Adam s3a - switchable voltage?

[Marlowe]

I have an opportunity to buy these monitors at a nice price from a dealer in Europe. However, I am concerned that they will be the European voltage and will require a step up converter for use on US power. Are the s3a's voltage switchable?

Also, does anyone know if there are any duties, taxes or tariffs on something like this coming into the US?

Thanks,

Marlowe

[Killahurts]

Hey, I went and looked back there for ya. Mine have a voltage selector on the back- 115 or 230.

[DirkB]

And man, these babies are fantastic mix speakers thumbsup .

Good luck,
Dirk

[Fletcher]

It's your thing... but understand that warranty and support on the product stays in Europe... so you'll be doing some trans-Atlantic shipping if you need amplifier work, etc.

Just a "heads up"... nothing more, nothing less.

And yeah... the voltage is easily switchable right on the back of the amplifiers

[Bryce]

Originally Posted by Marlowe

does anyone know if there are any duties, taxes or tariffs on something like this coming into the US?

I believe there are. I certainly have to pay a bunch of duty and taxes on the ones I import (not to mention the shipping fees).

Contact your shipper - they'll be able to tell you what to expect.

Originally Posted by Fletcher

understand that warranty and support on the product stays in Europe... so you'll be doing some trans-Atlantic shipping if you need amplifier work, etc.

Correct.

dB
ADAM Audio USA

[sysexguy]

In post 9/11 America, there have been several changes to US import procedure that are severe deterents for businesses (fines and penalties for incorrect documents etc.) in Europe (or us in Canada) to ship to customers the USA especially for higher value items.

Andy

[barefoot]

Originally Posted by Bryce

I certainly have to pay a bunch of duty and taxes on the ones I import (not to mention the shipping fees).

I'm pretty sure that for consumer purchases of finished electronic gear from Europe there are no duties on the US side. However, he will have to pay the Value-Added-Tax for the country the retailer is located in. The minimum is 15% across Europe, but most countries charge 17% to 19%. Denmark and Sweden are a whopping 25% !

Along with shipping and the unfavorable exchange rate, it might not turn out to be much of a 'nicer price' than just purchasing it here in the US - not to mention the warranty issue Fletcher mentioned.

Thomas

[sysexguy]

Actually, the exporter does not need to charge the VAT if he can prove the goods are being shipped to a non EU country (like the USA). Upon entry to the USA, there is a duty fee of and a duty surcharge of + brokerage fees + if applicable, storage fees while the goods clear customs. When we were importing guitar amps from the UK, I had a document problem at JFK that resulted in a $1500 storage bill (after I negotiated it down from.....). In Canada, sales taxes are added as well and some states may be implementing similar practices (this I'm only speculating). Already there are some states with interstate sales tax agreements. If this is wrong, expect it to change in the future (governements like free money when it can be grabbed easily).

Andy

[Marlowe]

Right, the VAT does not apply to goods coming into the US. I found out the taxes due will be about $250.

Originally Posted by sysexguy

Actually, the exporter does not need to charge the VAT if he can prove the goods are being shipped to a non EU country (like the USA). Upon entry to the USA, there is a duty fee of and a duty surcharge of + brokerage fees + if applicable, storage fees while the goods clear customs. When we were importing guitar amps from the UK, I had a document problem at JFK that resulted in a $1500 storage bill (after I negotiated it down from.....). In Canada, sales taxes are added as well and some states may be implementing similar practices (this I'm only speculating). Already there are some states with interstate sales tax agreements. If this is wrong, expect it to change in the future (governements like free money when it can be grabbed easily).

Andy