Marantz CD63 SE Transformer

[dine1967]

I have an old CD63SE which I have been using for the last 9 years. I bought it in Malaysia and is a 220V version. After shifting to the US, I had been using it with a stepup transformer. I want to change the power transformer so that I can operate it with 115V. I don't have the details for the transformer as I don't have the service manual. Can any of the board member point me in the right direction as to where I can purchace one of these??
thanks in advance.
Dinesh

[ashok]

If it is working fine, don't bother to change it.
You might end up with more problems if you change it and there is some mismatch with the secondary tappings.
Like they say : If it ain't broke don't fix it !
Cheers.
Ashok

By the way I'm speaking from experience ,not just a thought !

[sreten]

You can check :
if the transformer has dual primary windings wired
in series, if so rewire them in parallel for 110VAC.

It may sound worse without the autotransformer

sreten.

[SimontY]

Originally posted by sreten

It may sound worse without the autotransformer

Is that because it will filter some crap, like an isolation transformer?

Besides that, the CD63's transformer will have multiple secondary voltages, which will not be found in an off-the-shelf transformer. You would need to have one custom-made, which I guess won't be cheap.... mind you, you *are* in the US now, land of the stupidly cheap everything!

[LeoJar]

Dinesh,

You need not to change the transformer. I had modified this cd player one time. Open the case of this player and you will find that there is a space near to the main transformer. This space is just fix for the 50W stepdown EI transformer. I chose to use an isolated transformer with separated pri/sec windings.

Try

Leo

See the pic. I also add the power socket.

[ashok]

LeoJar mentioned about the additional transformer.

My CD67Se bought in Hong Kong had a 230 to 110 volt step down transformer inside the chassis . You can do the same. There is lots of place inside. If this is an autotransformer it will be quite small. Get it from India - will cost next to nothing ..........

115 to 230 V 30 VA autotransformer ( check the VA of the unit ).
My guess is less than US$3/- even if it is custom made. The original transformer will give the required isolation.
Cheers,
Ashok.

[dine1967]

Thanks everybody.
The auto transformer Iam using is 0.75KVA which I got custom wound in India to run my CD player and Amp. After coming here , I have assembled a P3A , P88 preamp and a gainclone. I don't use the amp and is in storage. But the Cd player I want to use. I will find out about the auto transformer and also see if I can fit it inside the case. Then , I can start tinkering around and do some mods.
thanks again
Dinesh

[Bricolo]

what is an autotransformer?

[ashok]

An autotransformer basically has only one winding. The largest voltage winding will be from end to end. The lower voltage is taken as a tap between one end and the center portion of the transformer.
The advantage is that we use less copper ( wire ) for the windings because the secondary is part of the primary winding.
The disadvantage is that there is no isolation between the windings and therefore the mains.
Typically very useful for stepping up or down mains voltages .
The required isolation is achieved by the transformer inside the device being powered.
This type of transformer should cost less than one with two windings .
Cheers.

[jean-paul]

Some CD63 versions have a transformer with dual primaries ( 230/115 V ) so in that case you might have to change one jumper only. Check the service manual that can be found on the web or on this forum. The 240 V version does *not* have dual primaries so I hope that's not the one you have.

This is the best solution when possible.