Kimber 8TC Query

[admin_exported]

I'm planning to source some Kimber 8TC speaker cable from America, due to the fairly large price differential. Will be hooking it up to the system below. Looking at previous posts it would seem the best way to terminate is bannanas at both ends and using a bannana / BFA adaptor at the amp end. My questions are:

1. Is this the best way to do it ? (perhaps for re-sale value or otherwise)
2. Does the American market use recognise BFA terminations ? If so should I use these
at the amp end instead ?
3. Are the American bannanas the same size as ours ? (if you pardon the expression)
4. What are the best adaptors to use ?

Cheers,
Steve

Cyrus CD8X + PSXR
Cyrus 8VS2 + PSXR
Spendor S5E speakers

 

[floyd droid]

Be carefull when buying from the states stewart. Ive been walloped a few times by our nice v.a.t people,the bargain dosnt appear so great then. Im not sure if there is a value limit before they hammer you,but as i say..... Maybe other forum users will give you input on this. As for banana size our 4mm is their 5/32 the difference isnt worth bothering about (0.03mm).

 

[Anonymous]

Very good cable, I use 4TC and it sounds outstanding to me. Dynamic, detailed but not too bright (like Chord can be is certain setups).

I'd got for bananas on both ends for maximum flexibility

jules.

 

[Andrew Everard]

floyd droid:I'm not sure if there is a value limit before they hammer you.

Yes, over £18 or so you get hit for duty and VAT. The duty varies a little depending on the type of product, but assume about 22% or so on the total invoice price, including shipping. And the carrier or even the Royal Mail will charge you for paying this extra and collecting it from you.

It's usually about £8 or so with the people with the nice red vans and black and white cats, but I've had one shipping company try to charge me an extra £42 for handling charges on top of the VAT and duty.

 

[Anonymous]

Hmmm - I know the threshold for duty is around £145 but I hadn't realised the VAT threshold was so low.

Anyway - any recommendations as to where I can get the adaptors ?

 

[Andrew Everard]

The duty threshold only applies when you bring the stuff in yourself - ie in your baggage - I think.

The £18 limit AFAIK applies to mail-ordered stuff.

4mm-to-BFA adapters? These would seem to do the job, but why not get the cables supplied with bare wires at the amp end and fit BFA plugs yourself? These will do the job...

 

[Anonymous]

The last time I bought things from the states the way things worked was as follows:

(price of item + shipping cost) * (1+duty%) * 1.175

the other thing to remember is the $/£ exchange rate - you can no longer divide things by 2 ... you're more likely to get something in the region of 1.65 depending on the day and the trend seems downward at the moment

on a positive note kimber 8tc has a reputation for working very well with cyrus

 

[Anonymous]

You've missed the £/$ gravy train unfortunately. Add the import hassles and Id be tempted to look in classifieds/auction sites for a bargain

 

[Anonymous]

All noted thanks.

Andrew - I take your point. I'm going out there personally so thankfully the VAT shouldn't be an issue.

Re the exchange rate point - also noted. The exchange rate is so volatile at the moment I'm happy to wait until it rectifies before buying.

Thanks for the advice everyone. Its good to hear that the 8TC has received such positive recommendations

 

[Anonymous]

Andrew Everard:but why not get the cables supplied with bare wires at the amp end and fit BFA plugs yourself?

I've heard Kimber 8TC can be tricky to DIY terminate. All those telfon coated cores...

jules.

 

[Andrew Everard]

Ah right...