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Buying 100v audio from Japan

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dholt96

New Member
I am thinking about buying a Luxman 505 or 507, or Accuphase E-280 directly from an eBay seller in Japan. There is a substantial savings. Can anyone share experiences about buying audio equipment from Japan?
Also, which step-down converter would you recommend? I don't want to add noise.
If the integrated amplifier puts out between 90 and 110 wpc how many watts must the converter be?
I have seen converters up to 3,000 watts.
Finally, did anyone have to pay US customs or have shipping issues?
Thanks!
 
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Don't buy a grey market Accuphase. Accuphase's factory service won't even repair it non warranty. You'd have to send if back to Japan for any repairs/service.
 
I believe there is a Accuphase repair service in CA. I was thinking an Accuphase would last forever, from what I've read. Maybe I'm just being naive.
 
Greetings, I purchase a lot of Audio Gear (Amps/TTs) from Japan (Yahoo JP/Buyee) and it has been a pleasant experience, apart from a cracked TT dust cover. Over time, I have learned the good sellers, so IM me if you wish to know more.
I use the UMI Brands of Step-Down (if in USA) transformers. They are super quiet and have excellent capacity for High Power Applications. I run an entire Exclusive System (C3a, M4a and P3) off one UMI unit without issue.

Cheers
 
For my little stuff I really like the Nissyo Transformers (or any that are made in Japan). My little AIWA 22 System (100v) is running right now with a "Univeral Wing" Brand Transformer, it's much smaller than most. A lot of these will have two outlets, just in case.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0017H8IL...olid=27R0EQ10KW6L9&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

I buy used equipment and the biggest drawback is they have a ton of corrosion issues with the salty air. Plated dials and buttons will have a green crust coating and they are really good at having limited and blurry photos. I've also heard stories of equipment being considered hazardous and they won't ship it after you've bought it. One of the biggest considerations is shipping costs, that can easily go up, even after you get a shipping quote. The Japanese have some of the nicest packaging around, they take a lot of pride in how they box items.

Personally if I was spending that kind of money I'd fly over there an pick it up. You can audition all kinds of stuff at Bic and Yodobashi Camera Stores and they have no problem with you touching and using all kinds of stereo equipment.
https://www.yodobashi.com/
https://www.biccamera.com.e.lj.hp.transer.com/bc/main/
 
Bone Yard said:
For my little stuff I really like the Nissyo Transformers (or any that are made in Japan). My little AIWA 22 System (100v) is running right now with a "Univeral Wing" Brand Transformer, it's much smaller than most. A lot of these will have two outlets, just in case.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0017H8IL...olid=27R0EQ10KW6L9&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

I buy used equipment and the biggest drawback is they have a ton of corrosion issues with the salty air. Plated dials and buttons will have a green crust coating and they are really good at having limited and blurry photos. I've also heard stories of equipment being considered hazardous and they won't ship it after you've bought it. One of the biggest considerations is shipping costs, that can easily go up, even after you get a shipping quote. The Japanese have some of the nicest packaging around, they take a lot of pride in how they box items.

Personally if I was spending that kind of money I'd fly over there an pick it up. You can audition all kinds of stuff at Bic and Yodobashi Camera Stores and they have no problem with you touching and using all kinds of stereo equipment.
https://www.yodobashi.com/
https://www.biccamera.com.e.lj.hp.transer.com/bc/main/
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Good point about the corrosion. I always try to make sure the RCAs are shiny before I even think about buying. If they are grey and corroded, the rest of the unit likely will be as well.
You’re right about the packaging. I wish more US sellers even put half as much effort in.
 
Bone Yard said:
For my little stuff I really like the Nissyo Transformers (or any that are made in Japan). My little AIWA 22 System (100v) is running right now with a "Univeral Wing" Brand Transformer, it's much smaller than most.
Click to expand...

Which probably means autoformer. In itself that's not a big issue, as long as it's not mistaken to provide isolation as would a conventional transformer.
 
Yes, I would definately research the transformers, for my low watts I'm ok but if I was spending big money I'd talk to the vender, they ship this equipment everywhere and should have knowledge of quality units.

As far as packaging, 98% of the time it's amazing, even little thank you cards, one guy even puts tea packages in the boxes.

Corrosion stinks and they have it bad but the locals seem to spot it quickly and don't bid, I've gotten stuff for peanuts. I save this for the really rare boombox/Walkman Units that never come up for sale.
 
Bone Yard said:
Yes, I would definately research the transformers, for my low watts I'm ok but if I was spending big money I'd talk to the vender, they ship this equipment everywhere and should have knowledge of quality units.

As far as packaging, 98% of the time it's amazing, even little thank you cards, one guy even puts tea packages in the boxes.

Corrosion stinks and they have it bad but the locals seem to spot it quickly and don't bid, I've gotten stuff for peanuts. I save this for the really rare boombox/Walkman Units that never come up for sale.
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I love Buyee but man, it's easy to spend money. I have bought some electronics, watches and even a Ferrari steering wheel for my friend.
My main amp is a Yamaha that was JDM only but they had a stripped version for the US. The Japanese amp looked like new inside which was awesome as it was listed as junk. I restored it and used the power transformer from the US model so no worries about a step down. Otherwise I use a Nissyo 1500VA step down for the other gear I've imported.
I've not visited that site in a while but...
 
Thanks for all the information. Do I have to worry about corrosion for a brand new amplifier? Or are the references above to only used equipment? Also, can someone explain to me how many watts the converter/transformer requires for a 100 watt amplifier? I don't understand which step-down transformer I need to use an amplifier safely. I will certainly ask the seller but will have greater confidence in those who have already purchased equipment from Japan. Kevin (above) suggested UMI. Which unit would be best? https://www.amazon.com/stores/UMI/page/2FDCD6F1-C89C-49E5-882B-C3D10B06AD90?ref_=ast_bln
Or https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0017H8IL...olid=27R0EQ10KW6L9&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
Thanks!
 
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This was the UMI unit I use. It can handle up to 500 watts. I like that it has two outputs.

Unfortunately I see that it is currently unavailable, it’s possible that they have changed the design.

Suggest you research the options folks have posted.
 

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I use Nissyo step down transformers here. Just picked up a gorgeous Denon PRA-2000RG from Japan and It was in fine shape. A little dirty but it cleaned up easily enough. I have no issues buying Japanese gear, but do look for signs of abuse and corrosion.
 
dholt96 said:
I believe there is a Accuphase repair service in CA. I was thinking an Accuphase would last forever, from what I've read. Maybe I'm just being naive.
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Nothing lasts forever, without maintenance/servicing. Even McIntosh needs service around every 20 years, as did tube era/early SS Marantz made in USA. Accuphase repair service WILL NOT REPAIR import gray market Accuphase units bought overseas, not even NON-WARRANTY. They will demand you send it back to the country from where it was purchased new. Wanting to make sure you understand this. This company does not support gray market imports in any way.
 
dholt96 said:
Thanks for all the information. Do I have to worry about corrosion for a brand new amplifier? Or are the references above to only used equipment? Also, can someone explain to me how many watts the converter/transformer requires for a 100 watt amplifier? I don't understand which step-down transformer I need to use an amplifier safely. I will certainly ask the seller but will have greater confidence in those who have already purchased equipment from Japan. Kevin (above) suggested UMI. Which unit would be best? https://www.amazon.com/stores/UMI/page/2FDCD6F1-C89C-49E5-882B-C3D10B06AD90?ref_=ast_bln
Or https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0017H8IL...olid=27R0EQ10KW6L9&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
Thanks!
Click to expand...

The Accuphase mentioned in the first post is rated 249W per the IEC method. That means when you have the unit pretty much maxed out playing music it will have average draw of about 249W. So, I'd say a 500W unit would be plenty big enough.
 
for us, in the UK it's crazy buying anything from America as it cost more to get it here than the price of the product, and then there is the voltage to deal with, Japan also has import duties to pay on top of delivery costs. The best deals I have found are from Germany.
 
whoaru99 said:
The Accuphase mentioned in the first post is rated 249W per the IEC method. That means when you have the unit pretty much maxed out playing music it will have average draw of about 249W. So, I'd say a 500W unit would be plenty big enough.
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The unit I am looking at is the Accuphase E-280. It has 90 watts per channel.
 
The back plate will have wattage number that is different than watts per channel, go by the big number. I have a lot more faith in the Made in Japan Transformers, especially with big dollar equipment.

Corrosion is only on the used equipment, it loves the plated buttons and dials.

I'm serious about flying over there, usually this time of year (BC) it's pretty cheap and the airlines let you take lot's of bags. The hard-shell rolling cases are great for audio but bring bubble wrap with you.
 
Bone Yard said:
The back plate will have wattage number that is different than watts per channel, go by the big number. ...
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Gotta be a bit careful with that depending how the rating is listed. In some cases it represents continuous max output sine wave test condition, but that condition is not realized when playing music. Sizing based on that can drive unnecessarily overspecing the stepdown rating.

The IEC rating 249 watts from the Accuphase specs is a pretty good representation of high output use playing real music. Double that covers and with solid cushion.
 
One more thing I've noticed with Japanese Sellers, some of them will have multiple listings of the same product at different prices. I bought two very rare mics (for stereo recording) from two different listings from the same seller. It turns out he only had one of the mics. The listings were real but this is something you should be aware of. I just noticed a stereo stack listed now, same photos and seller but different price.
 
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