Grey amplifier Imports from Japan?


I have a feeling this has been discussed before, but I can't find the thread. I am leaning towards a Luxman or Accuphase SS, class A/B integrated. Something like the Luxman 507.

Looking online, the savings importing from Japan against buying locally, are enormous. There are clearly, real risks,, the loss of warranty support, having to use a transformer to change the voltage, which must have the potential to degrade the sound.. Against that, brands have a reputation for reliability.

If anyone has bought from one of the Japaneses sites, can they decribe their experience? Thanks
david12
Do a search here on A'gon and you will find some in depth answers to this.

All the best,
Nonoise
Since I do not have experience with Luxman, in the following I will be talking only about Accuphase products.

There is actually a 3rd option, i.e. to buy demo models that are about to be discontinued or have been discontinued already.

Firstly, the differences from one generation to the other are most often very small. Secondly, Accuphase demo models come with full warranty for 70% (or more) of the retail price (in Europe at least). Having an unit brought from an authorized dealer is important as official units keep their value very well (as oppose to imported units).

It is also important to know that Accuphase importers are most often very arrogant, and at the same time paranoiac about grey market units. They will not offer any support what so ever for grey market units. I have called our importer in the Netherlands twice (while owning official units), and every time it was like calling the military:

"Who are you?! What do you want?! What is the serial number of your E-550?! You have to read it from the back of your unit? Why didn't you write it down before you call?"

In fact, the second time I have asked my wife to call them, hoping they will be more polite with her - wishful thinkingÂ…

Paul
Hi Paul,

Thanks for sharing your story. you are very knowledgeable about Accuphase products, and you probably know more than the distributor!

As for grey market units, of course they are, because they're not making a big profit off of them.

That's pretty sad that the distributor treated you that way. That is unacceptable. I would contact Accuphase and complain about that guy.

The US distributor seems like an ok guy. I met him at CES a couple of years ago.
Even though it is a super high end product It's still gray market because it came from unauthorized distribution.