Looking for a $500 or so phono preamp -- BC23 ?

Kennyman, The Chinese are not such a diligent workers as
we assume. They just came back to work from some strange Holyday whith 4 free days . I made an offer on their price (ebay.uk) and they made an counter offer ($421 + $75 postage). I asked for 2 invoice bills, one of which is meant for the customs. Just transfered $500 in total. They already posted the LP 2, mk II per 'express post'. If you want 100% insusrance you will need to wait as long as I .As soon as I get my I will inform you.BTW I own an professional soldering iron which I never used. So I am still interested in those capacitors ...

Regards,

And what happens when something breaks? Are you going to send it back to China?

Actusreus, Is it that you think local technicians cannot repair the equipment? Or are you suggesting that there might not be local warranty coverage? In the latter instance, are you suggesting that customers avoid purchasing used equipment (because most warranties are not transferable or the warranty has expired)?

Honestly, the Chinese-made Jasmine is recommended for its high value to cost, much like buying high-end used equipment. If the Chinese-made gear were comparably priced to domestic products, I would agree with you. However, that is not the case.

For that price, new, I would get a PS Audio GCPH. Lots of flexibility, remote volume, phase and mono. Nothing else comes close for the price.

Redglobe,
I'm not going to claim categorically that "local technicians" cannot repair equipment, but I personally neither know "local technicians," nor would trust anyone with equipment that is not your typical run-of-the-mill piece of electronics. I understand your point about high value vs. cost, but I'd personally feel too uncomfortable buying directly from another continent without local support. It's the pragmatic pessimist in me...