Step down for cd player. Seeking advise

prem

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Hi Guys


How does one play a 120v 60 Hz cd player in India? I know you need a step down transformer but what happens to the frequency? How do you convert 60Hz to 50Hz?
 
Hi Guys


How does one play a 120v 60 Hz cd player in India? I know you need a step down transformer but what happens to the frequency? How do you convert 60Hz to 50Hz?

Prem - I am currently using 3 cd players which I bought in the us - rega apollo, marantz SA8620 and MF XrayV3 - all of them 120v 60hz rated - with a step down with no problems. They are working as they were in the US and if there is a decrease in performance I can't tell. I am not too sure how frequency is converted but I believe it is expensive and probably will require opening up of the player.
Cheers
Sid
 
Since CD player would internally be running on DC (and probably would have an SMPS), frequency should not be an issue.
 
I am using Denon 1940CI and Pioneer BDP-51fd with a 1 KVA step down bought from Lamington Road and they have been working smoothly. I have added Monster AV 800(US Model) inbetween step down and above players and never had any issues.
 
Thanks Sidvee. Did you buy your step down from here?

Yes I did. It is a vertex - that has a servo stabilizer and step down providing both 120v and 240 v outlets rated at 2kva. I paid approx 13k and it works great. Apparently Vertex custom makes these for audio use with higher spec. cabling inside etc.
Cheers
Sid
 
Prem, i would suggest a regenerator instead of a stepdown for the source as option 1 and an isolation transformer as the 2nd option.

Some options i have seen
1. the PS Audio 300 is available on A'gon and I believe they have a setting for 240V to 120V pure sinewave conversion and the multiwave allows for frequency change
2.the RGPC substation has a stepdown + Isolation for 240 to 120V (no freq change)
3. the monarchy audio pure sinewave regenerator has multi configurable output input and can give you 120V/240V 50 or 60hz output...limited to 100W though.

BTW a new monarchy can behad for a round 550USD + transportation


Else you could also speak to Audire folks to see if they can build you one..may be more cost effective
 
Hi Prem,
I would go by what arj has suggested, although I myself have not used a regenerator. (Sid, I am not sure if CDPs have a SMPS inside and internally the currents are only DC, but if not, this should make a difference. Can somebody clarify? DIY people like George should know, I guess)

I lived in the US for more than 9 years, but did not really bring any serious audio/video item from there to India. I sold most of them off there, except a multisystem VHS recorder/player (Hitachi) which could take Indian voltage/freq (I still have that unit, although left unused for the last many years). I only brought nonAV items like micro-wave oven, PC (that was 16 years ago, so these things at that time were worth bringing). I got two transformers (1KVA and 2 KVA) built specially on order for these sort of things here in Kolkata.

The AV stuff I brought to India were mostly bought in Germany during my more than 4 years stay there (or visits later). Obviously these have no issue with voltage/freq in India. Even the plugs and sockets match.

Regards
 
Hi Arj and Asit


BPT said they can build me a step down transformer using a Plitron step down with balanced power output. The problem is the frequency cannot be changed. Only in a PS Audio, i believe you can change the output frequency. So i am looking at that. Thanks guys.
 
Hi Arj and Asit


BPT said they can build me a step down transformer using a Plitron step down with balanced power output. The problem is the frequency cannot be changed. Only in a PS Audio, i believe you can change the output frequency. So i am looking at that. Thanks guys.

Monarchy also does it..
 
Prem try and look into the circuit diagram...

Most of the modern equipment comes with 'universal' power supplies. usually, near the transformer there will be a 'board' where one just has to desolder a jumper from one point and into another... thus turning it from 110 to 220...

I did the same thing on my Rotel...

hence stopped using the step down transformer.... and yes, step down transformers do affect the performance a little....
 
Hi Manav

This is some old marantz player which i wanted to give a spin. I do not want to spend any big money.
 
Hi Manav

This is some old marantz player which i wanted to give a spin. I do not want to spend any big money.

Hi Prem
Manav has actually given a solution where you wont need to spend much. You will just have to take it to a guy who is good with repairing CDP
 
Thanks Manav and Rikhav

Will look into it. The player is lying in US. Need to first get it here.
 
Thanks Manav and Rikhav

Will look into it. The player is lying in US. Need to first get it here.

If it is lying with someone you know, you can tell him/her to do the needful from US itself, probably get it done from a Marantz service centre
 
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