NAD C 320BEE 230v to 115v Transformer Conversion Question

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Benjisan

Member
Joined 2020
#1
Hi folks,


Let me first apologize if this topic has been covered already as I performed a search on this subject and not much information specific to my question was returned other than getting a step up/down stand alone transformer.


I got this NAD C 320BEE 230v unit for $55 and would like to know if it's feasible to convert this unit over to 115v transformer.



Questions are?


Would I just need to get a comparable 115v transformer with a new cord and re-wire the unit internally to accept the transformer and would I also need to rework the power supply circuit board too.



I have some pictures of the internal 230v NAD branded transformer I can post if needed.
 
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#3
duncan2 said:
Its more a case of getting a transformer with the various secondary voltage /current outputs NAD do say only replace with their "special " transformers so I take it they are low magnetic field leakage ?
Click to expand...


Thanks for the reply Duncan.

To be honest looking at the transformer currently in this unit it really doesn’t appear to be anything special other than it being a toroidal style.

You wouldn’t know the proper way/steps to take in order to determine the right specifications for getting a replacement transformer for this unit.

I’ve looked for a nonfunctional parts unit on eBay but nothing is popping up in order to try a swap.
 
#5
I am sure one of the schematics I looked at gave the details of the secondary outputs in a separate webpage I will try and find it again.

The secondary output fuses give an idea of the current required .
 
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#6
The 320BEE transformer has a multi-voltage center-tapped secondary winding for the main power amplifier which is probably specific to NAD's amplifier design, which alters the amplifier rail voltages to improve dynamic power availability. There is also a seperate secondary winding to derive an isolated 5V supply. I think it unlikely you would find an off-the-shelf non-proprietary replacement unfortunately.

I think you will need to find an exact replacement. It is normally possible to order the part from the local NAD distributor. You could also ask NAD directly here: NAD Parts & Remote Replacement – NAD Electronics Support
 
#7
rayma said:
This will be the cheapest and easiest way, by far. Just plug it in.
https://www.amazon.com/2000-Voltage...pY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU&th=1
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z6QMK8F/ref=twister_B084RSYJ4Y?_encoding=UTF8&th=1
https://www.amazon.com/Rockstone-10...69b9e&pd_rd_wg=T3szH&pd_rd_i=B00CLY1WPU&psc=1
Click to expand...

Hi Rayma,

I’m not a big fan of stepping up voltage as opposed to stepping down voltage after looking at some of those one and two star Amazon ratings. I would rather run a dedicated 230 line as an alternative unless some can school me as to why those horror stories from the reviews are oddities.

With that in mind that LiteFuze voltage converter looks promising.
 
#9
johnmath said:
The 320BEE transformer has a multi-voltage center-tapped secondary winding for the main power amplifier which is probably specific to NAD's amplifier design, which alters the amplifier rail voltages to improve dynamic power availability. There is also a seperate secondary winding to derive an isolated 5V supply. I think it unlikely you would find an off-the-shelf non-proprietary replacement unfortunately.

I think you will need to find an exact replacement. It is normally possible to order the part from the local NAD distributor. You could also ask NAD directly here: NAD Parts & Remote Replacement – NAD Electronics Support
Click to expand...

John?

Thanks for the NAD parts support links. I’m going to try contacting them and see what the can do for me as far a availability for a replacement swap.
 
#11
rayma said:
These were just examples, there are lots of these kinds of units.
Here's another one.
Zoro Select 30C518 $65.95 Step Up/Down Voltage Converter, 500VA | Zoro.com

BTW, are you sure that the NAD actually works?
Click to expand...


No, I haven't got the correct Nema 10-30P 3 prong male plug as of yet in order to test the unit on my basements 230v electric clothes drier outlet.


That should be here from Amazon on Wednesday.


Of course this is all moot if the unit is DOA and then there's no need to pursue this any further, but from an observational standpoint of eyeballing the internal components nothing appears to be suspect.
 
#13
rayma said:
I'd burn it in with a week or more of continuous operation, before spending any more money on it. You never know.
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Good advice.


I have a small work bench area tha I share right next to the laundry room that has a little audio system consisting of a Adcom 545-II, GTP-500 amplifier and NHT 2 way bookshelf speakers with the matching sub woofer.


If the NAD fires up (no pun intended) I will check the DC-offset and bias for any abnormality. And if it all checks out then I will run the unit constantly for a period of a day or two with nothing attached before connecting any further equipment.
 
#16
Here 15 to 500W step down transformers, 220 to 110 are commonly available, only sometimes people connect the equipment directly...the frequency here is 50 for 110 it is usually 60 Hz, but it does not matter in most cases.

So far, a Sony turntable/receiver, and an XBox are known casualties of the higher voltage.
220 between phases or phase to neutral, please check.
 
#17
NareshBrd said:
Here 15 to 500W step down transformers, 220 to 110 are commonly available, only sometimes people connect the equipment directly...the frequency here is 50 for 110 it is usually 60 Hz, but it does not matter in most cases.

So far, a Sony turntable/receiver, and an XBox are known casualties of the higher voltage.
220 between phases or phase to neutral, please check.
Click to expand...


Naresh,


The damaged Sony turntable, receiver and Xbox were 115 volts being stepped down from 230v
 
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