The Leben CS300XS Thread

[Anders]

Quote:

So does anyone know if the North American models are just the Japanese units switched to 110v?
 
Oh, just saw Clayton's post. So what country would the 110v setting be for? I assume US?
 
I wonder if the 120v label is nominal and it's actually the Japanese units switched to 110v.
 
BTW, I found this tidbit on another audio dealer site:
Overseas buyers have to use a voltage step-down transformer, which will actually improve the sound by filtering out all the high frequency noises in the AC - this is why isolation transformer based power conditioners like Richard Gray, Running Springs Audio, API etc. are so popular.

Yes, but these audiophile isolation transformers from Richard Gray etc. are quite expensive and not an alternative for saving money. I had a slightly negative result of a moderate priced step-down transformer (230V to 100V) but this was not with the Leben and result can vary depending on power requirements of components etc, transformers seem usually to be degrading when you need much power with fast bursts (e.g. power amplifiers for speakers).
 
 

 

[Anders]

Quote:

I wonder if my 220V version can be used it UK

I think you should measure the voltage at the place you will use it. Not easy because actual voltage may vary by time of day and season. If you have 230V that is now the nominal voltage in UK it should be OK, but if you get values over 240 V is may be too much. Overvoltage leads to shorter lifetime of tubes and components but there is no absolute limit and it is hard to know how different components react. You can be sure of shorter lifetime but not how much. You can look at this about voltages in Europe:
 
http://www.energy-solutions.co.uk/euro-volt-stand.html
 

 

[Jian]

Cheers

 

[vert]

Quote:

Yes, but these audiophile isolation transformers from Richard Gray etc. are quite expensive and not an alternative for saving money. I had a slightly negative result of a moderate priced step-down transformer (230V to 100V) but this was not with the Leben and result can vary depending on power requirements of components etc, transformers seem usually to be degrading when you need much power with fast bursts (e.g. power amplifiers for speakers).

 
What I meant was according to the theory then using a transformer to convert the power may help the sound. I wasn't referring to the expensive power conditioners. But I know several people, including myself, using the Leben with a transformer and very happy with it.

 

[vert]

Quote:

Sorry if it is not the right place to ask the question but has anybody compared the Cayin SP-10A with the Leben ? 

 
I noticed in the other Leben thread Double F was getting good results with the Cayin HA-1A. So the much more expensive SP-10A might be a good alternative to the Leben.

 

[mourip]

Anyone with a US "120v" Leben game to pop off the bottom panel and see if they have two posts on their power transformer labeled 100v and 110v with the 110v wired up... or if there is just one post labled 120v?
 
Inquiring minds want to know

 

[carm]

Of course. UK voltage is 220 - 240 V
 
Quote:

I wonder if my 220V version can be used it UK

 

 

[Clayton SF]

Quote:

Anyone with a US "120v" Leben game to pop off the bottom panel and see if they have two posts on their power transformer labeled 100v and 110v with the 110v wired up... or if there is just one post labled 120v?
 
Inquiring minds want to know

mourip-- Say no more. Your wish is granted. Here's the the bottom of my Leben CS300XS. Please tell me what you're up to:

 

 

 

[Skylab]

That answers that question. Different transformer, clearly marked with a 115VAC output.

 

[googleli]

Using Amperex long plate D getter 12AX7s and Telefunken for EL84s, the Leben now sounds amazing. Glad that I took the leap and changed the tubes. I also got a pair of Mullard 50's double support O' getter but the sound is a bit too slow for my liking. 12AX7s are very musical and at the same time retains details and clarity. Great tubes I'd say.   

 

[Skylab]

Nice!  There is no doubt the Leben responds well to tube rolling

 

[mourip]

Thanks Clayton,
 
I was hoping that the US version simply was the Japan version with different terminals wired up but my hopes were dashed...sniff...
 
I should have known that Leben would do the right thing

 

[Afrikane]

#127583, tubed with all NOS Gold Lion N709s and B759s, plays well with both K1000s and HD800s.
 

 

[Clayton SF]

^ Now wait a minute. The wood sides on your Leben looks nothing like mine. What kind of wood is that and who made it? I looks fantastic.

 

[Afrikane]

Hi Clayton, the wood is a bit of Afzelia burl that I had lying about. If you have the tools it's pretty easy to make your own panels.