Hi Dave,

I do not think it is a good idea to buy stuff from Europe. Firstly, everything is much more expensive here because we pay much higher taxes and also because of the euro/dollar parity. (Whenever I go to USA I come back like Santa, almost everything is at least 25% cheaper in USA). To give an example, for Apple products the numbers are the same in USA and Europe except that we pay in euros what you pay in dollars. Second, you would need to take care of the voltage conversion, i.e. form 220V to 110V. Often (though not always) this will invalidate the warranty. Thirdly, the dealer might try to take advantage of your situation, i.e. you coming all the way to Europe to buy a specific equipment. Going to Japan of Hong Kong might be a better idea.

I understand what you say about Accuphase demo models. Also here, most dealer have in stock only Accuphase integrated. It is only the very large stores that have also pre-power combos. However, since western Europe is only a fraction of USA, reaching these dealers by car is never a problem (e.g. I have at least 2-3 such dealer with a 2 hours drive distance).

I have suggested you to buy first the speaker you like only because (if I remember correctly) at some point you were interested to buy a pair of Focal Scala Be speakers. Given that your JBLs are horns, I would proceed with care, as horns like electrostatic speakers are much much faster than any "driver-in-a-box" design.

nvp March 17, 2013 04:21

Hi Dave, sorry for the late reply.

IMO all big brands are highly overprices and consequently none is keeping its values very well. Going for demo models (like me) or for local brands (like you are thinking now) is always the best thing to do. There are quite a few USA brands that are certainly very very good, e.g. Ayre, Audio Research, Pass Labs, Atmasphere to name but a few. Most likely if we would compare prices for these brands in USA and Europe, the trend would be similar to one observed when comparing Accuphase prices in Japan vs. USA and Europe.

Regarding FM Acoustics, they are supposed to make the best amplifiers in the world. Whether or not that is actually true I do not know. However, I have never cared much for any swiss brands/companies. Everything these guys make is priced like gold. I simply can not believe that every thing they make is the best. It is much more sensible to realize that these hi-end swiss products are meant mostly for the wealthiest of the fortunate swiss people, which instantly make them insanely overpriced for most people in most counties.

Regarding Bryston, IMO it is a very good brand. The 20 years transferable warranty says a lot about them. There is absolutely no reason to "apologize" for owning them.

Finally, if you plan to put together a new system, it might be a good idea to buy first the speakers that you like. Your bryston amp should serve you well with very many speakers (in the worst case scenario, e.g. very "cold" speakers, you might only need a different pre amp, e.g. a tube to inject some warms) till you can buy "better" electronics.

Good luck and we stay in touch.
Paul

nvp March 06, 2013 16:44

Hi Dave,

regarding what you wrote me in Classact's thread about C-2820 vs. C-3800 Accuphase preamps:

Paul you really know your Accuphase. As for me, I'm moving on, it's just too expensive here in the US, and the resale is poor

This is the reason I have advised you to go for demo models from the previous generation. Firstly, the Accuphase dealer are greedy, e.g. I've told you the C-2410 was about to be discontinued while your dealer was assuring you that that will not happened anytime soon - he was basically lying you in your face. I had exactly the same experience here in the Netherlands with two dealers...

Secondly, while IMO Accuphase units are very competitive even at the USA/Europe retail prices, I would never pay the retail price for the latest models. This simple because
the improvements from one Accuphase generation to the other are minor and in no way justifying the price difference. As I've mentioned a few times already, I always buy demo units before or after the new models are released (1-2 months give or take). In this way I can stay "current" without breaking the bank and/or losing a fortune when reselling the units.

If you are not able to find a A-45 & C-2410 (or A-45 & C-2810) combo, just try an integrated like E-350, E-450 or E-550. IMO they will outperform the Brystons.

Finally, staying away from Accuphase might also not be such a bad idea as they are very addictive! ... look at me... :)

Best wishes,
Paul

nvp February 20, 2013 19:10

Hi Dave,

I have just seen your virtual system and I see that like me you are also into the "Done for now" thing ... How on earth can that be with all these Accuphase purchase plans? :) (I had to come up with something funny too after Glenfihi's comment).

Now leaving joke aside, did you hear the TAD Evolution 1 speakers at CES? They are probably more expensive than the Focal Scalas, but I understand from two different sources that they play wonderful with Accuphase electronics. It might not be a bad idea to go for a lesser Accuphase (even a E-460) and those TAD babies. I listen to them at Munich 2012 High End show and to me they've outclassed all speakers playing that day.

nvp January 26, 2013 21:21