MAC4100 from US using in Japan

[ncmbartlett]

Hi all,

I brought my MAC4100 over from the US to Japan last August. I've been using it with no problem for the last 9 months and it sounds/works fine (great). However, one thing that has been in the back of my mind was whether I should really be using a step-up transformer to bring the mains VAC from Japanese 100V/50Hz to 120V/60Hz when using it.

To be up front, I'm not that knowledgeable about electronic, but I guess internally the unit already has an AC to DC converter that has some tolerances, so I suppose it may already be working properly. However, if I'm doing some slow or long-term damage to it, I'd like to know and fix that.

If a step-up transformer is recommended, can someone please recommend one?
I don't have a large budget, so I kind of just found this one on Amazon that can ship to Japan (they seem to be very overpriced here): https://www.amazon.com/VCT-VT-1000J-Japanese-Transformer-Converts/dp/B000PC4SVU/ref=sr_1_3?crid=HCA5AZACKSKW&keywords=1000W+Japanese+Step+Up/Down+Voltage+Transformer&qid=1684711336&sprefix=1000wjapanese+step+up/down+voltage+transformer,aps,332&sr=8-3&th=1

The power output from the manual says:

"100 watts minimum sine wave continuous average power output, per channel, both channels operating into 4 ohms 20 Hz to 20 kHz, with no more than .05% total harmonic distortion."

"75 watts minimum sine wave continuous average power output, per channel, both channels operating into 8 ohms 20 Hz to 20 kHz, with no more than .05% total harmonic distortion."

Speakers are B&W DM602, which I think are 8 ohm.

So to summarize:
1. Is a step-up transformer really needed?
2. If so, would a transformer rated for 1000W be more than sufficient?
3. Any recommendations for a transformer would be most welcome

Thank you

 

[petehall347]

it should perform better at 120v .. it may be possible to adjust to run ok from 100v but dont think it will reach full power output . to remove any doubts it would be best to use the step up .

 

[ncmbartlett]

it should perform better at 120v .. it may be possible to adjust to run ok from 100v but dont think it will reach full power output . to remove any doubts it would be best to use the step up .

Thank you!

 

[w3jn]

It appears the 4100 has 100V capability. To know for sure, measure voltage between the unconnected black/yellow and the black wire on the power transformer primary. If your wall voltage is 100V it should be 15-20% less between those points.

If that is true, then you can switch it to 100V by disconnecting the black/white wire, connect the black/yellow wire to that point. Disconnect the black/green wire, and connec the black/orange to that point.

 

[clinic-audio]

Hello

Do you know that FM stations in USA (and Europe) are not the same frequencies in Japan ? You will not be able to listen your US tuner section (87,5Mhz to 108,5Mhz ) because it is 76Mhz to 90Mhz in JAPAN !

A very short FM band in Japan with an US receiver ! (only from 87,5Mhz to 90Mhz )

I don't know if there is many ....

 

[ncmbartlett]

It appears the 4100 has 100V capability. To know for sure, measure voltage between the unconnected black/yellow and the black wire on the power transformer primary. If your wall voltage is 100V it should be 15-20% less between those points.

If that is true, then you can switch it to 100V by disconnecting the black/white wire, connect the black/yellow wire to that point. Disconnect the black/green wire, and connec the black/orange to that point.

View attachment 2892315

Thank you!

 

[ncmbartlett]

Hello

Do you know that FM stations in USA (and Europe) are not the same frequencies in Japan ? You will not be able to listen your US tuner section (87,5Mhz to 108,5Mhz ) because it is 76Mhz to 90Mhz in JAPAN !

A very short FM band in Japan with an US receiver ! (only from 87,5Mhz to 90Mhz )

I don't know if there is many ....

I did realize that yes, but in fact I don't have an FM antenna for MAC4100 anyway. My Japanese cd player has a tuner built in so I've just been using that. Thank you for the information.