Grey amplifier Imports from Japan?

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 thinking…

Paul

David, since you are living in Europe (I've read on your system page that you
are living in England) it should not be that difficult to find a demo model. For
example, in the Netherlands there are currently an E-350 and also an E-450
advertised by dealer on www.hifi.nl (look in the "tweedehands" section). Check
also www.audio-markt.de, (with a little patience) one can find pretty much
any Accuphase model on this site. Germany is the number one importer of
Accuphase units, they have great respect for Accuphase (which says a lot
about the brand).

Regarding the E-307 integrated, I would say it is a bit too old (10 years or so).
For a couple of hundreds more you should be able to get an E-308 (the
predecessor of E-350). However, since currently you are driving your speakers
with a small tube amp, I would advise you to go for an E-550. It has as much
power as the E-308 and E-350 integrated amps but sounds better and also
copes better with difficult loads. If you need/want more power then go for the
E-408 or E-450 (of these two I would pick up the first one).

Dave, not much will be achieve by calling Accuphase in Japan and complain
about their dutch dealer. My feeling is that the importers are required to
behave that way (I've understood that the German importer behaves similarly).
From their perspective Accuphase is not like any other brand and hence is not
for everyone. They will be polite with you (if you look decent) and just order
products without much concern for the price. This is usually the case
with most luxurious brands/shops. (Of course, dealers do not behave like
that, they are always happy to sell an Accuphase.)

Paul