For what it's worth, $7000 is a lot of money and you have no recourse if something goes wrong. Even if the equipment gets to you safely, you have no warranty and can't be certain if the components are gray market or clones. If so, the manufacturer would likely refuse to service them. IMHO, I would not purchase them.
What to expect if I import an amp and preamp from a Japan seller via US eBay
I can’t afford the cost of the amp and preamp I’d like to buy. I’ve discovered I can pay just less than half what I’d pay at a dealer in the US. But I haven’ t done this before. I’m aware that I won’t have a guarantee and that I’ll need a step down transformer. I willing to take the risk of no guarantee. But I don’t know what to expect when my box hits CUSTOMS. What can I expect? What are my responsibilities? How much is it likely to cost me?, I’ll be paying $7000 for the amp and the preamp..
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Can you provide a link where you see this price? No I’m not EVER going to buy it as others have stated too much of a risk and besides using a step-down transformer sacrifices sonics. (And please not an ebay ad) |
@2psyop Thanks. I hadn't thought of that. Where is the signup for the first rodeo? |
A quick google search will get you to the Official U.S. Customs lists for Japan. I didn't look for amplifiers, I researched turn tables. It turns out that turntables/record players (and associated parts, like tone arms--- I bought a tonearm from Japan as well) are exempt from customs duties when imported from Japan. The seller I used in Japan understood this, and the customs declaration stated "Record Player". I had no problems ($'s or delay) at US customs (and the TT came in by air, but still seemed to take a couple days to transit the system). I do remember seeing other components listed, but once again, I was looking just at TT's. I am not computer savvy, but found what I needed in a jiffy, but you will have to go through a substantial list (I skipped over "Heavy Mining Equipment" and "Electrical 3 Phase Switching Apparatus". Yes you will need to step down the 120V to 100V, but both are 60 cycle. Don't skimp on the transformer. My TT performed very well with a transformer, held speed, no noise, etc. All in all the TT and the arm were painless, and a good value. Good luck |
I would not send more than $100 or so out of the country. You'll never get your money back no matter what unless _maybe_ if you use a CC that will protect you. The risk is 10X what it is for U.S. only transactions.
No wire fraud, no U.S. postal service inspectors, no consumer protection laws across international borders...
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