Just picking up on this. How do you know that the import duties will be paid? Surely they are raised when the item enters the UK? And is the 'EU Vat Included' actually relevant to a (sadly Brexited) UK import? Not meaning to be contrary, but I'm genuinely interested in buying a Pontus II and if I thought that the overall, all-in cost to me was £1500 I would take a chance on it, but if there's a chance to be hit by further duties etc., or have to then pay UK vat on top of that, then that'd be a different story...
In an ideal world I could demo a unit, sale-or-return, for a known UK price, but having asked around it seems that most Denafrips units are special orders that then may not qualify for returns, so it's a punt in the dark either way....
All this said and done, if it genuinely is £1416 delivered, no further fees to pay, it's a very compelling option to buy direct. But I've always tried to involve UK dealers for new purchases, provided the differential isn't vast. £1900 is not a huge markup if that £1416 then requires an additional 20% UK VAT (taking it to £1700-odds for a direct import), however, but I'm not clear on this (hence my post).
Yes, as above. Since Brexit, the government set up a system where VAT can be paid by the retailer, and all vat, duty charges etc are covered in that by the retailer to avoid delays at customs etc. It works perfectly fine.
I believe that is only for EU manufactured goods coming from EU retailers? Anything made from non EU countries like Denafrips, as it is manufactured in China, is also charged import duty as well as VAT plus a handling charge.
Unbelievable that the manufacturer offers this when they have appointed a UK supplier. I am sure the UK supplier must be delighted seeing this. It also tells me all I need to know about the company...
i could sell them on ebay for £1700 and make £250 a unit. Thats actually quite tempting given their popularity…
Good luck with that one then...
Wouldn't it be more efficient, to put the magic of a DDC (wonderful what marketing can come with) right in the DAC rather than needing a separate box etc? Getting very cynical, so someone please send me a DDC so that I can be convinced of the OMGodness over my current laptop into MDAC setup.
should Vineshine try to be funny about repairs etc.
I understand they are very good when it comes to repairs, but you are going to have to pay return carriage
I don't think Muscicraft are over-charging, he is allowing customers to dem/compare against other brands, and I would think he would do a home installation for anyone not confident enough in this new fangled digital age: He's got to make a little bit for putting up the money in the first place and for his time, how many on here are working for free
There has been a lot of these Pontus units for sale as used recently according to Hifishark.
Are you surprised? Chip manufacturers are updating and changing their designs continuously so manufacturers are having to play catch up all the time. When a new chip comes out it is already out of date. Being a manufacturer of digital products is a mugs game unless you are a big company with a huge turnover...
I mentioned in my first post that return carriage would be needed if bought direct for repairs.
I don't think any mentioned anything about anyone overcharging?
I actually asked Musicraft what the benefits where buying from them, and about a returns policy, but they didn't respond.
If people feel that paying the premium is worth it for the service they receive from a UK dealer then that's their choice entirely, if they are happy doing so, nothing to lose really. No one is judging anyone on this thread I don't believe, just showing the options available for purchase.
Are Musicraft offering home demo's then of these? You mention that they are allowing people to demo etc.
For me, I don't need someone to install a DAC for me, and Im happy to take the risk regarding repairs, so I'm personally better buying direct, others would prefer to buy from a UK dealer and pay the markup, so they have that option and get whatever benefits the UK dealer offers - which is also cool.
But I am definitely thinking sbout taking the punt on doing some eBay deals on these for sure, but I fear like MHDT was, their popularity will fizzle out fairly quickly. There has been a lot of these Pontus units for sale as used recently according to Hifishark.
"I don't think any mentioned anything about anyone overcharging?" Did I say you did? My post was made to equal out the advantages/disadvantages of buying at home or abroad. I'm easy on where the individual buys from, and like you I do not need any help installing a dac. Me I'd definitely be taking the cheaper option and buying from abroad, although I don't think it would be a Deafrips model.
Actually, only one in the UK and it’s long since sold. Given that that’s a worldwide listing, going back a while, it’s really not a “LOT” at all IMHO…My apologies, I thought it was a comment directed at me
“there are a LOT in comparison to other brands with products of the same nature.
https://www.hifishark.com/search?q=DENAFRIPS
“
Actually, only one in the UK and it’s long since sold. Given that that’s a worldwide listing, going back a while, it’s really not a “LOT” at all IMHO…