I’ve seen a few posts around here about the Sony HIL-C3, which is a MUSE player that seems like it was supposed to released for the American market (there’s even a service manual in English for it). I had also seen a forum discussing some elusive pictures that were found on a Chinese forum.

However, I’ve found one for sale in Japan. I’m trying to fix a Sony HIL-C1 myself, so I won’t be going for it, but if any of you are interested in it, I’ll provide the link here:

https://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/g516011541

One interesting thing I noticed is that it says AC input in Japanese (AC 入力), yet the voltage range would indicate that it was very much intended for a market in the US. The US uses 120 volts for their electrical outlets, while Japan uses 100, and this player is equipped specifically to handle that range. The HIL-C1 and HIL-C2EX both only say 100 volts on the back.

While a world power supply indicates a possible intended compatibility with US voltage I’ve never seen a single USDM Sony product in my life with Japanese writing on it like this. They always cover that stuff up for the US. Also, many many power supplies sold in one market are designed to work with multiple voltages, they just don’t always mention it on the exterior. An English service manual for a JDM or “Asia” product is also not uncommon.

Also this was marked on back as 100-120
I've never seen any electronic for the USA market with varying voltages like this due to electric codes and lawsuits.

I believe this marking on back of 100-120 is more like the R7G where you can use it on either voltage but it only says so once you open it up
and not marked as such on the outside.

There is a topic about how to get that sony working, have you tried to contact pbiancardi or contact him on facebook?

Okay yeah that definitely makes more sense, thanks for the additional information.

Now I have, thanks for telling me.

I fixed C2EXs but the C1 is too complicated for me. The guy who fixed my C1 got this C3 and it is working....

OK I just remember it was a Sony Muse player, I didn't know they made more than 1 model of player.

I see, that's good to hear.