Thank you for the warning! I was going to purchase a 4 tier audio stand! I am always leery
of buying product directly from China.......
of buying product directly from China.......
Warning: China-Hifi-Audio.com
I just wanted to pass along some concerns with this dealer.
I ordered a tube amp a couple weeks ago that was shown in stock (actually listed as a discounted customer return). and after 8 days of waiting for a shipping notification I asked about the status and was told it was delayed because the owner had to verify his UPS account. ??? They listed DHL Fedex and UPS as shipping services with 3 - 7 day delivery time for the $595 shipping charge I paid.
Since that response I have asked several times to cancel the order and even thru Paypal communications but am now being ignored. No refund and no shipment. So now it is in Paypal claim and I will be waiting many more days to see a refund.
Very disappointing experience with this dealer.
I ordered a tube amp a couple weeks ago that was shown in stock (actually listed as a discounted customer return). and after 8 days of waiting for a shipping notification I asked about the status and was told it was delayed because the owner had to verify his UPS account. ??? They listed DHL Fedex and UPS as shipping services with 3 - 7 day delivery time for the $595 shipping charge I paid.
Since that response I have asked several times to cancel the order and even thru Paypal communications but am now being ignored. No refund and no shipment. So now it is in Paypal claim and I will be waiting many more days to see a refund.
Very disappointing experience with this dealer.
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I've had bad experiences with buying things from china through ebay NOT RECOMMENDED! There doesn't seem to be any quality control or pride in what or how they do business. I've been "cheated" from not getting what was described , to not getting anything at all. And NO refund policy or ways to recover my losses! Thankfully I learned my lesson at a much lower price.. Basically you're dealing with another country's business ethics and no way to enforce or recover the losses. Our way of doing business. money back offers (refund policy, money back guarantee ect.) isn't enforceable over there because we don't seem to have an agreement with china. not to be trusted until this changes |
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I've bought audio and other stuff direct from China and never had a problem. Currently using an Icepower amp purchased for $160. No problems. The only thing I would not buy from China is a tube amp unless you are sure the output transformers are of good quality. Or you could buy a Chinese tube amp with plans to replace the output transformers if they are not up to expectations. |
$595 for shipping definitely seems excessive but you should price it out yourself (FedEx / DHL) and see that it is 'reasonable'.. It also includes US customs paperwork.. It's very heavy and is coming from around 6000 miles away.. In the USA, we have very reasonably priced shipping. I have bought DACs and Linear power supply from APOS and they are totally legit and super easy to work with. Unfortunately, they don't carry tube amps similar to the ones mentioned here. APOS is more focused on headphones. |
I have been ordering kit from China for years, never had a problem with any company I have dealt with. Customer service has always been A1, even when there is a problem with an item it has always been resolved quickly, often just sending a new one with low value items, and not even wanting the other one returned. In my experience the average Chinese company seem to be very helpful, their Government is another story!! What puzzles me is how a company can sell a piece of used kit that they haven't had sight of. They have no idea what condition it will be returned to them in, so how do they advertise it? |
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"I am angry they fooled me (and apparently others) into buying from them again and thinking we were supporting a USA distributor!" How hard is it to register your company in Wisconsin? I got aware of people from around the world who have registered in Delaware while never having set foot on American continent. They have perfectly legal, U.S.A. based, companies in Delaware. |
"...the world's most dangerous and pernicious surveillance state." Surveillance And Local Police: How Technology Is Evolving Faster Than Regulation : NPR |
jdane- Glad to hear that so many audiophiles apparently do not own cars, don't have cell phones, don't feed their dogs, never eat anything but wheat and beef, don't read printed books, and believe the phrase "packed for [some sh*tcan town in the US]" means "grown or processed in the good ole USofA." We're talking about China. I think maybe you meant to say, "don't eat their dogs"? |
I recently purchased a tube integrated from this vendor. They were pretty clear about shipping delays at the time of purchase (within 2 days). The unit arrived at my door in less than a week from the ship date. Sorry to hear you didn't have a great experience, but at least received the refund you had asked for. I've read of worse, actual scam, stories here from vendors within the US. |
Some years ago I had a Jungson amp. Defective, in-warranty, they sent two guys out to see for themselves what it was doing. Instead of replacing it like they said they would do they promised to send one, left, and from then on refused all phone calls. My dealer ultimately made good on it out of his own pocket. Jungson needless to say is China. The two guys who came out, Chinese nationals. I am shocked, shocked to hear of problems with China. Shocked. |
It is deceitful for China-Hifi to represent themselves as a USA distributor and also a lie that there were issues with UPS that delayed my other order. TubeAmplifierStore (China-Hifi) shipped Muzishare X7 by DHL during the same week I was being ignored about the status of my other order and ignored about processing a refund. I am angry they fooled me (and apparently others) into buying from them again and thinking we were supporting a USA distributor! DHL Shipment info from TubeAmplifierStore based in USA!!! More Shipment DetailsTotal Pieces1Delivery Date / TimeMarch, 23 2021, 13:39 Local timeTo protect your privacy, more delivery details are available after validationElectronic Proof of DeliveryPiece IDJD014600008677510162CloseAll Shipment Updates Tuesday March, 23 2021
Tuesday March, 23 2021
Monday March, 22 2021
Friday March, 19 2021
Thursday March, 18 2021
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"OK, I understand your situation, I just wanted to share my very good experience with Yong, I emailed him about this exchange and look forward to his reply that I will promptly post in this discussion. " You are welcome to do that. Both sides should be heard. Also ask why he represents himself as TubeAmplifierStore on Amazon with address : 1520 Orchard street, RACINE WI 53405 when the items actually ship from Chini-Hifi in China. I know because that was where my Muzishare X7 came from thinking I was actually buying from a US distributor. I have all the details including a message from them...Amazon Message: "Hi Chris, Do you have MUZISHARE R100 available? ===YES. We have stock. Do you have your own website to look at items available?====We could create a link for you on AMAZON soon or you could go to China hifi audio com to find it. Thank you!" I |
There is always a risk involved in ordering from overseas, including China. I paid a bit over $400 s/h for new Jungson JA 99-C power amp and JC-1 preamp. I knew there was a risk, but took a plunge. For my case, it went pretty good. The amp/preamp arrived within 10 days since I paid. It's been about 5 months and so far so good. The amp/preamp sounds really good for their price. I guess you might expected something similar to my experience, but you know it does not always turn that way when dealing with gears from overseas, especially from China. But I think the dealer in China is not a crook. He is a businessman who tries to make a living, and sometimes goes for more aggressive practice in sale, like advertising something they don't have under their possession yet. Will you be ordering any gear from China after this experience? |
Unfortunately it's still the Wild West out there (Wild East?). Their government has no interest in enforcing western business standards, presumably feeling their people should be modelled in their own image. Don't expect improvement any time soon. Yes they've got thrown together crap, and knock-offs a-plenty, but since they manufacture about half the world's stuff, there's plenty of good quality too. But yes, Quad78, much safer to buy it at home. |
"I would like to share my experience with China HIFI, I bought ampli Willsenton R8 and separately speakers Sound Artist LS3/5A, both exceptional products at great prices. Customer service from Yong Lee (Owner) was also very professional and attentive. Only issue is that his English is not the best so one should be very clear when communicating with him. I find it unfair to smear somebody's name before all the facts are in and think it would be a good idea if Audiogon and calieng provided a clear disclaimer about this warning. Please let me know if I can help and I will be more than happy to contact Yong Lee and make sure this issue is resolved." There is no smear only facts - He sold a product he did not actually have in stock. He ignored messages. Did not promptly refund when asked to cancel the order. He lied about having issues with UPS when he actually usually ships Fedex or DHL. He is TubeAmplifierStore on Amazon.com and has been doing ongoing business during this period. It is fine to make a mistake or be overworked but do not lie about UPS to cover for it. Make of it what you will but FEEDBACK about this merchant has been provided! |
I would like to share my experience with China HIFI, I bought ampli Willsenton R8 and separately speakers Sound Artist LS3/5A, both exceptional products at great prices. Customer service from Yong Lee (Owner) was also very professional and attentive. Only issue is that his English is not the best so one should be very clear when communicating with him. I find it unfair to smear somebody's name before all the facts are in and think it would be a good idea if Audiogon and calieng provided a clear disclaimer about this warning. Please let me know if I can help and I will be more than happy to contact Yong Lee and make sure this issue is resolved. |
Amusing that some so vehemently attack Chinese products while simultaneously fully supporting and overly enthusiastically encourage the purchase of brands that incorporate Chinese parts, for example speakers loaded with Wavecor drivers. You have to wonder why they don't pressure their favorite American designers/builders to find some non-Chinese components. Likewise, some use and strongly encourage the purchase of items they like such as Shumann Resonators and Nobsound springs both made/sold my Chinese companies. But oh well, their self righteous blather will continue. |
Buying a few tube amps from some Chinese brands that have come up with some nice designs will not change the geo-political situation in our world. Stop shopping at Walmart and on Amazon if you really want to make a difference. As someone with an engineering degree and who has scratch built guitar tube amplifiers I can say that what I have received from Willsenton and Muzishare had been excellent quality for the money including point to point wiring and components from Germany and Japan. I have enjoyed trying them. My Yamaha A-S2200 sounds like an AM/FM radio in comparison. |
Another Chinese scenario: Typically, shipping from China is dirt cheap on many items because the Chinese government provides free or next to free shipping for their exports. ( How would you like that perk here!) I don't know the specifics on all items BUT the rub is, you may pay a very reasonable shipping charge. The seller frequently advertises that they accept returns. I bought a pair of shoes last year. I thought they shipped from the U.K. as the site was listed as such. Shipping was $10.00 I wanted to return them. My cost to do so would have been $55.00 as the authorized return address was China. It was a lesson learned. |
"By all means let me know which USA dealer has these products or something equivalent for a similar price?" Decware? I am not against doing business with Chinese companies or Chinese people. I love Chinese culture, but I am against funding the Chinese government and military. Buying Chinese is funding the world's most dangerous and pernicious surveillance state. For many products it's unavoidable. For HiFi it's highly avoidable. (I know many parts are manufactured there.) Not funding China is helping forestall the day the US will bow to the will of the Chinese government. |
Look folks, there are some simple rules you must always follow when engaging in our hobby: 1. When purchasing anything from anyone you don’t have a good multi transaction history with in the US, always pay with credit card or PayPal/credit card and American Express is the best IMO in standing behind the customer when disputing a charge. 2. When buying overseas, no matter the history or whatever ALWAYS pay with a credit card or PayPal/credit card. 3. Even when paying PayPal f/f always pay with credit card and pay the fee to do so. The peace of mind is worth it. 4. Do not buy from China Hifi and pay exorbitant BS shipping no matter what. 5. Most of the stuff from China Hifi can be bought either from Apos or Amazon. If you don’t like you return it to Amazon. Easy. If you bought it and you need to return it to China well you deserve what you get. You rolled the dice and lost. 6. There are reputable Chinese dealers that you can trust. But still pay with credit card. Normally the shipping from these dealers is either free or reasonable. Examples: Vinshine Audio (Denafrips), and Jay’s Audio. There are others. But still use a credit card always. You need a good credit card company standing behind you. 7. Do not deal with low or no feedback people on eBay, Agon and usaudiomart. They have low feedback for a reason. Steer clear. 8. Does this mean avoid Chinese products? No. Your iPhone is made in China as well as half the things in your house. I bought a Boyuurange A50 Mk3 300B tube amp just for kicks because Steve Gutenberg loved it. I got it from Amazon with an Amazon credit card. As it turns out. I love this thing! Such a deal. But if it hadn’t worked out. I either take it to Kohl’s or UPS and I’m done with it and my $ comes back. That is worth any extra cost. If you don’t take these precautions the money you think you’re “saving” will be spent on your time chasing down the seller, PayPal etc. Not worth it. Be smart. Good luck. |
I’m absolutely shocked how many people in this thread are saying they’ve bought amps from China. I wouldn’t hook up a free amp from China to my speakers (out of fear of damaging them), let alone purchase one. No offense intended to anyone, but frankly standards have to be extremely low to even consider 99.9% of Chinese amps, particularly with the outrageous shipping charges cited that could partially go towards the price of an amp manufacturer of trust. There are way too many quality amps at various price ranges to justify even considering China for anything other than Dollar Store grade throw away items. Start a search with forum recommendations on Audiogon and Stereophile reviews. There is a reason respected publications to my knowledge never even review amps from China. I read the most pathetic sole “review” of the model that started this thread that didn’t even attempt to talk about the most important factor that matters - sound quality. Instead it was Amazon ratings and appearance from a “reviewer” that clearly knew nothing about audio. Huge red flag. |
Sorry you had a crappy experience. Seems like it got sorted out. And the usual suspects pipe up of course, and get on their high horses and spew the moral superiority we have all grown accustomed to. Oh, our lovely neighbors to the south. Kinda got yourself to blame for a certain country being in a position to economically devastate you. Your greedy corporations moved production over there because they could exploit the cheap labor to produce cheap product for the entitled population back home that wanted stuff - for cheap. Too bad. Perhaps, the manufacturers who make world class product there, might get the respect they deserve had that not been the case. And thankfully, there is no exploitation of the labor force south of the border. Nor is there any issues with education, healthcare or making it easy for every citizen to vote freely. No human rights issues there. |
Well ... I've had my share of warranty and shipping challenges with "democratic society" buying experiences from 'onshore / nearshore / homeland / domestic / major outlet / mainstream / reputable / regulated / covered / insured / serviceable' (whichever descriptor you wish to use) to describe US-based distribution channels, so this is not a region-specific issue. In today's world any purchase that involves the internet and a warehouse is going to face some % of risk, so pandemic or non-pandemic the only variables are supply chain and shipping times. @calieng Again, my experiences have proven satisfactory so I'm willing to help resolve if necessary. |
"Try and buy a better DAC than from Matrix Audio (based in Xi'an). Best ESS DAC chip, other parts are top-of-the-line, build quality is perfect, good looking design, all the bells and whistles including balanced connections. My unit even has the ability to take I2S input! " Denafrips Terminator! (I only have Pontus - not rich enough to pay extra for the Terminator). |
Yeah it's so much better living in a democratic society like ours, where the people's right to vote is respected, everyone gets a living wage, health care is a priority, large corporations work tirelessly for the betterment of their workers, and all businesses are reputable. But obviously, if in the interest of saving a bundle, you decide to buy sight unseen from a dealer you don't know in a country where they speak a language you also don't know, well, you takes your chances, no? (Btw, since one poster mentioned it above, yes, I've had good luck and communication with Douk Audio, even when a piece of their equipment went up in smoke well after warrantee expired.) |
I just checked again for that same amp it is $595.80 for Fedex / UPS/ DHL 3-7 day shipping to USA. It weighs 48kg. That may be the real cost. I know international shipping has gotten more expensive. Some of the other amps are $300 to ship but they weigh half as much. I have read other posts about the owner in product reviews both good and bad. He may be a nice guy and just overworked. |
Sorry about your experience with them, as with hundreds of others. For me I’ve had nothing but excellent service from the owner, to the point where we became good personal friends. That shipping seems very high (typo?). Personally I always use by sea vs. by air to the US (NJ), which is reasonably priced with no issues. |
Why would you buy any Chinese dealer stuff?? Try and buy a better DAC than from Matrix Audio (based in Xi'an). Best ESS DAC chip, other parts are top-of-the-line, build quality is perfect, good looking design, all the bells and whistles including balanced connections. My unit even has the ability to take I2S input! |
