220v 60hz on 120v 60hz?

[Eafnb]

I just picked up a Sharp SA-850 integrated amp with its tuner, cassette player, cd player, and speakers from the curb. I cleaned it to find that the voltage rating is 220v 60hz and is a Korean amp as a whole with the power plug and text on the rear of the amp. Am I able to run this amp with just an adapter? Or do I need a step up transformer?

 

[Music2Myear]

Show a picture of the back. If its 220v no, adapter will not work.

 

[Eafnb]

Show a picture of the back. If its 220v no, adapter will not work.

Here's a closer look at the ratings.

 

[mbz]

You will most likely need a step up transformer. Maybe the amp has multi-taps on the primary side of transformer.
You would need to open the unit up and post some hi res pics of the transformer wiring, this is a long shot since
amp clearly for that market...

 

[Music2Myear]

I would suggest have audio technician take a look inside to see what or if transformer can be rewired . Maybe someone else has had experience with this amp and will comment. cheers

 

[Eafnb]

You will most likely need a step up transformer. Maybe the amp has multi-taps on the primary side of transformer.
You would need to open the unit up and post some hi res pics of the transformer wiring, this is a long shot since
amp clearly for that market...

I would suggest have audio technician take a look inside to see what or if transformer can be rewired . Maybe someone else has had experience with this amp and will comment. cheers

You're both probably right, I would've assumed that since it's 60hz like the American rating, but with higher voltages that it could run okay.
Regardless, I'll post the pictures of the internals.

 

[OMGCat!]

That looks to only have two wires going to the primary side of the transformer so a step up will be needed. Not a big deal really. A lot of us here use gear from other countries and have to use step up or step down transformers. Just goes with the territory of collecting cool, old gear.

 

[Catmanboo]

Your pics inconclusive, need close-up of entire power supply. 60hz is line frequency, different from voltage, & rectification & filtering, assuming power supply is functional, render moot the difference between 50 & 60 hz. It will run poorly if at all on half the voltage the pwr xfmr is wired for, assuming you're in the states. No location info in your profile so I don't know. Looks like a European -style schuko-compatible plug.

 

[Eafnb]

That looks to only have two wires going to the primary side of the transformer so a step up will be needed. Not a big deal really. A lot of us here use gear from other countries and have to use step up or step down transformers. Just goes with the territory of collecting cool, old gear.

Understood, thanks

Your pics inconclusive, need close-up of entire power supply. 60hz is line frequency, different from voltage, & rectification & filtering, assuming power supply is functional, render moot the difference between 50 & 60 hz. It will run poorly if at all on half the voltage the pwr xfmr is wired for, assuming you're in the states. No location info in your profile so I don't know. Looks like a European -style schuko-compatible plug.

I just plugged it in with a gamble (had an adapter lying around) and while it does turn on, it doesn't give sound. I'll post more pictures of the power supply. Also, I do in fact live in the states if that helps.

 

[Eafnb]

Your pics inconclusive, need close-up of entire power supply. 60hz is line frequency, different from voltage, & rectification & filtering, assuming power supply is functional, render moot the difference between 50 & 60 hz. It will run poorly if at all on half the voltage the pwr xfmr is wired for, assuming you're in the states. No location info in your profile so I don't know. Looks like a European -style schuko-compatible plug.

Not sure if this is the power supply section, but here's the pictures I can get without becoming a contortionist.
Here's the numbers on some components that are hard to see:

D113 = DS3B 20 67

Filter caps = 6800uf 50wv

(The orange box in one of the pictures)
NAIS DS2Y-S-DC12V
AGY2323

If you need more photos, I'll post more tomorrow.

 

[mbz]

That looks to only have two wires going to the primary side of the transformer so a step up will be needed. Not a big deal really. A lot of us here use gear from other countries and have to use step up or step down transformers. Just goes with the territory of collecting cool, old gear.

+1 Stepup transformer required, no big deal whatsoever. Then you have a working amp etc... that cost you how much?
I run a 240Vac->100Vac step down for some amps I purchased from Japan, no issue...

 

[Eafnb]

+1 Stepup transformer required, no big deal whatsoever. Then you have a working amp etc... that cost you how much?
I run a 240Vac->100Vac step down for some amps I purchased from Japan, no issue...

Got it, it's going on my shopping list, thank you!

 

[gslikker]

Your pics inconclusive, need close-up of entire power supply. 60hz is line frequency, different from voltage, & rectification & filtering, assuming power supply is functional, render moot the difference between 50 & 60 hz. It will run poorly if at all on half the voltage the pwr xfmr is wired for, assuming you're in the states. No location info in your profile so I don't know. Looks like a European -style schuko-compatible plug.

Indeed. I know of no countries using 120V and using this kind of plug.

 

[GChief]

You need a step-up transformer as most have said. Not sure why you would plug it in after asking for advice then where given the proper advice, shouldn’t of hurt anything at half the volt but you never know.

Good Luck

 

[WaynerN]

Some audio companies that ship world wide provide muti-voltage transformers in their unit(s) to simplify inventory and assembly, by simply moving 1 wire. You need to take the cover off (probably 6 screws) and look at, or take a picture of the transformer as others have pointed out. Firing up a 220v unit with 120v stuff is not going to work, as the rest of the power supply was designed for it being plugged into 220v.

 

[Catmanboo]

Some audio companies that ship world wide provide muti-voltage transformers in their unit(s) to simplify inventory and assembly, by simply moving 1 wire. You need to take the cover off (probably 6 screws) and look at, or take a picture of the transformer as others have pointed out. Firing up a 220v unit with 120v stuff is not going to work, as the rest of the power supply was designed for it being plugged into 220v.

Probably the next best thing to a DBT for initial firing-up, half the voltage lots easier on the caps than a full-on blast of 220/240VAC after sitting who knows how long.

 

[whoaru99]

If you have a 220/240V circuit you could use that with an adapter or changing to the necessary 220/240V plug.

Otherwise, yeah, you'd need a step-up transformer.

 

[Eafnb]

You need a step-up transformer as most have said. Not sure why you would plug it in after asking for advice then where given the proper advice, shouldn’t of hurt anything at half the volt but you never know.

Good Luck

Wanted to see if it could turn on before I'd buy a step up transformer, rather than buying it to find the amp could be broken.

 

[FauxHall]

The good news is that 50 or 60 Hz makes no difference.

The juice gets turned into direct current inside.

It might make a difference for the cassette player but I doubt it. Almost certain the CD player will be good too.

Transformers are easy to use but get one with a wattage rating 4 or 5 times your total load

 

[swechsler]

When shopping for a transformer, look for one with a UL certification, and check reviews if you can. Cheaper transformers can buzz and/or generate heat even when they're not being used.