100V step-down transformer a for Japanese TT

[helma]

I got a Japanese model Denon DP-3000 and need a (cheap) step-down transformer for it. Condition of the TT is a bit unknown, thought it's supposed to be ok and everything seems in order. There's plenty of options on eBay etc. but most of them are from far-eastern sellers and leave it unclear whether the solution is transformer based or has some kind of converter circuit. Ideally I want an actual 230V -> 100V transformer, not somekind of converter thingie which might induce some impurities into the voltage. That said nothing against converters per se, given they have a smooth output free of spikes or other signal deformation. I was wondering if anyone had any experience with cheap (definitely under 50 EUR) step down transformers with japanese TTs they could recommend?

The other option is I could get a 110V transformer locally, intended for use with US appliances, I suppose the 10V over voltage would be neglible and I could bring down the rest of the way using a resistor in series.

[Ali Tait]

See here-

http://www.airlinktransformers.com/japanese_voltage_converters/japan_uk_voltage_converters/

[daytona600]

some japanese stuff is 100v 60hz & not dual frequency 50/60hz
uk works on 230v 50hz

[Barry]

Good point,

The frequency is 50 Hertz in Eastern Japan (including Tokyo, Yokohama, Tohoku, Hokkaido) and 60 Hertz in Western Japan (including Nagoya, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Shikoku, Kyushu).

No doubt the correct frequency is indicated somewhere on the turntable.

[Beobloke]

See here-

http://www.airlinktransformers.com/japanese_voltage_converters/japan_uk_voltage_converters/

Seconded -I have a Japanese and US models and both are high quality and absolutely silent.

With regard to the frequency, the DP-3000 is a DC servo design and so generates its own internal drive signals, therefore mains frequency should not make any difference to its operation. You might have an issue with the strobe display, depending on where the lamp takes its drive from in the circuit, but it might be OK.

[337alant]

I have one of the Maplin step down transformers and it is very good but its 110V

http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/240v-to-110v-300w-voltage-converter-vr05f

Alan

[struth]

I have one of the Maplin step down transformers and it is very good but its 110V

http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/240v-to-110v-300w-voltage-converter-vr05f

Alan

looks decent that.

[helma]

Thanks for the replies, the airlink ones look good, might get one later unless I can find something more locally. For the time being I got a cheap US transformer and dropped the voltage with a series resistor to about 97V (when TT playing) to be safe. I guess it would probably be ok with 115 but better not risk it I suppose. Of course this arrangement is far from ideal because the voltage the TT sees will change depending how much power it's drawing. However it plays beautifully and both speeds seem solid and stable, so now I at least know it works. Listening to it right now with a Denon DA-305 arm - no plinth and the armboard is just fastened to the chassis with one screw. Enough to give a first impression, seems the motor and bearing are both very quiet, no extra noises what so ever. Now to plan a plinth. Was thinking a heavy birch ply affair. Will make a nice project!

Very poor close up of the thing spinning:
http://i.imgur.com/8T5YbSG.jpg

[337alant]

You could also get Terry from Canterbury windings to make you a custom transformer to suit the job
I have had several transformers from him and conclude hes not the cheapest but they are superb quality.

http://www.canterburywindings.co.uk/

Alan

[karma67]

can you guys advise please,
ive just bought a jap only tt from germany,the seller says it comes with a step down transformer so its just a case of plugging it in. can i assume that its ok to use the tranny here in the uk?

[Barry]

can you guys advise please,
ive just bought a jap only tt from germany,the seller says it comes with a step down transformer so its just a case of plugging it in. can i assume that its ok to use the tranny here in the uk?

Should be - Germany uses the same mains supply voltage and frequency as we do.

[karma67]

thanks that's what i thought but i just wanted to be sure :)

[helma]

The plug is different though, so you might need an adaptor if one was not provided. But those should only cost a couple quid and be readily found in local stores that sell that kind of stuff.

[Ali Tait]

Yep, or just cut it off and fit a UK one.

[karma67]

easier said than done,the transformer casing has the 2 pin plug molded to it.

[walpurgis]

What sort of two pin? Maybe you just need a shaver adaptor. Show us a piccie.

[helma]

Ah, so the transformer is the kind where the plug just protrudes from it, no cord? In that case just get an adaptor, they cost next to nothing.

[karma67]

im sure as geoff says its just a case of using a shaver adapter.

http://i1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj548/jamiecreig123/s-l1600_zpsiqxaomhw.jpg