Step Down converter needed?

[Benzo]

Hi, I've just bought these speakers: Specs - Giga Sound Systems MX-F830B | Samsung Home Audio - https://www.samsung.com/us/video/home-audio/MX-F830B/ZA-specs (1,000 Watts). I was advised by the seller that I need to use a step down converter to use this device safely. I wanted to know if this was true and if so which one would be recommended. I was also wanted to know if it was possible to just get the wire converted to a uk plug. Thanks in advance.

 

[Benzo]

Just like to add the device is from the U.S.

 

[SparkyChick]

Hi Benzo, welcome to the forums.

On the speakers, there is going to be a ratings plate which provides details of the power consumption etc. Can you take a photograph of it and post the photo?

Depending on the type of power supply (which is likely to be switch mode these days, but may not be for audio gear) it may operate quite safely on 240v @ 50Hz. But we would need to see the ratings plate to be in with a chance of providing an answer or further guidance.

 

[GeorgeCooke]

The US uses 120v mains, so presumably you will need a 120 volt transformer. A good, but bulky, source would be a 110v site transformer available from Screwfix, Toolstation etc. (110 or 120v is neither then or there).

But someone is lying on the spec. It claims 1000w output but only 450w power use!

Site transformers are not rated at continuous output so get one rated at around 1000 VA.

DON'T just change the plug. 240 volts will kill, a plug does not know what the voltage is.

 

[Spoon]

The US uses 120v mains, so presumably you will need a 120 volt transformer

The difference in 50/60Hz may affect the amp.
As @SparkyChick has said, we need to see the rating plate.

 

[GeorgeCooke]

The difference in 50/60Hz may affect the amp.
As @SparkyChick has said, we need to see the rating plate.

I doubt it. The amplifier will run on DC derived from the 120v AC input.

 

[Benzo]

Hi Benzo, welcome to the forums.

On the speakers, there is going to be a ratings plate which provides details of the power consumption etc. Can you take a photograph of it and post the photo?

Depending on the type of power supply (which is likely to be switch mode these days, but may not be for audio gear) it may operate quite safely on 240v @ 50Hz. But we would need to see the ratings plate to be in with a chance of providing an answer or further guidance.

I have not yet received the item its currently in transit. I did find an online manual though: Samsung MX-F830B.pdf - https://www.scribd.com/doc/299509455/Samsung-MX-F830B-pdf The name of the device is samsung MX-F830B.

 

[Benzo]

https://i.Upload the image directly to the thread.com/DLRXpnA.png

 

[GeorgeCooke]

I have not yet received the item its currently in transit. I did find an online manual though: Samsung MX-F830B.pdf - https://www.scribd.com/doc/299509455/Samsung-MX-F830B-pdf The name of the device is samsung MX-F830B.

It does not quote the input voltage/frequency but it does say:

Dual voltage X.

Which I presume means No.

Why did you buy a US model, it implies a European model is available? Does it include the AM tuner option? If so the channel spacings will be wrong for Europe!

 

[Benzo]

It does not quote the input voltage/frequency but it does say:

Dual voltage X.

Which I presume means No.

Why did you buy a US model, it implies a European model is available? Does it include the AM tuner option? If so the channel spacings will be wrong for Europe!

These Hifi systems are really hard to come by these days because Samsung have discontinued the range. I actually had bought a model similar to this one but it was a UK model, but the speakers went missing mysteriously in transit. So I was left with no other choice. I think it only has FM as it comes with an FM antenna and not the AM/FM Antenna as can be seen here: https://i.Upload the image directly to the thread.com/89x1VjG.png

 

[GeorgeCooke]

The FM de emphasis will be wrong as well, 75µS instead of 50µS. It may sound a bit dull. Another possible problem is that it may only tune in 200kHz steps, 88.1, 88.3, 88.5, 88.7 etc. Stations on a even number of 100kHz, e.g. Londons Capital Radio on 95.8 will not tune in properly.
These type of equipments really should not be transported across the Atlantic.

Do you still have the UK model minus speakers? You could use the speakers from this one with it and solve lots of problems.

 

[Benzo]

The FM de emphasis will be wrong as well, 75µS instead of 50µS. It may sound a bit dull. Another possible problem is that it may only tune in 200kHz steps, 88.1, 88.3, 88.5, 88.7 etc. Stations on a even number of 100kHz, e.g. Londons Capital Radio on 95.8 will not tune in properly.
These type of equipments really should not be transported across the Atlantic.

Do you still have the UK model minus speakers? You could use the speakers from this one with it and solve lots of problems.

No I don't I sent it back, so I could get the refund. I don't really mind not having the radio ability because I don't listen to it. I had my eyes set on this Step Down voltage: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00DY81KRW/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A2F7DZHCHJJNA6&psc=1

 

[GeorgeCooke]

It it really is a transformer OK. But I doubt it is as it has voltage converter written on the front panel. Voltage converters are basically a switch mode power supply and I wouldn't use one for any delicate electronics.
The site transformers I previously mentioned are a similar price and are genuine transformers.

 

[SparkyChick]

I think the word 'converter' is just used as not everyone will know what a transformer is in the electrical sense.

 

[Benzo]

It it really is a transformer OK. But I doubt it is as it has voltage converter written on the front panel. Voltage converters are basically a switch mode power supply and I wouldn't use one for any delicate electronics.
The site transformers I previously mentioned are a similar price and are genuine transformers.

Sorry for being stupid here, but is this the one you are talking about this one : https://www.screwfix.com/p/carroll-...0v/60761#product_additional_details_container

 

[GeorgeCooke]

Try thus one.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/portable-transformer-with-2-output-sockets-1-5kva/61847

What you linked to was just a 2 way adapter.

 

[GeorgeCooke]

Try thus one.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/portable-transformer-with-2-output-sockets-1-5kva/61847

What you linked to was just a 2 way adapter.

Slightly cheaper here

110V Tool Transformer 3kVA 2 x 16A Outlets - https://www.toolstation.com/shop/p80013

 

[Benzo]

Try thus one.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/portable-transformer-with-2-output-sockets-1-5kva/61847

What you linked to was just a 2 way adapter.

Slightly cheaper here

110V Tool Transformer 3kVA 2 x 16A Outlets - https://www.toolstation.com/shop/p80013

Thanks for all your help, the speaker should be arriving by next Friday, I'll let you know how I got on

 

[Lucien Nunes]

You do not need a transformer this big. The specs show the power consumption as 140W, in which case anything say 300W upwards would be OK (it's good to leave a margin for various reasons e.g. waveform distortion).

The output power might be rated at '1000W' but these are not the same watts. There has long been a history of twisting the meaning of 'watts' to make domestic audio gear seem more powerful than it is. A professional amplifier rated at 1000W output, actually driven to 1000W continuously, would set those speakers on fire within a few seconds. I would guess the RMS output of the unit to be around 40 watts per channel.

Re 'voltage converter' vs. 'transformer'; yes, you do need a wirewound transformer but most units of reasonable size and weight will be. There used to be switched-mode voltage droppers but they were conspicuously small and light, and only any good for old fashioned non-electronic appliances. The unit linked in post 12 is clearly a transformer from its weight. Note the 700W continuous rating on a unit badged 1000W.

 

[GeorgeCooke]

You do not need a transformer this big. The specs show the power consumption as 140W, in which case anything say 300W upwards would be OK (it's good to leave a margin for various reasons e.g. waveform distortion).

You are right. Now why did I see power consumption at 450W?

One of these would do:
UK 240v to USA 110volt Step Down Transformer 300Va - https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/SC5300.html

Interesting it is not much difference in cost to a site transformer and is an auto transformer rather than fully isolated. Down to bulk manufacturing I suppose.

Less bulky in the lounge though.

 

[Benzo]

I spoke to a friend who is also an electrician today, and he basically cleared up everything for me and literally said what's just been said here today, I've bought a transformer he suggested on Ebay and after looking at the thread I made a good purchase, I'll still keep you up to date though.

 

[M-Ty]

I spoke to a friend who is also an electrician today, and he basically cleared up everything for me and literally said what's just been said here today, I've bought a transformer he suggested on Ebay and after looking at the thread I made a good purchase, I'll still keep you up to date though.

Oh heck, I'm too late to add anything constructive now you've bought the transformer, but the manual on scribd you linked to shows the circuit diagram of the power supply and that it is a simple matter of removing one link and fitting another to convert it from voltage doubler (nominal 120V input) to bridge rectifier (nominal 230V input), though the PCB layout diagram is of too poor resolution to see where they are. A competent technician would have no problem doing it, though.

 

[GeorgeCooke]

Oh heck, I'm too late to add anything constructive now you've bought the transformer, but the manual on scribd you linked to shows the circuit diagram of the power supply and that it is a simple matter of removing one link and fitting another to convert it from voltage doubler (nominal 120V input) to bridge rectifier (nominal 230V input), though the PCB layout diagram is of too poor resolution to see where they are. A competent technician would have no problem doing it, though.

Good spot.

Edit. To the OP. Can we have a link to the transformer you bought please?

 

[Lucien Nunes]

One problem with repatching the PSU input to 230V though, is that various other bits - RFI suppressors, flex, switch etc - might be UL approved 120V versions not suitable or approved for 230V. Sorry have not read manual so not sure which apply to this unit.

 

[Benzo]

The transoformer and speaker both arrived today, and it all works. The sound comes out of the speaker and the converter doesn't make a lot of noise, perfect. Thanks to everyone who helped me.

 

[Spoon]

The transoformer and speaker both arrived today, and it all works. The sound comes out of the speaker and the converter doesn't make a lot of noise, perfect. Thanks to everyone who helped me.

As above mate... Any change of a link to the transformer you bought.

 

[Benzo]

As above mate... Any change of a link to the transformer you bought.

200-2000W Step Down /Up Voltage Transformer 230V-110V AC UK-US Power Converter | eBay - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/200-2000W-Step-Down-Up-Voltage-Transformer-230V-110V-AC-UK-US-Power-Converter/113165457234?var=413468638150&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D52543%26meid%3D5178dbe0ff444ea5b65471ee9388182d%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D5%26rkt%3D10%26sd%3D113165457234%26itm%3D413468638150&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851