[Claude]

Hi,

I'm sure this has been discussed here already, but as the search function is not available I must ask the question in a new thread.

Until a few days ago I thought the nOrh SE-9 was the ideal tube amp for my AKG K1000 headphones, but then I learned that it could not be imported into the EU because of a missing "CE" label (which certifies some european security and emission norms).

So, which alternatives are there in the $500 / 10W range? I've read many recommendations for suitable tube amps, but almost all of them are amps made in the US which are not available in a 240V version and could also have the CE label problem.

Thanks

Claude

 

[cosmopragma]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Claude Hi, I'm sure this has been discussed here already, but as the search function is not available I must ask the question in a new thread. Until a few days ago I thought the nOrh SE-9 was the ideal tube amp for my AKG K1000 headphones, but then I learned that it could not be imported into the EU because of a missing "CE" label (which certifies some european security and emission norms). So, which alternatives are there in the $500 / 10W range? I've read many recommendations for suitable tube amps, but almost all of them are amps made in the US which are not available in a 240V version and could also have the CE label problem. Thanks Claude

Arrrgghhh!!!

What the f... ??
I'm looking for an amp for my K1000, too, and the nOrh is the only amp I can afford.
Damned Eurocrats.

Anything else recommended by K1000 users is much more expensive.You have to pay 500 to have a look at them.
I've listened through an ASL MG Head OTL 32, available in central Europe for a ridiculous 800$, but though a nice sounding amp with Senns it's a bit weak for the K1000.
The K1000 were supposed to be my summer headphones, but driven by my mid-fi integrated amp they are not that good.
I think I have to sell the AKGs.
No amp, no fun.
I'm just looking at my Benchmark DAC1, imported from America.
No CE label.
Am I a criminal now?

 

[cosmopragma]

Claude,
I've just searched the net in order to find an affordable alternative.
Not much so far.
In case you are a hardcore DIYer this might be something in your price range.

 

[Swampwalker]

You might want to try the RKV MK2 amp which is manufactured in Germany. Not sure what the EU cost is, but I have to assume its cheaper than in the US.

 

[MichaelFranks]

Fisher 400 via the speaker terminals gets good reviews, I haven't had the pleasure of hearing the k1000 with mine yet, but that is the goal eventually

 

[cosmopragma]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swampwalker You might want to try the RKV MK2 amp which is manufactured in Germany. Not sure what the EU cost is, but I have to assume its cheaper than in the US.

LOL.Loud and bitter.
Nothing except food and rent is less expensive in the socialist EU.
Look at Jan Meier's website, US prize for the Audio Valve RKV (shipping included) is 1050 $, EU price is 1170$.
For me Audio Valve respective Meier Audio are just around the corner (!), you are living up to 7000 miles away.
I could use a bicycle to visit Brocksieper in Wuppertal(12 miles).
Does that mean an Earmax Pro for cheap? Never.
Same for RME soundcards, Senns, AKGs, BMWs, Mercedes-Benzs, whatever.
Sorry for the rant, but you obviously have no clue about EU socialism and its price tag.
Earn less, pay more, it's that simple.

 

[Claude]

Thanks for your replies.

I contacted the responsible person at my customs this morning, and they confirmed that the nOrh cannot be imported. Michael Barnes, the owner of nOrh told me he had never heard of such problems before, but that doesn't not help to solve my case. The nOrh will be returned (or destroyed!)

Currently I'm using the K1000's with an Electrocompaniet ECI-3 integrated Class A amp, which sounds very good as it has a slight tube sound. With all other solid state amps I have tried (Rotel, Kenwood), the sound was poor, bright and thin.

However I intended to sell the ECI-3 because it is too bulky for my headphone setup. I want to stay in the 500 Euro price range, so the RKV is too much. For 700 Euro I could get an SAC K1000 amp, which is solid state but may also be an optimal solution.

Unfortunately I am not a DIY electronics man so I cannot make use of the many intersting DIY tube amp projects which are available on the web.

 

[Swampwalker]

Cosmo- sorry, my ignorance is showing. No apology needed for the rant, its understandable. However, not sure that those who are just getting by are unhappy that food and rent are cheap. 'course that's easy for me to say, I'm lucky enough to be able to afford to feed my audiophile habitat as my heart and mind take me. With this site, ebay, and Audiogon, its pretty easy to sample what's out there on the used market and sell those you don't want.

 

[Claude]

Does anyone know or have some information on the performance of the Aurexx Crystal 1 ?

http://www.spectrumaudio.de/roehre.html

Here's another list of tube amps below $500. Any advice on some of those?

What's the ideal tube amplifier for me for max. $660 , maybe a kit ?

Thanks

 

[Quoth]

The RKV mk II might still be your safest bet, but if it's too expensive, why not go for something like a second hand low power SE tube amp. Just make sure the tubes it uses are current production (NOS tubes are very expensive...).
With a good source and amp the K1000 are probably unbeatable for the money spent (unless you are a HD650-addict).

And by the way... I think Jan Meiers EU-prices probably are chaper then the US price, since export prices normally are quoted without VAT... (and there probably are some customs charges as well...)

/Q

 

[cosmopragma]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quoth And by the way... I think Jan Meiers EU-prices probably are chaper then the US price, since export prices normally are quoted without VAT... (and there probably are some customs charges as well...) /Q

Customs fees are low between first world countries, about 3%, and there is no VAT for american buyers since american VAT(about 6 % with local differences) is a local tax, in case of mail order it is only charged if buyer and seller are living in the same state.
I can't get used to our robbers a.k.a. politicians, I'm paying about 65 % of my income for direct taxes(income tax, retirement tax, solidarity(!) tax, unemployment tax, church tax, health tax), and I have a very modest income.
Plus indirect taxes: 16% VAT, alcohol tax, sugar tax, cigarette tax, fuel tax(72 % of the fuel price are taxes), insurance tax, salt tax, and so on and on and on.

Well, you are based in Sweden, you know what I mean.
I remember Astrid Lindgren complaining about a 102(!!!) % personal income tax years ago.

Those robbers know dammned well why they established a strict weapon control legislation.

BTW, our socialist robbers are thinking about a wealth tax in order to guarantee total equality.No problem with me since under these circumstances there is no wealth in my house they could tax.

 

[cosmopragma]

Claude a.k.a. Miles,
I've just searched the german forums regarding the Aurrexx and other tube amps and I discovered that you've already did that, so nothing new for you.
I've talked to my local customs authority officer and to an import/export specialist and found that there is a solution for importing non CE certified gear.I'll post in your thread on Hifi-forum.de, more convenient to me in my native language.

 

[greenhorn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cosmopragma Customs fees are low between first world countries, about 3%,

I paid the following custom taxes in France when I bought USED headphones from US-based head-fiers.

- cans insured for $300 or so => about 65 euro custom taxes (including a bunch of administrative fees);
- cans insured for $150 or so = about 63 euro custom taxes.

Don't ask me how this was calculated.

 

[cosmopragma]

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenhorn I paid the following custom taxes in France when I bought USED headphones from US-based head-fiers. - cans insured for $300 or so => about 65 euro custom taxes (including a bunch of administrative fees); - cans insured for $150 or so = about 63 euro custom taxes. Don't ask me how this was calculated.

It wasn't mainly customs fees, it was import VAT, 20,5% in France, right?
But 80$ for a 150$ deal, that's a world class rip-off.
And I thought Germany is a tax hell, but Jeaques "the ripper" Chirac and his gang clearly topped the Schroeder mobsters.
BTW, I've purchased gear for more than 1000 $ from american head-fiers and I've payed 0 Euro customs fees or import Vat.

 

[Quoth]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cosmopragma Customs fees are low between first world countries, about 3%, and there is no VAT for american buyers since american VAT(about 6 % with local differences) is a local tax, in case of mail order it is only charged if buyer and seller are living in the same state.

Yes, Swedish people know taxes (25% VAT

), but I didn't know that about american VAT... Luckily packages slip by customs sometimes...

But if we return to the original question and not taxes (we all hate them - don't we...) Did you find a way to import the nOrh or do you still need amp advice?

/Q