donjr - I think Melbguy1, was using the comparison of Japanese prices vs US as the sole reason for his statement. The Wells Audio doesn’t even come close to the Accuphase - I have heard the Wells Audio and E-600 and own an E-470.
Unfortunately, manufacturers like Accuphase and Luxman have been challenged to enter the US market due to the mark-up imposed by their respective distributors. In fact, I am sure that this could be said for most Japanese brands that are imported into the US.
It’s a shame that Accuphase and other brands don’t exhibit or advertise more in the US. Gray market gear has absolutely no value poroposition upon resale so it is really a "pay me now or pay me later" scenario.
OP has so many choices at his price point and many more if he wants to consider used gear. The used gear market is extremely depressed and coupled with the OCD nature of many of us, with a desire to constantly upgrade our gear, a mint-condition, like new integrated could be acquired for 40% or 50% of MSRP.
