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 

edubbers

If you ever want to get rid of it or trade up, the resell value will be peanuts, plus the warranty and repair issues.  Find a U.S. dealer that has a demo or show unit with a full U.S. warranty.  Precision Audio in Video is who I dealt with.

@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.