Buying a Luxman L505z from Japan
Hey, so I’m looking to purchase a Luxman L505z from Japan - I will need a 120-100v step down transformer . I wanted to find out if anyone has experience with this and if it will compromise the sound in anyway? I saw one from a dealer on eBay with a 99% rating, but I’m unsure if I should trust it. Any insights would be greatly appreciated
Easier said than done. Not only that it adds another layer of complexity to a simple transaction. The OP is only here to have forum members validate what he's already made up his mind too. |
When I was in the market for a luxman, I called their American support tech repair and asked them. The guy said don't do it. I can't remember why exactly. But, now that I've been in this hobby for a while your power supply and your power is so important for the best quality sound. And a black background. I would never do it now that I know. |
@incorrigable - As I've tried to explain, this isn't something all power supplies are capable of. I worked for a manufacturer who purchased a lot of transformers and eventually ended up winding our own. The issue is very much manufacturer/model specific. Accuphase uses the same transformer for US, Japan and UK markets. They do this with split primary windings. These transformers have multiple primary wires, not just 2. How you attach them to the terminal strip changes the voltage ratio between input and output. Essentially this requires knowledge and a Philips-head screw driver. Luxman integrated amps do NOT do this. They use separate transformer models for Japan, the US and the UK. To convert a Luxman integrated amplifier you need a different power transformer. |
Wife says we will go to Japan and buy stuff there and get it custom re-packed at the airport and fly it home in checked luggage. Another option is a repositioning cruise across the Pacific to North America. We will accept that any work will be out of warranty with our local audio guy. The expensive brands are beautiful but low tech. Not hard to work on. |
