Step Down Transformers To 100v And 120v

[spinitch]

Welcome suggestions on how to best adapt to Bangkok power to my Japan(100V) tube power amps and US pre-amp120V, tube as well.

So far after visits to Fortune City and Emporium only found 220V to 110V. Staff assured me that these will support my Japanese appliances, however, while they maybe ok for everyday appliances since within a +/- 10%V deviation, I do not wish to damage some treasured audio components.

I have a small 100v<-->120V transformer from Japan I used to step-up my U.S. preamp.

Welcome input including recommended audio / electronics shops(directions please).

-tk

p.s. apologize if this was covered previously but did try basic search.

[gnode]

I'm by no means an expert on the subject, but FWIW, when I was in Chiang Mai I purchased a transformer with a similar concern, as the voltage didn't exactly match up, but I used it and didn't have any issues at all. These were small electronics I was using (CD player and speaker set).

[spinitch]

I called my amp mfg in Japan Audio Professor and was advised to use a proper step down to 100V.

http://www.audiopro.co.jp/

He recommended Noguchi Transoformer in Akihabara, which is not very practical from Bangkok.

Instead found a local mfg who indicated they could build custom specs and even advised that I should buy a cheap voltage meter and assess my residence ave power noting other customers mentioning rates of ~230V from wall.

http://www.sacthailand.com/

* These are more advanced audio & expensive but main point is for valuable and potentially sensitive appliances like a hi-fi amp better to get closer to original rated V.

It depends on electrical item. The mfg of my pre-amp and phono stage, advised I should use a step up transformer for pre-amp when used in Japan with source of 100V to 120V, but was not necessary for phono stage.

Likewise my CDP has universal. While my record player is rated 110v-120v but was approved for use in Japan at 100V with no transformer.

I now have to balance investing in transformers or maybe replacing some components with more universally voltage capable items. Since hard to say how long I will be in any particular country.

Anyway hope this may help others and welcome further comments/suggestions.

[opalhort]

Some years ago I saw step-down transformers at the electronics area near China town in BKK which had a dial to adjust the output voltage in steps of ten volts starting at 100V and a volt meter.

opalhort

[ya5702]

Welcome suggestions on how to best adapt to Bangkok power to my Japan(100V) tube power amps and US pre-amp120V, tube as well.

So far after visits to Fortune City and Emporium only found 220V to 110V. Staff assured me that these will support my Japanese appliances, however, while they maybe ok for everyday appliances since within a +/- 10%V deviation, I do not wish to damage some treasured audio components.

I have a small 100v<-->120V transformer from Japan I used to step-up my U.S. preamp.

Welcome input including recommended audio / electronics shops(directions please).

-tk

p.s. apologize if this was covered previously but did try basic search.

You're in luck. While shopping for a 1000W 230V/115V transformer in BKK last week, I came across a few 230V/100V transfomers at Isetan Departmental store (4th or 5th floor) at Central World, BKK. I thought it was unusual to have 100V output but realised Isetan caters to mostly Japanese clients who have appliances brought over from Japan. And the 230V/100V transformers are less expensive than the 230V/115V transformers that I have seen so far. Good luck.

[fisherd3]

When the UK adopted the European standard of 230v from it's existing 240 volts, I believe that it was not necessary to do anything radical as the new standard fell within the acceptable deviation for general household supplies.

The Japanese manufacturer obviously hoped to drum up some business for it's associate company!!!! and possibly enshrine their product in myth.

[CobraSnakeNecktie]

When the UK adopted the European standard of 230v from it's existing 240 volts, I believe that it was not necessary to do anything radical as the new standard fell within the acceptable deviation for general household supplies.

The Japanese manufacturer obviously hoped to drum up some business for it's associate company!!!! and possibly enshrine their product in myth.

another aspect I have run into is that power in thailand fluctuates more than in the US for example and these fluctuations tend to damage equipment when using a transformer. I have noticed this with rechargeable items like toothbrushes and lights. Not sure this is applicable to your equipment. I have theorized that it might be a good idea to use a UPS in conjunction with a transformer to protect. I have been using good quality transformers I thought but maybe need to find better transformers with surge protection etc.