Stepdown Transformer Affects Sound?

[dante]

I am using a CD Player purchased in the US. It's running on 110v and I use a step down transformer to make it work with our 220v current. Would there be sonic advantages to converting the unit to 220v to do away with the stepdown transformer, or would the conversion not result in any improvement in sound?

[rascal101]

The new transformer must have similar current rating at the different output terminals. Also should have similar layout at the output or secondary windings (unless you intend to rewire after putting the transformer). If you want to improve sound, you may need to tweak your cd player, you can try this

http://pinoydvd.com/board/index.php?top ... #msg506842

Cheers,

Rascal101

[dante]

Thanks for the tips, rascal101, but I'm not an electronic geek kaya bobong bobo ako at anything electrical. I had to install an upsampler module in my CD player, and nagkahirap hirap akong gawin yun.
So, I'm not touching anything inside the CDP. I'm just using an external True Value purchased voltage regulator cum step down transformer. The CD player has an option to change voltage but it requires a more elaborate procedure that I'm not prepared to do on my own, kaya nagtatanong po kung yung mga generic na transformer ay nakaka affect sa sound?

[rascal101]

Hindi pa ako naka-experience ng problema kasi dito. Iyung amplifier ko nga Japanese at rated siya ng 100V pero ginagamit ko 110V. Nakalagay nga sa label nung voltage regulator "for computer use only". Ok naman siya. Malinis na malinis pa rin iyung tunog. Happy ako kahit cheap iyung voltage regulator.

[arnoldc]

dante, fwiw, my 2A3 amp is wired for 110V. i never have any complaints. i'm using Yaden servo AVR.

[JackD201]

In the good old days of Keith and myself doing the DJ thing, we had a US spec 110V 800wpc A/B Crest Poweramp driving 4 ohm 18" woofers in folded horn enclosures. These suckers were so power hungry using even the biggest step downs at the time would get so hot it was scary! In one occassion there was an electrician on hand who after surveying our conundrum, gave us 110V by taking one half of a 220 line and wired something (heck if I know) into an iron stake right into the garden! It worked! Anyway, tama na sa reminiscing. The current draw is small so it shouldn't be a problem at all. As rascal and arnoldc have demonstrated, even with domestic poweramps it's no biggie. If it were a 75wpc and up class A or 200wpc and up A/AB solid state amp then i might get worried. you would need a really big AVR for that.

[dante]

I'm just working up the nerve to convert the Njoe Tjoeb to 220v, Jack. I'm a klutz with electronics but I'll give it a shot just the same soon.

[tony]

I'm just working up the nerve to convert the Njoe Tjoeb to 220v, Jack. I'm a klutz with electronics but I'll give it a shot just the same soon.

for your peace of mind, it is very easy to convert this to 220, just take it out and bring to raon, they cn convert it to 220 for you while you wait. that traffo is very small any way, no big deal!

[joe3rp]

Dante,

For low wattage use such as a CDP or pre-amp the good quality step-down transformer ( well built/quiet, properly rated/enough watts) will even improve power quality. It will act as an isolation transformer. Step-down Transformer construction ... primary-iron core-secondary winding ... act as a line isolation transformer ... not allowing hi-frequency line garbage (from computer switching power supplies , etc) from going into your CDP. ...my 2 cents

The drawback are more connections, heat and a little more electrical usage.

[dante]

Thanks for the tips, guys. Joe3rp, can you suggest where I can get a good quality step down transformer? I dopn't suppose the ones branded "Panther" at True Value count as "good quality?"

[joe3rp]

Thanks for the tips, guys. Joe3rp, can you suggest where I can get a good quality step down transformer? I dopn't suppose the ones branded "Panther" at True Value count as "good quality?"

For CDP get at least 300 VA ... or bigger ... just run/plug it, listen for minimal vibration/hum ...

an AVR .... IMHO ...may add more complications and noise... anyway the CDP usually have fully regulated power supply...so input voltage not so critical as long as in the range.

[tony]

a CDP will consume no more than 20 watts, i would put my money on having the power transformer converted to 220 volt primary, no big deal.

[joe3rp]

a CDP will consume no more than 20 watts, i would put my money on having the power transformer converted to 220 volt primary, no big deal.

Joan2, FYI the Ah Tjoeb has a toroid transformer...I think that will complicated things... do you know any good transformer winders you can recomend? Please pass on information.

[tony]

unless that traffo is potted, the guys at raon, even saw a girl do it once, can do it.

if i own that cdp, as an upgrade, i would even replace that torroid with an EI traffo, i do not believe that torroids are suitable for low level devices as that cdp. torroids are wide bandwith devices, couples all the line garbage easily to the secondary side.

if i can keep murphy out of my setups, i certeinly will.

[tony]

Thanks for the tips, guys. Joe3rp, can you suggest where I can get a good quality step down transformer? I dopn't suppose the ones branded "Panther" at True Value count as "good quality?"

i know of no other choices.