Warning: China-Hifi-Audio.com

Thanks, this is helpful. I ordered a Willsenton R8 after reading reviews and watching YouTube reviews. Given the price point and quality seemed like a good ROI, save some money as opposed to buying a Canyin, Raven Audio, or Primaluna. It was not in stock on Amazon, that’d would’ve been my preferred choice. I decided to order from China-Hi-Fi website, the product description does state the price has increased and thanks Jay Lee and Thomas Tan for their reviews (which I saw on YouTube). I decided to purchase the unit with KT-88 tubes and stock tubes. I decide to purchase the R8 that day since It was listed that on 4/22 there were 2 units is stock and shipping from 5/1-5/31 or later. Shipping price  at $372 seems steep but its supposed to ship via DHL or FedEx and arrive in 7 days so all and all is still cheaper that purchasing another model. An email would advice me on the actual shipping date.  I did contemplate adding the EL-34B tubes from the website and they replied within 24 hours that they could do that, but decided to buy some RCA tubes instead. I followed up with an email to inquire when the anticipated ship date would be, have not heard back from them. Honestly, I’m not surprised if they don’t respond, my expectations on customer service are low anyway since dealing with a Chinese seller. I thought that the item was in stock but apparently notches case. After reading this post, now I’m aware that it will take longer than what their website claims. I was on the fence about ordering from China and now those concerns seem validated. Hopefully I will get an actual unit or get my money back. I will deal directly with my bank rather than PayPal if I have to go that route. Won’t buy from them again in the future.

@Vitto, thank you for reaching out to Mr. Lee. I reached out regarding the shipping date on 4/29/2021. I subsequently joined their website and got an automated email welcoming me to the site on 5/2. It could be very well be that Mr. Lee and his staff may be backed up. Appreciate you reaching out to  Mr. Lee. If I hear back from the website and get further information I will reflect that on a follow up post. I just would like a ballpark figure when gear will arrive and hope to get the amp. There’s hesitancy when making purchases abroad and given the different experiences depicted in the posts here, that creates some angst as a buyer. Communication is key and hearing back from seller, would be reassuring. Thanks, Will.

A quick update, Vittorio did reach out to me and Mr. Lee. I did hear from Mr. Lee, apologized for delayed response and did provide a shipping update for the unit. I appreciate that he’s able to communicate in English. The R8 is in high demand. Actually, as well spoke to Vittorio happens to be a nice guy and true to his word. Dealing with sellers outside of the the US is different but if they happen to be professional and deliver on the sales of goods, I will consider purchasing from them again. Buying experiences vary… hope that mine will end up being positive.

Update from my my last post. Yong Lee from China HI-Fi did reach out to me on 5/6/21 to inform me that R8 amp would ship out between 5/10 and 5/20. Apologized for not replying sooner.
Amp shipped on 5/18 and received UPS Worldwide Expedited tracking number. I received amp on 5/25/2021. UPS delayed delivery by one day. I received amp double boxed and well protected. No damages, I set up amp, I used my own tubes and not the Wellsington tubes. I’ve been playing the amp for the last 4 days and it sounds great. Overall, my experience was positive and would purchase from China Hi-Fi again.