It might be DC. The halogen lights it is intended for wouldn't care.

 

Yep, I agree.
But, basically, it does take a 230VAC in and gives out 23.6VAC out? Right? Wrong?

I'm not really shure what you will get out. If it is a switch mode supply, you will not get a sine wave out, and the peak volts could be almost anything.
On your transformer, is there any room between the windings and the core? If so, you can add windings to put in series with the secondary, but in opposition, to lower the volts.
I added windings to a battery charger, but to raise the volts, so it could become a regulated power supply with added electronics.
Have a look at your transformer.

 

It's probably DC because here it says it is used for leds and you can't get that powerful of a transformer for that price.

 

any update on this as ive the same issues with one of these!,regards m3vuv.

 

Lift one end of D7 and check voltage across C3...