Can I plug European audio equipment into my American power outlet?

[TheSwartz]

I am looking to buy a European minidisc deck that is stamped 230v on the back.
This particular model does not have a 110v-120v <-> 220v-240v selector (as 'some' models do).
I know I can get an adapter to convert the European plug to fit into an American outlet.
However, is it that simple? I am thinking surely not?

Everything I find searching is the other way around: using 'american' devices in 'europe'.

Is there some special adapter, or converter, that is needed to ensure no damage to the device? And ensure it functions properly?

Thanks!

 

[highfigh]

I am looking to buy a European minidisc deck that is stamped 230v on the back.
This particular model does not have a 110v-120v <-> 220v-240v selector (as 'some' models do).
I know I can get an adapter to convert the European plugin to fit into an American outlet.
However, is it that simple? I am thinking surely not?
Is there some special adapter, or converter, that is needed to ensure no damage to the device? And ensure it functions properly?

Thanks!

What brand and model?

 

[TheSwartz]

What brand and model?

It is regarding the Sony MDS-JB980, however, I am also asking in general, for any other audio equipment like this.

Sony MDS-JB980

Sony MDS-JB980 Sony NetMD deck. Supports ATRAC Type-S and group functions. Has a PS/2 connector on the front to connect a keyboard for proper track/title labeling. Works without issue on modern computers with Web MiniDisc Pro. You can also use it with the old SonicStage and OpenMG programs...

www.minidisc.wiki

MD Community Page: Sony MDS-JB980

 

[Jeepers]

It's not only the voltage but also the frequency (60Hz in US and 50Hz in Europe) that are impacted.
On the screen shot the appliance name plate says 50/60Hz so I assume the frequency aspect is taken care of.

 

[Epsonfan]

Boom !

 

[TLS Guy]

I am looking to buy a European minidisc deck that is stamped 230v on the back.
This particular model does not have a 110v-120v <-> 220v-240v selector (as 'some' models do).
I know I can get an adapter to convert the European plug to fit into an American outlet.
However, is it that simple? I am thinking surely not?

Everything I find searching is the other way around: using 'american' devices in 'europe'.

Is there some special adapter, or converter, or transformer that is needed to ensure no damage to the device? And ensure it functions properly?

Thanks!

No it is not that simple. You must convert the voltage to the correct value with a transformer. The cycle 50 versus 60 can be significant, as many turntables for instance will run at the wrong speed.

If video is involved then different jurisdictions, have different video standards. The US is NTHSC, the UK PAL and the French SECAM for instance.

For FM the signals also are different because the demodulation constants are 59 micro sec UK and 75 US. The digital broadcasts standards are totally different.

So in general the advice is don't do it.

 

[highfigh]

No it is not that simple. You must convert the voltage to the correct value with a transformer. The cycle 50 versus 60 can be significant, as many turntables for instance will run at the wrong speed.

If video is involved then different jurisdictions, have different video standards. The US is NTHSC, the UK PAL and the French SECAM for instance.

For FM the signals also are different because the demodulation constants are 59 micro sec UK and 75 US. The digital broadcasts standards are totally different.

So in general the advice is don't do it.

The specs show power requirement as 230VAC, 50/60Hz, so the only thing needed is a transformer.

It's MiniDisc, not video.

 

[TLS Guy]

The specs show power requirement as 230VAC, 50/60Hz, so the only thing needed is a transformer.

It's MiniDisc, not video.

I know that, I was just giving an overview of the issues to consider, when deciding to use equipment form other countries.

 

[TheSwartz]

No it is not that simple. You must convert the voltage to the correct value with a transformer.

OK. After I started to look up "transformer" (and "step up" btw) in searching, I started to find what I needed.

I'm still researching, but I think 1,000 W would be sufficient if only running something like this minidisc player.

https://smile.amazon.com/ELC-T-1000-1000-Watt-Converter-Transformer-dp-B07TP72JVK/dp/B07TP72JVK/

Thanks!

 

[highfigh]

OK. After I started to look up "transformer" (and "step up" btw) in searching, I started to find what I needed.

I'm still researching, but I think 1,000 W would be sufficient if only running something like this minidisc player.

https://smile.amazon.com/ELC-T-1000-1000-Watt-Converter-Transformer-dp-B07TP72JVK/dp/B07TP72JVK/

Thanks!

Look at the specs- you don't need anything near 1000W.

 

[TheSwartz]

Look at the specs- you don't need anything near 1000W.

Oh, I know. But looks like I can't find many transformers lower than that (there's a few 500W, but they look like they mostly start at 1000W and they go up to 3000W, I assume for bigger appliances)

BTW, recall that Watts = Volts x Amps

1. so, I don't know how many amps this thing draws, but if it were 1 amp x 230 volts == that would be 230 watts (probably 0.5A? dunno).
2. all my research tells me to "double the watts needed", so aim for ~460 watts
3. And.. who knows if I add another component later
4. So, I'd think 500 watts would be a minimum transformer to buy, may as well get 1000W for a few more dollars

 

[lovinthehd]

Well also that "1000" watt rating seems similar to some audio amps....it's very limited at that level, says 600W is more like a continuous use level. Seems it's the lowest rating/priced unit from that model lineup, too....but makes me wonder just what the innards are and how you might diy something instead?

 

[TLS Guy]

OK. After I started to look up "transformer" (and "step up" btw) in searching, I started to find what I needed.

I'm still researching, but I think 1,000 W would be sufficient if only running something like this minidisc player.

https://smile.amazon.com/ELC-T-1000-1000-Watt-Converter-Transformer-dp-B07TP72JVK/dp/B07TP72JVK/

Thanks!

That player will take about 30 watts max. Next question is why do you want a minidisc player? They were always awful contraptions, and best avoided. No person would go to the trouble and expense of what you are proposing from a failed medium. It failed for good reasons by the way.

 

[lovinthehd]

That player will take about 30 watts max. Next question is why do you want a minidisc player? They were always awful contraptions, and best avoided. No person would go to the trouble and expense of what you are proposing from a failed medium. It failed for good reasons by the way.

We thought the same about vinyl There are minidisc fans....after my player's battery leaked I finally got rid of mine a few months ago....was great on trips.

 

[TheSwartz]

Next question is why do you want a minidisc player? They were always awful contraptions, and best avoided. No person would go to the trouble and expense of what you are proposing from a failed medium. It failed for good reasons by the way.

I had more fun with minidiscs than any other medium! Lots of reasons; admittedly it's a niche interest LOL
I still have my portable; always wanted a deck.
And, now I have some money to collect a few that I couldn't get back in the day - which is good because the prices are going up in a horrible way
And, they were much more popular in Europe than in the US, hence this issue of which I am posting about..

Btw, if you like watching YouTube documentaries, argues against the perception of minidisc having "failed". I'd say it's just "misunderstood" LOL