UK to US product help, please?

11 replies

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.

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.

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

". 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.

or
BeoWorld Gold Membership card
Join BeoWorld

Register to access the forums, reference material, and exclusive member benefits — including our monthly prize draw.

Become a Member

December 2026 Prize Draw

Gold Members Only

As a Gold member you're automatically entered into our exclusive prize draw — your chance to win iconic Bang & Olufsen products. A unique benefit of BeoWorld Gold membership, every draw brings a new opportunity to win something special.