The Leben CS300XS Thread

[shabta]

Quote:

I just spoke to a Leben dealer who claimed that if one bought a the CS-300XS from Japan then used a step-down transformer it would quote... "sound like a MP3 player". Can any one verify this?

That sounds like something a guy says to scare you off buying the cheaper version. This is the problem when an amp costs 70% more just because its imported...

 

[metalgear]

Quote:

That sounds like something a guy says to scare you off buying the cheaper version. This is the problem when an amp costs 70% more just because its imported...

partly true if the said transformer is a cheap wall wart type. I've not tried it but I understand that "audiophile" standard transformers exist and can even clean up the power so that it sounds better than being directly plugged in to the grid.

 

[ztsen]

Quote:

I just spoke to a Leben dealer who claimed that if one bought a the CS-300XS from Japan then used a step-down transformer it would quote... "sound like a MP3 player". Can any one verify this?

I think Rob can confirm this, it won't impact the sound.
 

 

[achristilaw]

 
Quote:

I think Rob can confirm this, it won't impact the sound.
 

No, it doesn't impact the sound quality using a step down transformer...What he wants you to do is spend $1000.00 or more dollars (over the price from "Price Japan") with him...He either doesn't have a clue...or is deliberately trying to mislead you. The better if not best headphone amp I have heard at any price...
 
I'm all for supporting local brick n' mortar dealers, but they feel they can charge full tilt from the positive press they (Leben) are receiving World-wide!
 

 

[Skylab]

Alan nailed it. The dealer who said that is a scammer.

 

[MrQ]

Thank you all for your replies. I am not an audio guru by any stretch of the imagination. But I've got a good ear and I'll research like hell to get what I want and pay for it if necessary. But this guy, who claimed to be the head of the main dealer for Leben in the UK (who I tracked down from Japan to the UK distributor to his company) made me feel like a total idiot when I suggested that his quote for the CS-300X(S) at £2730 could be beaten by importing from Japan for £1600. 
 
His pitch was that theirs came with the 230v 'transformers'? fitted and using a step-down transformer would "obviously" (said in that 'how could you be so stupid' tone) degrade the sound to that of an MP3 player. I bit my lip at his general patronising tone as I thought I might have to buy one off him at some point. 
 
You know, it's hard being a rookie in any field. But one can really get gouged in this racket.
 
So help me out, where can I find an 'audiophile' step-down transformer (230v-100v) so I can tell this guy where to stick it. (I wouldn't really, but I'd be thinking it

) I wish ps audio made something.
 
Edit: Right, I've emailed Leben in Japan re transformers.

 

[SleepyOne]

Don't know is it true or not, but I heard from a friend donkey years ago that step down transformer does degrade but it is doubtful it will sound like MP3 player though. He said something about step down may not provide fast enough or something as amp's transformer is bigger - don't ask I am not technical... I guess a big step down might do the job??
 
Did the dealer say 240v transformer? But UK is 230v, will that result in the transformer making buzzing sound?

 

[MrQ]

Sorry you're right it's 230v. I shall edit accordingly. 

 

[Skylab]

Japan's voltage is 100 V.  The USA is +/- 115V.  I use a step-down (a decent one, from voltageconverters.com) to drop the voltage a whopping 15V.  This absolutely doesn't impact the sound one iota, and for the guy to try to claim otherwise is absurd.

 

[MrQ]

Quote:

Japan's voltage is 100 V.  The USA is +/- 115V.  I use a step-down (a decent one, from voltageconverters.com) to drop the voltage a whopping 15V.  This absolutely doesn't impact the sound one iota, and for the guy to try to claim otherwise is absurd.

Thanks I'll check them out.

 

[achristilaw]

A member of Price Japan claimed that the 100V is close enough to 115V as not to need a step down. I find that suspect as it's sure to de-stabilize (and perhaps shorten) the transformer life. You have to watch and weigh any information you receive as even Price Japan was eager to make my sale. I think idle consumes 82 Watts for the Leben and I chose a 300 Watt step down (under Japanese transformers) 115V to 100V transformer for $29.95 plus shipping from www.voltageconverters.com
 
A nice quiet unit that is good insurance and offers assurance!

 

[Skylab]

I agree that using it straight into the wall is asking for trouble from the transformers, long term.  And those voltageconverters.com units are pretty nice - and the price is right!
 
The very idea that a step-down transformer, assuming it is spec'd properly for the job, could impede the sound quality, makes me laugh.

 

[Rdr. Seraphim]

And I've always found my stuff performed (and measured) a bit better at 120v (or more), especially on some of those "bigger" rig amps. 

 
 
EDIT: For units designed for USA standards, that is... 
 
Quote:

A member of Price Japan claimed that the 100V is close enough to 115V as not to need a step down. I find that suspect as it's sure to de-stabilize (and perhaps shorten) the transformer life. You have to watch and weigh any information you receive as even Price Japan was eager to make my sale. I think idle consumes 82 Watts for the Leben and I chose a 300 Watt step down (under Japanese transformers) 115V to 100V transformer for $29.95 plus shipping from www.voltageconverters.com
 
A nice quiet unit that is good insurance and offers assurance!

 

[achristilaw]

 
Quote:

And I've always found my stuff performed (and measured) a bit better at 120v (or more), especially on some of those "bigger" rig amps. 

 
EDIT: For units designed for USA standards, that is... 
 

 

What I have measured coming out of my wall varies from 115 to 118V's is typical. So. Cal varies when AC is cranked up!!!
A stable 120V standard...don't I wish!

 

 

[Rdr. Seraphim]

Just plugged my Fluke 77 in the wall and got 120.7v. My buddy's dedicated media room with it's own dedicated Equi=Tech 220v balanced power supply typically measures 124v - 125v! That's one serious xformer!