Russian Tube Preamp, No Return, Here I go again

chakster, anyone?

Seller accepted my full refund request, but say's unable to send me a pre-paid return label.

Who knows the Easiest, Safest, Least Costly way to ship a package from USA to Russia?

I have his shipping box, will weigh and measure it, then I'll tell the seller the cost, they can send me that amount via PayPal.

Ship with USPS Priority Mail and he will get it in 30 days (or faster). Calculate exact shipping cost at your post office and ask him to cover it (you can send postal receipt).

If you want to pay more you can ship with USPS Express (and he will get it in Russia from EMS (courier delivery), it can be delivered in 2 weeks or 1 month.


If you will declare more than $200 he will pay import tax, so it’s better to declare no more than $200 in your custom declaration (no import tax for him). 

chakster,

thanks, he also said USPS. good tip about declared value.

The LX33 was made in early 1980's so it is a candidate for some caps I believe. You might want a tech to look it over before you use it.
Secondly you are making another offshore purchase, I would have thought your enthusiasm would be some what curbed.  

robertrs

Enthusiasm Curbed: I don’t know, I feel more sorry for Sergey than myself. He packed it well, I ended up thinking the phono board was somehow damaged during shipping.

I am definitely going to avoid tube types not readily available. The listing said substitutes for Russian 6N4P was possible: "It is made according to a two-stage scheme on vintage 6N4P low-noise tubes (you can also use modern analogues 6072WA or 12AY7)"

but sergey wrote: No, DO NOT substitute.

I had a JVC Large Plinth with TT81 from Canada arrive, plinth, long tonearm and dust cover smashed, just irresponsible packing by seller. Took some time and effort but I got my money back. Found another one from Vlad, a Russian, also in Canada, he assured me about packing, took a chance, it’s my wonderful 3 arm TT now.

Much of what I/we want is located in foreign lands, and I will go thru whatever to get what I want. As my client said "3 months is but a speck of time". Japan has been trouble free for me.

LX33 seller takes returns, and says this:

"This unit is in very good condition overall, and shows some light natural signs of aging (please see photos), including some minor scratches. The bass knob is not the original part. The amp has been thoroughly tested and checked by our professional in-house technician, confirming its flawless working quality. Luxman amps are known for their robust construction and use of the highest quality parts, so it’s likely this unit will see many more years of use."

Seller, past 12 months: 413 positive, 10 neutral/negative feedback (2%), a slight risk.

https://www.ebay.com/fdbk/feedback_profile/unisound?filter=period:TWELVE_MONTHS,overall_rating:NEGAT...

eBay, PayPal, Credit Card all protect you, so if not 'flawless' I would simply deal with it.