USA vs UK prices?

[admin_exported]

Hey

Been looking to do a few upgrades, and just seen the selling prices on the VSX 919 and 1019 amps.

The top one is selling for 499.99 and cheaper, why is there such a huge difference?

I ride mountain bikes, and while yes while they are cheaper in the USA they are not that much cheaper.

I also find blu-rays are the same price there as they are here.

So how can they sell for almost half the price there, compaired to here?

The cheapest 1019 amp here is like 550.00

 

[Andrew Everard]

Clickety

 

[Anonymous]

I Know its so frustrating.

I Have a brother who lives in the US and he can get me a brand new Yamaha Z11 for $2000 thats about £1500! which is the same price over here as a Z7!

 

[Anonymous]

Might get my dad to ship something over and say used ebay item and bought for 50.00.

But another problem, warranty and shipping costs, as this stuff is not light.

 

[laserman16]

canada16:

But another problem, warranty and shipping costs, as this stuff is not light.

And don't forget that power supply will almost certainly be different which poses yet another problem...............

 

[bigboss]

I don't mind buying camcorders, laptops, Bose headphones etc. from the US when I go there, but when it comes to heavy AV equipment like receivers etc., I prefer to buy them in the UK for that peace of mind.

 

[Anonymous]

laserman16:canada16:

But another problem, warranty and shipping costs, as this stuff is not light.

And don't forget that power supply will almost certainly be different which poses yet another problem...............

Its a bigger problem than most people think. For something like a Yamaha Z11 for e.g. the transformer needed to power it in the UK would be need to be big. Which usually means that the transformer will make a humming noise all the time, and affect other devices within the power circuits. Not to mention the worst of all - using transformers or anything to get the USA equipment to work in the UK will always have a negative effect on the sound quality. I purchased a Denon 4308 from America for..............wait for it............£1000 2 years ago (when the unit was £2800). Ridiculous bargin at the time, however with a void warrenty (even though the company said an international warrenty), ive had to put money into problems with the Denon, as well a stupid hum noise and in effect, not as good a version as the real UK version of the Denon 4308 (due to the power being passed by a transformer). Also my transformer cost me £200 - a professional job, and its still by far perfect.

My advice - dont do it! Just accept the economical situation - or move to USA?

I wouldve been better off investing in the 3808 for the same amount of money - it probably would have produced a superior sound being a UK model too.

Lesson Learned - THE HARD WAY

 

[caddyhound]

Don't forget to add the Import tax and 17.5%VAT on your imported equipment ,even if it's used.You will even be charged VAT on the postage .On the plus side some lower powered equipment has changeable voltage so is compatible.Doesn't apply to amps though.

 

[Anonymous]

for the Z11 you just need a 2000w Step down transformer which can be bought for around £150. I have already priced up the shipping to UK for the Z11 and the best price is $250 (£165)

 

[Andrew Everard]

And the shipping to/from the States if it needs a repair under warranty?

 

[Nolia]

better of buying in a EU country if its cheaper. Bought my TV from Poland and saved £80. All I needed was a 3 pin plug adaptor and £30 shipping. I had the self diagnosis problem and Sony took it and repaired it no qualms as I was covered by the European guarantee with proof of a Polish receipt where I bought the TV.

 

[bigboss]

Nolia:Bought my TV from Poland and saved £80.

Honestly, I wouldn't by heavy items from abroad if I was saving only £80. Sony will honour the warranty for 1 year, but if your TV develops a fault after 1 year, you'll havetot contact your dealer if you want to exercise the EU law for free repair / replacement rights, which will be a hassle.