.