Johnny dB Posted December 27, 2003 Share Posted December 27, 2003 What are the usual custom taxes due on items purchased from Canada and sent here to the States? I'm looking at purchasing an amp from someone in Canada, off Audiogon. It's a used ASL AQ1003dt. Anybody have any experience with this amp? It's the older version mfg. in '99, so no remote. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
digiphobe Posted December 27, 2003 Share Posted December 27, 2003 I've no experience with the amp, but if the sender declares a value of 200$can or less, then said item is duty free. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny dB Posted December 27, 2003 Author Share Posted December 27, 2003 that helps! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lynnm Posted December 27, 2003 Share Posted December 27, 2003 That is a pretty decent price for that amp. I have used mine for about 1 1/2 years and have been completely happy with it. Its performance is in the same league as amps retailing for far more than it does. Biasing is easily accomplished. Mine came set at about 330mv. but I checked with Joseph Lau ( designer of the amp ) and he told me that it can run safely at 450 mv. at which point it runs in pure class A almost 100% of the time - unless one starts pushing it really hard.My best guess is at that bias voltage mine remains in class A up to about 20 watts which is far more than my Klipschorns would ordinarily pull. You could easily spend a lot more and get a lot less. Shipping costs shouldn't be too bad. Use a weight for the boxed amp of about 45 lb. when checking shipping costs. If you buy it specify that the tubes be packed separately. If you have specific questions feel free to PM me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOSValves Posted December 27, 2003 Share Posted December 27, 2003 I bought my Preamp from Canada and I really do not know what Lloyd claimed its value at but I was charged zip zero nadda for duties. Craig Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dflip Posted December 28, 2003 Share Posted December 28, 2003 NOSValves Increase Dosage Total Posts: 5,206 I bought my Preamp from Canada and I really do not know what Lloyd claimed its value at but I was charged zip zero nadda for duties. ----------- A lot better than when it goes the other way, then Canada Customs ensures that us Canucks pay PST and GST on the value that is converted to Canadian $. eg. $200 US value x 1.308 = $261.60. 261.60 x 1.15 (PST, GST) = $300.84 CDN, plus shipping. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Piranha Posted December 28, 2003 Share Posted December 28, 2003 ---------------- On 12/28/2003 1:09:48 PM Dflip wrote: NOSValves Increase Dosage Total Posts: 5,206 I bought my Preamp from Canada and I really do not know what Lloyd claimed its value at but I was charged zip zero nadda for duties. ----------- A lot better than when it goes the other way, then Canada Customs ensures that us Canucks pay PST and GST on the value that is converted to Canadian $. eg. $200 US value x 1.308 = $261.60. 261.60 x 1.15 (PST, GST) = $300.84 CDN, plus shipping. ---------------- The nerve of those F%*#&RS! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dale W Posted December 28, 2003 Share Posted December 28, 2003 You guys in the states don't know how good you have it, our goverment continues to f#@k us over at every turn !!!!!!!!!!! Take your home system and double the price, thats what we pay everyday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3dzapper Posted December 28, 2003 Share Posted December 28, 2003 Yea, but you've got cheap prescription drugs, eh? Rick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dflip Posted December 29, 2003 Share Posted December 29, 2003 Yea, but you've got cheap prescription drugs, eh? ------------- At the moment, anyways! The price comparison I gave you was this year, not two years ago. Then it would have been another 15% then due to the Canadian peso at the time. As long as Bush is financing his war in Iraq, the Canadian dollar will stay higher and goods from the US are more affordable. About twice the price is pretty close for most electronics. It makes the Moondogs and amps of that ilk almost out of our price range. A seemingly reasonable $1500 becomes more like $2250. That does not include shipping, UPS fees for customs, or taxes. A very expensive toy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny dB Posted January 11, 2004 Author Share Posted January 11, 2004 OK, Another question regarding duties from Canada. I received the ASL amp I bought from someone off Audiogon, on Thurs. Today, I get a bill from Purolator. It says the duties I owe are $48 bucks, ouch. That really sucks considering the amount was stated as $600CND or about $465 US. Now the bill says theres a Brokerage fee of $18 and $30 in Surety Bond Fee. 24% interest after 7 days! Anybody know what happens if I don't pay this? Should I expect Mounties at my door? I'm sure I'll pay it, but was just wondering if these are disputable. I got a decent price on the ASL. It looks and sounds great, so I don't mind too much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audio Flynn Posted January 11, 2004 Share Posted January 11, 2004 When the Canadians legalize weed the tax situation for reasonable transactions will be lower. They are waiting for that weed breathalizer to be perfected. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny dB Posted January 11, 2004 Author Share Posted January 11, 2004 When Canadians legalize weed, there will be a stoner migration north. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lynnm Posted January 11, 2004 Share Posted January 11, 2004 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lynnm Posted January 11, 2004 Share Posted January 11, 2004 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny dB Posted January 11, 2004 Author Share Posted January 11, 2004 Lynn... you choking on your bong? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lynnm Posted January 11, 2004 Share Posted January 11, 2004 Sheesh ! Sometimes this BB software is flakier than a car load of croissants ! Third attempt follows: Glad to hear you got the AQ ! I'm listening to The Joe Wilder Quartet "Music From Peter Gunn" via the AQ and my Khorns as I type. Bias that puppy at 450 mv. and it will operate in Class A virtually all the time. I have been in communication with Joseph Lau who designed this gem of ours and that was his recommendation. He did also warn that that bias voltage drives the EL34's rather hard but gives the nicest sound. What speakers are you using ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
louis Posted January 11, 2004 Share Posted January 11, 2004 I HAD SAME THING HAPPEN WITH UPS I PAID IT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny dB Posted January 11, 2004 Author Share Posted January 11, 2004 They are currently hooked up to my '84 Khorns. Sounds wonderful for sure. Thanks for the bias tip. I'll do that right now. Do I need to bias when I'm changing the 12au7 tubes as well? Can you sub 12ax7 for the 12au7? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lynnm Posted January 11, 2004 Share Posted January 11, 2004 ---------------- On 1/11/2004 1:17:57 AM Johnny dB wrote: They are currently hooked up to my '84 Khorns. Sounds wonderful for sure. Thanks for the bias tip. I'll do that right now. Do I need to bias when I'm changing the 12au7 tubes as well? Can you sub 12ax7 for the 12au7? ---------------- I really don't know but I am sure someone will answer that for you. The AQ comes stock with JJ preamp tubes and they are very highly regarded.Changing them might well be counterproductive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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