A question about valve amps?

Question

I am looking for a present for a friend and am thinking about buying an amp from a Hong Kong seller. This is the link to the site:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=020&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=300134160622&rd=1&rd=1

Does anyone know whether they are any or had any experience buying from overseas sellers?

Answer 1

So they reckon it's worth £400 and they're selling it for a tenner? Doesn't that even seem slightly suspicious?

Oh, and the warranty will be completely useless. If the amp fails, YOU will have to pay to send it back to China (about £80). They will then request that you pay a further £50 to get it sent back here - all this is assuming they even bother to honour the warranty in the first place: which is very unlikely. They are 4,000 miles away, what can you do if they don't?

Many U.K., European and American hi-fi manufacturers have their kit built in China, but under VERY strict safety and quality control. The sort of cheap 'n' nasty Chinese electricals you see advertised on eBay are not made to those same safety standards. Do you really want to take the risk?

There are some marvellous valve amps being made in the U.K. right now. Do yourself (and your friend) a favour and buy one over here.

Answer 2

His feedback seems mostly god & genuine - though note that the first one is for an item similar to the one you are looking at that never showed up.....
Personally i have had items not show up from far east sellers so avoid anyone outside this country now as i dont think they can be trusted even when they look genuine.