ARCHIVED FORUM -- March 2012 to February 2022READ ONLY FORUM
This is the second Archived Forum which was active between 1st March 2012 and 23rd February 2022
I was gifted an MX42000 UK and want to use it for simple tasks in US. I bought a 100W step-up converter and connected it per instruction. Standby light on TV went red, then orange and blew the fuse, twice. Does that sound more like the wrong strength converter or a possible fault in the TV? Not interested in major investment, but would love to use it to drive some older speakers for Spotify, etc.
Any ideas are appreciated.
I can't back this up with hard facts concerning the MX4200, but a CRT TV can momentarily use a bit more power when it is starting up. 100W might not be enough for it (it's specified as 56W typical) if it's a hard limit with the converter.
The mains frequency will of course be wrong as well, but I don't think that alone would blow a fuse. B&O TVs usually have a rather extensive self protection circuit, which would shut them down before anything gets that far wrong.
--mika
A couple of things to look at - you should probably be using a 200W converter (at least 3X the voltage of the product), and check the current limit on the converter.
BV11-55, BS9000, BL1, BL19, Transmitter 1, Beo4, Beocom 6000, BeoTalk1 200, Sennheiser HD600, McIntosh MHA100
I think both you gentlemen nailed me for going cheap on the converter. Will go to at least 200W and try to hit the current load on the nose. Thanks.
You' d need a more reliable converter, at least three times more powerful than supposed. For a TV, I use one with a regulator which protects your set up.
www.110220volts.com has been a reliable provider.
Hope that heps.
I recently bought this 300-watt one from B&H Photo for $20. These things are dirt cheap.
". It is designed for use with appliances or fixtures up to 300W."
There are different types, the way I understood it some are designed for electric shavers, toast ovens, hair dryers and some for electronics. The later being more expensive.
My 220V BS 3200 & BL 4000 aren't complaining.
When I used a cheap converter with a Beosound 3000 and Beolab 8000, there was a worrying background noise, amplified by the speakers. Is yours working fine for $20?
Yes. Here's a closeup of the box. It states "suitable for appliances OR equpment". Frankly, I'm amazed at the price - it weighs 7 lbs and is built like a tank. I suspect if it were made here in the US instead of China it would cost at least $50.
I got the exact same from Amazon for $22 with free 2 day shipping. I sent the 100W back with no questions asked. Sure hope it works because the MX4200 is perfectly gorgeous and will be paired with set of BL3000 driving a gen 1 ROKU in my wife's office. Thanks for all the great insight.