What to expect if I import an amp and preamp from a Japan seller via US eBay


I can’t afford the cost of the amp and preamp I’d like to buy.  I’ve discovered I can pay just less than half what I’d pay at a dealer in the US.  But I haven’ t done this before.  I’m aware that I won’t have a guarantee and that I’ll need a step down transformer.    I willing to take the risk of no guarantee.  But I don’t know what to expect when my box hits CUSTOMS.  What can I expect?  What are my responsibilities?  How much is it likely to cost me?, I’ll be paying $7000 for the amp and the preamp..

128x128echolane

I take good price over any warranty simply because I don't believe anybody or anything.

Equipment repair is the issue today, because it's EXTREMELY hard to find knowledgeable technician. They're all either too old, dead or not found anywhere near. 

With today's level of education, unlikely there will be any new ones and you might want to travel abroad to the countries that still have politically uncompromised education

Shipping is free via Fed Ex.  The seller tells me FedEx will contact me if fees are necessary and when they are paid FedEx  will deliver to me.

 

Good point about who will do repairs.  I will ask my usual good fellow if he will repair.  Otherwise there is a high end sort of repair facility in the LA area.  I’m near San Francisco.

 

Here’s one more thing that concerns me.  Electrical voltage is different in Japan.  I will need to use a down transformer.   No big deal, people use them all the time.   However, someone made the remark that they degrade the sound slightly.  That’d be a big blow to me.  After all, the sound is why I want to buy the gear.

A quality step down transformer will make no audible difference to the sound. But as someone mentioned if the amps are Accuphase it is not difficult to convert to US voltage.  It's the same with some other non US manufacturers.

I would make sure you were dealing with an extremely reputable dealer in Japan, such as Hi-Fi Do from whom I’ve purchased in the past. In retrospect, I would be reluctant to do business with a dealer from Japan, and would find something here in the USA which will satisfy you within your budget. There are just too many things that can go wrong, Including damage from shipping internationally, customs duties, etc., and I don’t think it is worth the risk or the potential headache. Just my two cents based on years of experience,

If Aauphase no step up transformer ,they just change the taps 

my friend bought one this spring the E4000 and sounds great. From eBay 

The seller has a great feedback rating.