Question about Sansui TU-555 Tuner

[jshellshear]

Hi. I have just purchased a Sansui TU-555 from overseas to match my amplifier. I am clueless when it comes to electronics but would like to know if I need a stepdown transformer for this. Photos of the back panel attached. Thanks in advance for your assistance!

 

[RxDx]

Yes, you need something to mate its 220 volt needs to the 117 volts at the wall.

 

[Tubologic]

Before buying a step-up transformer remove the cover and check inside if there is a slide switch on the chassis near the power transformer. Most (but not all) TU-555's are bi-voltage (120/240VAC) and you only need to move this switch to the correct position corresponding to your area mains power voltage. (no extra transformer needed)
If there's no switch you'll need a small external step-up (120 to 240VAC) transformer of about 25VA

Also, due to the different preemphasis standards used in Europe (50 µS) and North America (75 µS) the sound may be too bright (too much treble) if you're using a European tuner in the U.S. If so, the deemphasis circuit in the tuner must be modified, which is a simple operation. (increasing the value of capacitors C414/C415 on the multiplex decoder board)