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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..

128x128echolane
secretguy
1,591 posts
 

This has gray market written all over it.

chenry's avatar
chenry
103 posts
 

Be sure it is a 120 VAC and not 100V, as is common in Japan.

You won't get a warranty through the USA distributor, most likely. If anything goes wrong, you will be spending hundreds to send it back to Japan.

ellajeanelle's avatar
ellajeanelle
386 posts
 

My last order took around 3 weeks and no unexpected charges.  All was well, but that depends on the seller.

webking185's avatar
webking185
189 posts
 

Will take U.S. voltage anyday and would not want to use a step up/down transformer.

dwest1023
176 posts
 

The EBay dealer I purchase from, had my Accuphase converted to 120VAC from the Accuphase factory. This dealer reassured me from shipping to delivery, with excellent communication. I believe my cost from FedEx, acting as my agent cost me $55 bucks. The bill was sent in the mail after delivery. Once the item reached customs, you call FedEx and they take over from there. The amp was packed superbly in 4 boxes. The amp was well protected. Once my amp arrived, I removed the top and there was not ANY evidence that the amp had been modded. Plugged it in my 120 and beautiful music came out. I own and PassLabs 250, Mac 253, hegal 390, and non of them are built with attention to detail as my Accuphase. I doubt seriously I would ever have a problem with this amp. Of course anything can happen, but the built quality is impeccable. Getting this amp at almost half price was well worth it to me. That my experience.

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