K.T.
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2003
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Anyone from the US already have these S680s - did anyone have to pay duty/custom fees when purchasing from a re-seller on Amazon?
Hi.
When I got mine off of Amazon, I paid the asking price and they arrived at my door a short time later. I think it was from Ace Japan and cost something like $68. I didn't have to deal with any taxes, duties, etc. outside the price I paid at purchase.
Incidentally, my S680s have turned the corner. If you recall, they were sounding horribly congested and there was some speculation that they were damaged from too much/loud burn-in or from moisture.
Well two nights ago I inserted them into my bedroom system and the sound cleared right up. It had the same initial beguiling quality I heard at the very start, but they were now several steps further along in terms of clarity and refinement.
I think the worrisome muddiness was a middle stage in the burn-in process.
Maybe one reason for the muddy sound, too, was that I was listening right after hours long burn-in sessions. Maybe the drivers needed to relax or recover from those long stretches of action? Anyhow, I'm liking them much better now.
I went back to my S400 to compare. Whereas the S400s had pulled ahead before, the recovered S680s were now clearly a notch above. Both had their strong points, though, and each is different enough to recommend.
Still, I think the S680s have a little longer to go: while things are clearing up and sounding good, I don't feel like the bass quantity is quite there yet. It could be a little more plentiful and impactful.