The ability of the 100v unit to function on 110-120v either straight to the wall or with a step-down transformer was not the issue. Sonic degradation was an issue, as was safety and warranty service, which would have required shipping the unit to Japan for service if it was required.
I spoke with someone today who is intimately involved with tube gear, and who has no agenda whatsoever, and his advice was to buy the 120v USA version.
I'll have to admit, it was difficult passing up the opportunity to buy the Japanese model for 45% less than the US version with 120v transformers (and nothing else different), and because of the large price differential I will likely explore other integrated amplifiers.
I spoke with someone today who is intimately involved with tube gear, and who has no agenda whatsoever, and his advice was to buy the 120v USA version.
I'll have to admit, it was difficult passing up the opportunity to buy the Japanese model for 45% less than the US version with 120v transformers (and nothing else different), and because of the large price differential I will likely explore other integrated amplifiers.