Japanese SET amp compete with other high end brands

[bonzo75]

Depends. I have Audio Tekne 100v amp and pre but I also have an Audio Tekne step down. Imai says there’s no sound quality difference.

Here the designer himself is making a step down that should be consistent with the sound he wants, as compared to someone buying a third party step down that he uses on various amps

 

[mtemur]

Depends. I have Audio Tekne 100v amp and pre but I also have an Audio Tekne step down. Imai says there’s no sound quality difference.

There is certainly, absolutely and definitely a difference in SQ. Because there is an additional transformer. Most probably better than alternatives but never, ever as good as without the step down transformer. I heard many 100V amps and other audio components with a step down transformer.

The same is true for amps rated for US or EU voltage used in Japan with a step up transformer but it's a rare situation I think.

 

[djsina2]

There is certainly, absolutely and definitely a difference in SQ. Because there is an additional transformer. Most probably better than alternatives but never, ever as good as without the step down transformer. I heard many 100V amps and other audio components with a step down transformer.

The same is true for amps rated for US or EU voltage used in Japan with a step up transformer but it's a rare situation I think.

Keep in mind this is the same transformer he uses for a sound quality improvement for when there is no step down or up involved.

 

[djsina2]

Here the designer himself is making a step down that should be consistent with the sound he wants, as compared to someone buying a third party step down that he uses on various amps

Correct, I’m just saying there are better stepped down transformers out there compared to the $50 Chinese ones on Amazon.

 

[bonzo75]

Correct, I’m just saying there are better stepped down transformers out there compared to the $50 Chinese ones on Amazon.

Unless you get it from the designer you will change sound of the amp you have

 

[djsina2]

Unless you get it from the designer you will change sound of the amp you have

No different than anything else in mixed systems.

 

[Kingrex]

There is certainly, absolutely and definitely a difference in SQ. Because there is an additional transformer. Most probably better than alternatives but never, ever as good as without the step down transformer. I heard many 100V amps and other audio components with a step down transformer.

The same is true for amps rated for US or EU voltage used in Japan with a step up transformer but it's a rare situation I think.

I am a big advocate for Torus Isolation transformers. I find they make most amps and front end equipment sound better.

I have at times looked at Japan or EU gear and not considered it because of the need to adjust the voltage. Pondering my experience with Torus, it makes me wonder if having a isolation transformer that has a voltage adjustment might not make the unit play better.

Having to deal with the hertz is also an issue. I have been told, don't worry. It will only play like it has more power.

Pondering again, I am very curious about Battery Inverter options. And I have had a lot of people ask about it. Now I can make a extremely low distortion sine wave in most any voltage/hertz configuration I want. And its free of so much utility noise. And possibly less RF depending on where its located and shielded.