The most conservative approach is to house the Triad transformer externally in an enclosure (grounded if it's metal), powered with a 3-wire power cord to your US wall outlet. A receptacle on the enclosure wall provides the 100VAC to power the Luxman; safety ground from the house is carried through to the ground terminal of new 3-wire receptacle. Using this approach, you don't have to modify the Luxman at all.
Personally, I would install the Triad internally (space permitting), and Triad is a well regarded company. But I'm on old fart with a lifetime of experience. Obviously, you have to rely upon your own judgement.
Best regards,
Steve
Personally, I would install the Triad internally (space permitting), and Triad is a well regarded company. But I'm on old fart with a lifetime of experience. Obviously, you have to rely upon your own judgement.
Best regards,
Steve
I want to thank everyone for their input. I bought a Sanyo TDS N11- 1100 watt step down to use with the Luxman. I have a VCI that cam with the Luxman, but it is junky and has 105 volts with a supply of 222. The Triad was at 100.9 so it seems much better. Someday in the future when I have more time I'd like to explore this again to use the Triad internally but not ready for that yet. Too many other projects to tackle.
Luxman LX-380
Has anyone successfully configured a 100v 50/60 hZ Japan spec LX-380 for 115v 60 hZ. Been eyeing those on eBay from Japanese sellers. As much as I would love to live in Japan it remains a pipe dream.
Has anyone successfully configured a 100v 50/60 hZ Japan spec LX-380 for 115v 60 hZ. Been eyeing those on eBay from Japanese sellers. As much as I would love to live in Japan it remains a pipe dream.
Hi, there seems to be no online service manual or schematics for lx-38o so converting it from 100v 6o hZ to 115v 6o hZ can not be advised with certainty. Only thing I know for sure is that the EU version only has 1 primary 230v winding. If you want to know if the Japanese version has dual 100v/115v primary windings you probably have to obtain the service manual first. Or just obtain the usa lx-38o version as that one is ready to use without dangerous trickery.
Oddly enough the usa version is advertised as 230v 5o hZ/115v 6o hZ.
https://luxmanamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/LX380-NG.pdf
You plan seems to be difficult when looking at the Japanese lx-38o type plate. Only 100v is indicated where normally the other possible voltages are also indicated if that can be changed internally. Most efficient and safest tip is to buy the amplifier where you live.
Oddly enough the usa version is advertised as 230v 5o hZ/115v 6o hZ.
https://luxmanamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/LX380-NG.pdf
You plan seems to be difficult when looking at the Japanese lx-38o type plate. Only 100v is indicated where normally the other possible voltages are also indicated if that can be changed internally. Most efficient and safest tip is to buy the amplifier where you live.
Attachments
Last edited:
Following this thread. I am also tempted by the deals that can be had on Japan-market Luxman units. I appreciate the pointer to Rod Elliot's page (in fact I have purchased boards from him and made some triggered soft-start circuits to power on/off equipment lacking a trigger - all good).
I like the buck transformer idea, wired as an autoformer (Rod's figure 4).
For myself, I would put the Triad in an external grounded small metal enclosure with a bit of ventilation, and then use the appropriate (2 prong?) to use the original Luxman power cord. No need to ever open the Luxman unit. I would keep neutral wiring intact (i.e. white to white as Japan uses the same mains wiring color codes as US). Not sure I followed the bit about upside down outlets.
Question: what, if any, concerns may arise from going to 60 Hz from 50 Hz?
A shift to 60Hz is easier on the transformer. A 50Hz transformer actually requires a bit more iron. I don't know current practice, but older aircraft used 400Hz power for smaller, weight saving transformers.
Thank you, BSST. Any concerns in the rectification/filtering stage of the power supply (50 vs 60 Hz)? I tend to think not as they (Luxman) would go crazy if they had to modify for each country.
I just bought the Sanyo and can't figure out why I did not do it years ago. However, do you have a link or PN for a suitable box that you plan to use as I have an extra Triad and would like to build a box to put it in.