On-line shopping in the US

[getafix]

Hi there guys

I am from South Africa and this is my first post.

I am wanting to purchase a Yamaha RX-V2600 from the States as they are half the price that I can get one here for.
I have a friend in Michigan who will receive the parcel from the store and then post it to me via USPS. The cost of the unit here is ZAR15500.00 as apposed to ZAR8400 from the Stated - and that includes import duties. Just a concern is that I see that the price varies from US$840 to US$1299.

Can you guys offer any adivce??

Cheers
G

 

[DrunkenWolf]

Be very cautious about who you buy it from. Spend at least an hour researching the company before you buy. If you buy it on ebay read all the negative feedback to see if there are any worrisome trends. I almost bought from a company (butterflyphoto)that had tons of customer complaints about upselling, used and defective gear sold as new, and horrible customer service. Without reading the feedback they had very high percentage ratings of satisfied customers, but apparently they stuff the ballot box somehow.

 

[getafix]

mmm, I hear you.

Below are three stores that I have discovered. I have looked for days on the net at various different stores but I have to take them at face value.

Below are three which I looked at. Maybe if you know these guys you can give me some advice.

www.hpdirectav.com/item.aspx?pid=96663
www.Sourceoneaudio.com
www.plasmabay.com

Cheers
G

 

[Nomo]

Keep in mind that none of the places you have listed are authorized dealers.
Yamaha will not honor the warranty.
If by chance you could get you friend here in the states to do a bit of leg work, he may be able to pick one up from a authorized Brick and Mortar store for a good price.
If you can hold out for a couple of months til the 2700 comes out you'll see a considerable drop in the price of the 2600s.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Get the unit from Ubid. Most online retailers can't offer a warranty on the RXV line, only the HTR. At least this place gives you 30 days (your friend can check it out). With the money you save, if it konks out on you in 9 months, you'll have enough in your pocket to warrant a repair. I bought my Denon 3805 at about the same savings from this place, and never had an issue. I've used them a few times for other purchases, and all transactions were great. Most if not all receivers listed on this site come directly from the factory.

http://www.ubid.com/Yamaha_RX-V2600_910W_7.1_Channel_A/V_Home_Theater_Receiver/a10748501.html

 

[getafix]

Thanks for the reply.

In your opinion, would you "trust" a manufactured refirbished item. I
understand that any warranty is null and void as soon as the item leaves the US, I just don't want the thing to go up in a puff of smoke after 2 months. I know that there are no guarantees, but I would prefer a calculated risk then to gamble on a totally unknown.

Cheers
Gareth

 

[alangant]

As part of your research into online retailers, I suggest you visit http://www.resellerratings.com . Millions of buyers enter their experiences here. Although people sometimes have wonderful experiences with lesser-known etailers, but when it goes wrong, it goes very, very wrong.

In addition to looking at the scores for the low-price shops, check out some of the best in the business, like crutchfield.com, bhphoto.com, and onecall.com. Once I saw the stark contrast, I decided to spend a little more and I've been well-treated.

Good luck!

 

[pols]

The only Yamaha online authorized dealer is Crutchfield. I am looking for a 2600 and came across one on ebay (forgot where) who said he was an authorized dealer.

I emailed Yami and was told only one; Crutchfield.

 

[jcPanny]

Power requirements

Getafix,
Do you have a 120 AC / 60 Hz power system over there? This is what the US version of the receiver is designed for. In contrast, most European stuff is 220V AC.

 

[getafix]

Thanks guys

aaaah, I just deleted my reply So here goes again

We use 220V here in SA, so I would have to purchase a transformer to up it to 220V.
I think that I have made up my mind. I think that it is a bit risky to spend money with someone who is thousands of miles away, relying on 3rd parties for shipping, they are not an authorized dealer etc, etc.
Call me conservative, but I think that I am going to hang on a while.

It just burns my butt that the thing costs double here than in the US. Even if I bought it from Crutchfield at $1299, it is still about R5000.00 cheaper than buying it here. The exchange rate is about 7:1 so you can do the sums.
Also, as soon as you mention the words oil, America and weapons of mass destruction in the same sentence our government goes week in the knees and they hike the fuel price up, which has the ripple effect throughout the whole economy.

Anyway, I am new to the AV stuff so I am going to keep my eyes fixed on this site. The feel is that there are guys and girls here who know their stuff and seem to be happy to share their knowledge and experiences with others - like myself.

Cheers
Gareth