Topic: 110V supply on 100V audio gears

[markcrenz]

So I guess, a variance of 124-130VAC from norm of 120VAC is still acceptable since I was puzzled why none of the connected gears have conked out because of this.

Correct! If you're using it solely for 120V gears ok lang yan. But if you're using the 220V outlet delikado.

[jackryan]

It is from the 110VAC output of the AVR that provides for both 220VAC and 110VAC.

[JojoD818]

Thanks Jojo , is there anyway of knowing if the gear is multivolt even if it says its for 110v use only ? There are posts and threads that state that Japan made/sold electronics are multivolt but branded as 100 to avoid export to other countries due to low price or Japan-only exclusivity

First you should know exact what version your gear is. Then you look at the specific version of the manual of that gear. Bear in mind that Japan local versions have single primaries, meaning there is no way to convert it by just rewiring it because there are no taps in the primary. US and European models usually are the generic types, meaning their primaries have multi taps that can either be user selectable or service center re-wired.

You cannot just know these by just looking at the specs, look at the specific model you have instead.

On the issue of rewinding the primary to our local voltage, I would not recommend that. However, if you have the Euro or US versions then just simply have it rewired (if possible) to our local line voltage.

Back to topic.

[JojoD818]

So I guess, a variance of 124-130VAC from norm of 120VAC is still acceptable since I was puzzled why none of the connected gears have conked out because of this.

But I realise that this AVR has been there for more than a decade so it's about time to either replace, re-adjust or retire it fully.

Thanks!

Contrary to what others may say, I recommend having these things checked especially if it has already served you for a decade. Bring it to Mark, if not for the gears, for the peace of mind. Don't wait for it to fry a gear, it could still serve you well for many years to come with preventive maintenance.

Cheers

[JojoD818]

Mark, why not whip up a circuit which you can add to AVRs that would disengage the 110V outputs once they are out of bounds... should be a handy piece of upgrade you can offer our friends here.

A simple comparator (LM339?) powered by a small 200mA transformer powered by the 110V line and wired to drive a relay that engages/disengages the 110V line should do it.

Over voltage lang para simple pero kung gusto mo over/under voltage protection I think a window comparator should fit nicely, quad naman ang LM339.

[NMM1]

Lately I've been seeing many inquiries regarding the use of 110V supply on 100V audio gears so I decided to create a thread specifically for this.

Short answer: Use a 100V stepdown transformer for 100V audio gears.

I would prefer the exact or even lower voltage when using 100V equipment. Some would say the 10% additional voltage is generally within the tolerance specs of most electronics. But I see that tolerance rating as a buffer for the line voltage fluctuation. 10% overvoltage applied constantly is not good. Using a higher voltage will subject parts to higher than normal voltages and there may be a shorter life expectancy of those parts. Internal voltage regulators are more at risk as they run much hotter when handling a higher input voltage.

For power amplifiers (not integrateds or receivers) I think it's perfectly safe if you're using 8 ohm speakers. A fan would help cool things down and negate the effects of the higher line voltage. Be wary of using 4 ohm speakers on 100V amps plugged to 110V, you'd probably be near the safety threshold of the power supply and output transistors when playing at high volume levels. High line voltage and low impedance load is not amplifier-friendly.

I think I'm one of those who posted on this subject.  anyways,  I've been reading this thread and  I wanted to know the difference between a stepdown transformer and an AVR.

I recently got hold of gears that are rated 100v 50/60hz and I tried to look for an AVR that has 100v output but couldn't find one.  sir markcrenz offered to tweak my AVR but our locations are on both ends of the map,  hehehe. 

is the stepdown transformer the answer to my dilemma?

[retro12195]

[markcrenz]

Ok yan, an extra tap for 100v. Actually any AVR with 110V out can be modified to supply 100V. Pwede pa nga any voltage from 90 to 130 and 180 to 260 if there's any application for that.

I wanted to know the difference between a stepdown transformer and an AVR.

Stepdown transformer
- The ratio between input (primary) and output (secondary) is fixed. Any fluctuation in the line voltage affects the output.
- Maintenance-free
- More energy efficient
- High tolerance to short overloads
- Recommended if your line voltage is within +/-10%

AVR
- Electronics circuitry corrects line voltage fluctuations to maintain stable outputs (Major advantage)
- Requires periodic maintenance
- Less efficient than stepdown transformer
- Moderate to low tolerance to short overloads
- Recommended if your line voltage goes beyond +/-10%

[NMM1]

Uy,  thank you sir!  meron ba sa Ace nyan?

[NMM1]

Ok yan, an extra tap for 100v. Actually any AVR with 110V out can be modified to supply 100V. Pwede pa nga any voltage from 90 to 130 and 180 to 260 if there's any application for that.


Stepdown transformer
- The ratio between input (primary) and output (secondary) is fixed. Any fluctuation in the line voltage affects the output.
- Maintenance-free
- More energy efficient
- High tolerance to short overloads
- Recommended if your line voltage is within +/-10%

AVR
- Electronics circuitry corrects line voltage fluctuations to maintain stable outputs (Major advantage)
- Requires periodic maintenance
- Less efficient than stepdown transformer
- Moderate to low tolerance to short overloads
- Recommended if your line voltage goes beyond +/-10%

thnx sir markcrenz

[retro12195]

 meron sir 

[NMM1]

meron sir 

thnx

[dvlferdz]

Just a thought, if one already has an AVR at 110volts, but still worried about the 100volt requirement of vintage gears, why not buy a step-down transformer ouputting 100volts. At kung worried pa rin sa fluctuating voltage ni meralco, pwede ikonek sa 220volt ni AVR ang stepdown 100volt.

In this case, regulated ang 100volt source ng vintage gears natin. Pwede ba yung ganito?

[jerix]

I am about to buy a receiver that is rated as 120 VAC, 60HZ. Power consumption is typical 580 watts.

So what should I need to buy? Thanks for any advice.

[shoestrings.v2]

I bought a 2nd hand Denon receiver and its 100v 50/60hz 310w.
The owner told me that its all good and he's been using it with 110v.
So far I've been using the receiver for the whole week and so far its all good.
It's connected to my Servo type AVR 110v outlet.
I've been monitoring the voltage on my sonoff smart plug. I'm getting voltage ranging from 105 to 108V. At 80 to 90% volume I'm getting max power usage of 40 to 50watts.
Do you sitll recommend if I have this properly converted to proper 110v or 220?
Thank you.