• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Importing Vintage Gear from Japan

Spackler

Spackler

Member
Hi all, apologies if this has been covered before. I'm looking into importing vintage gear (mostly amps and speakers) from Japan to Canada and I'm wondering if step transformers are the only way to handle the voltage conversion? Is there a way to modify the transformers internally? I will not be doing this on my own but do have a technician lined up to help. Just wanted to get some clarification before moving forward with him. Also, when importing separates, I'm guessing I'd need a separate transformer for each component? Is that correct? Thanks in advance.
 
Register to hide this ad
Speakers not a problem, obviously. Some eq was made for international markets, switchable on the power transformer, this is a non-issue, also. One could also swap out power trannies from similar domestic models parted out, but that's dependent on a source obviously. A variac would be an easy workaround, but if you're looking to flip for profit, that's a no-go, too. Curious as to the responses coming... :lurk:
 
What is your end game?, vintage audio gear in Japan goes for top dollar. A lot of the gear comes from here in the States such as speakers like JBL, AR, Altec etc and they pay a premium for purchase, shipping and not to mention duties, taxes & fees.

What I'm getting at is that cost will be passed back onto you on top of paying your technician. I'm assuming this is a money making venture? if so you would probably be better off exporting.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the replies, everyone. Much appreciated. The end game is resale. I have a partner in Japan and we have a reliable source for gear. The reason I asked here rather than the technician I will be working with is that we are new to working together and I wanted to gather some experienced opinions here first. Not too concerned about FM frequencies, more about voltage. Am guessing a step-up transformer is the best way to go but was curious if anyone here has been down that path before. And yes, we are also going to be exporting if all goes according to plan.
 
If all you're concerned about is input voltage there are plenty of step down (120VAC to 100VAC) transformers available ~$35 @ Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/PowerBright-...9Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

Some gear (mostly TT's) is frequency specific. Japan is the only country that uses two different line frequencies. Everyone else uses either 50Hz or 60Hz. Japan uses both.

I don't know if this will be a problem. However, IMO it's something you should take into account for what you are proposing.
 
JoeESP9 said:
If all you're concerned about is input voltage there are plenty of step down (120VAC to 100VAC) transformers available ~$35 @ Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/PowerBright-Transformer-Switch-Countries-Convert/dp/B000J1ANSY/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=1N6TTYTUBGWY8&dchild=1&keywords=step+down+transformer+120v+to+100v&qid=1586964484&sprefix=step+down+transformer,aps,154&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyVTlJMk00QUo0UzBaJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNzAxMjI4M0k5MjVMWUtFRDlLVSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwOTQwODQzMTc5RVBZMldPS1VTUSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

Some gear (mostly TT's) is frequency specific. Japan is the only country that uses two different line frequencies. Everyone else uses either 50Hz or 60Hz. Japan uses both.

I don't know if this will be a problem. However, IMO it's something you should take into account for what you are proposing.
Click to expand...
Frequency variations should only affect things with AC motors, such as turntables & many tape machines, fwiw. Rectifiers/power supplies don't care about a 10hz difference, you still get clean DC in the end (if all is up to par in the particular piece of equipment).
 
Irregardless of what some Marantz service manuals may say, some Japanese equipment may NOT have the ability to be re-strapped for 120VAC.
Learned the hard way.

Tom
 
Whereas trying to operate a device rated for 120VAAC on 100VAC will most likely do no harm the same can't be said for the opposite.
 
JoeESP9 said:
Whereas trying to operate a device rated for 120VAAC on 100VAC will most likely do no harm the same can't be said for the opposite.
Click to expand...
Bulbs will never burn out, distortion at high volume levels will likely happen but unit will run cooler, no biggie!
 
Some Japanese gear will have provisions for multiple voltages but most wont.
Aside from that, there seem to be quite a few small differences between markets and service manuals have been hard for me to dig up which makes troubleshooting more difficult.
Actually, if your friend is able to get service manuals from over there, please PM me.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom