Anybody attempted a complete 5.1 or 7.1 speaker setup import?

[desertfox]

If yes, how was your experience? I'd think a decent brand speaker setup would weigh no less than 150 kgs. Did you use a freight forwarder or a company like Fedex? What is the cheapest way to get a 5.1 package ?

Thanks

 

[Santy]

Shipping 150 kgs of audio stuff might cost a fortune (ofcourse relative to your budget of speakers). Must be around a lakh rupees + customs. If you are talking about satellites type HTiB, it would be much lesser, since the weight would be far less than what you have in mind, about say 25kg. So will be the cost of the product itself, which makes it more feasible to import.

 

[sandip_d]

FM jatinmalhotra bought the entire 5.1 speaker setup+AV Processor+ 5 Ch power amp directly from emotiva a few years back. You can check this,
http://www.hifivision.com/what-should-i-buy/16525-5-1-search-ending-emotiva-setup-6.html

 

[Decadent_Spectre]

The cheapest route to importing heavy equipment is to ask the company you are buying from for a shipping quote using freight companies where they usually have an account and can get you cheaper quotes. DHL/Fedex usually work out to be more expensive.

I've imported equipment that has tipped over 250 kgs for one shipment, I would recommend DB Schenker whom I have used multiple times for heavy shipments. Please note these are freight services and usually only provide delivery to the airport, it is your responsibility to clear them from customs and arrange for local transport to your home/office. Customs duty needs to be paid which is separate from the freight charge. If you are willing to make all the necessary payments usually there are no issues so calculate your final costs before hand and I would suggest being prepared to possibly shell out another 5-10% for unexpected expenses.

Here is a rough break up of possible costs -

Item price.
Air/Sea freight.
Insurance.
Customs.
Clearing fees.
Local transport to home/office.

Hope this helps.

 

[desertfox]

Great info. Thanks guys. BTW do you need an IEC code to do the import?