Saving on Chinese/Asian products if purchased in Asia?

[evilyoda]

Watching this video from Thomas & Stereo made me wonder if there were any significant savings to be had purchasing Asian components overseas. For instance, I'll be in Taiwan over new year's and then Japan next April. Companies like Topping, SMSL, Fiio (the streamer he showed looked really interesting), etc - if there was a decent discount overseas, I wouldn't mind planning ahead and having the space in my suitcase/bag for one.

Probably a pain in the ass but for the right amount of savings...I'd be open to the idea.

 

[TonyJZX]

I think this sort of thing is reasonably obvious to work out - like if you buy a Fiio dap well then its a pocket device and you can reasonably use it

but like a full size topping dac? ehhh... you are getting free ship from shenzen aoshida whatever

enjoy your holiday and just get it sent

also the whatever price difference doesnt seem worth it and for a lot of things wider South East Asia is not as cheap as it once was

there's also the question of warranty... worse comes to worse aoshida hifiexpress has *something*

your Asia B&M?

 

[GXAlan]

The yen is weak compared to the U.S. dollar. Japanese made gear that is multivoltage is a good option.

HiFiDo is one of a few used audio gear stores in Japan. Shipping is what takes amazing deals to just good deals. If you are already able to check in extra luggage, there are some great deals to be had. Again, this would largely be speakers and multivoltage gear.

Some 100V gear have internal methods of converting to 117V but that involves a lot of preparation and research.

 

[evilyoda]

The yen is weak compared to the U.S. dollar. Japanese made gear that is multivoltage is a good option.

HiFiDo is one of a few used audio gear stores in Japan. Shipping is what takes amazing deals to just good deals. If you are already able to check in extra luggage, there are some great deals to be had. Again, this would largely be speakers and multivoltage gear.

Some 100V gear have internal methods of converting to 117V but that involves a lot of preparation and research.

I remember a few of the used audio stores I went to Japan...dangerous.

 

[evilyoda]

I think this sort of thing is reasonably obvious to work out - like if you buy a Fiio dap well then its a pocket device and you can reasonably use it

but like a full size topping dac? ehhh... you are getting free ship from shenzen aoshida whatever

enjoy your holiday and just get it sent

also the whatever price difference doesnt seem worth it and for a lot of things wider South East Asia is not as cheap as it once was

there's also the question of warranty... worse comes to worse aoshida hifiexpress has *something*

your Asia B&M?

That's what I assume but just curious. Luggage won't be an issue for either trip but then I'd be hoping it doesn't end up in pieces by the time it arrives back in the US.

 

[MCH]

Well, you can always buy tax free when you are outside your region and then try to bring the stuff back without declaring it…. That works both ways around, that’s why you see so many Asian and Russian tourists in European cities buying like if there is no tomorrow. As someone said, it should definitely work for a DAP, but if you bring a luggage full of DACs and amplifiers in their original package and you get checked on your arrival back home….

 

[nerdstrike]

Don't forget you're paying 3-10% in currency conversion costs, unless you're very canny. When I visited Japan I found rough price parity on nice stuff with the UK once I'd deducted currency conversion and the baggage headache. Food was outstanding value on the other hand. Also you usually have an appliance without warranty.

On the flip side it does make a fun story trying to learn the Japanese for "buttery mids" and "scintillating highs"