Converting from 230V to 110V

[MCenthusiast]

A lot of 230V gear showing up for sale lately on the various audio sites. I've read that it would be possible to easily convert gear that has the "universal transformer" that has been used on newer Shindo components. Can anyone share a pic for easy identification or add further color?

[pitch perfect]

Originally Posted by MCenthusiast

A lot of 230V gear showing up for sale lately on the various audio sites. I've read that it would be possible to easily convert gear that has the "universal transformer" that has been used on newer Shindo components. Can anyone share a pic for easy identification or add further color?

Hi MC,

Shindo will not supply parts nor service for products sold from one market to another or which are modified differently from when they left his work bench. They do not use transformers that are "universal" across all countries - this is misinformation.

110V is Taiwan, 120V is for North America, 127V for South America, 230V is for UK, 240V for Australia..etc..

The transformers Shindo employs are not designed for these voltage extremes, so multiples transformers are employed.

Anyone that wants to modify products and adjust things outside their normal parameters is on their own. Why chance something, to save a 'few dollars', when there is a great network of dealers- in your market- that have spent a fortune displaying gear, doing demonstrations and years learning about the intricacies of products, etc?

-M

[guitardave]

Probably a step down transformer is your best option, given the complexities described by Matt.

[charlesp]

I think that the best value is to buy used Shindo 120 volt from an authorized U.S. dealer. Shindo lovers frequently go for the next bit of magic within the Shindo line and the dealers have gently used trade-in Shindo gear. In Matt's case, I know that he stands behind the gear, and while I have not had any issues with my Shindo gear, I take comfort that there is someone to help if I ever do have an issue.

[Freestone]

Originally Posted by charlesp

I think that the best value is to buy used Shindo 120 volt from an authorized U.S. dealer. Shindo lovers frequently go for the next bit of magic within the Shindo line and the dealers have gently used trade-in Shindo gear. In Matt's case, I know that he stands behind the gear, and while I have not had any issues with my Shindo gear, I take comfort that there is someone to help if I ever do have an issue.

Agreed. Matt was just here replacing the plinth on my 301 TT I bought used via him; there was a tiny imperceptible almost separation at one of the veneers seams - and he stood behind it. Apparently first time this ever happened.

[Schmitz]

Yes,this is often possible with the shindo gear.

[SimonYVR]

Disregarding the obvious advantages of buying locally with tech support, you could, perhaps, use a quality step up transformer such as the one described here (6moons audio reviews: From 240 to 117 Volts) and leave the amplifier unmolested.

There appears to be little price advantage in buying used Shindo from afar, however, the availablity is better.

SA