Dear CNU,
First of all I would like to say, using a Step down transformer in the chain is no harm as long as it is rightly sized. Cause any amplifier has got a transformer built in to reduce the voltage to 12V -24V mostly. So as long as you use a correctly rated Step down there is no harm. Only matter is in case you want to sell it in future you will be stuck that the stigma of step down will hold back the buyer (of course not me). Having used couple of Accuphase amps I am sure they can be voltage converted internally of course it needs hard wiring and soldering but I am not sure about the recent models.
With regard to the sound signature you will like it I know (I could tell you this after having talked to you so long in the recent past), More over this is the only high end integrated comes with tone control so you can adjust it to your requirement (I will not attribute it to true stereo listening as you are adding colour to the music) still you can bye pass it also.
When it comes to importing accuphase I found eby.de is the best site and it is better to wait for a good deal and go for a kill. It would be still viable if you can go to Germany and bring it in person than getting it shipped, cause the freight and the duty are the killer.
As pointed out by a member importing an amplifier with out knowing or not having an audition for its signature is a kind of risk only, cause if it not suites your taste then you have to start all over again and the first peril is to find a buyer for it (like I am stuck with my Symphonic Line, may be Accuphase should be a hot sell. still looking at Manav's E460 we have to be doubly sure about Indian high end market).
Servicing - don't worry especially with Accuphase it is very easy. All the high end components are available online for import (That situation seldom come with Accuphase or any other High end product as long as we don't abuse them). The only criteria in Stereo amps is, you have to change the components in both the channels at the same time even if it is good in one of the channels to ensure balance and staging.
In the chain of a building a Stereo or HT set up first comes is the Speaker cause these are the ones which does not require any up grade as technologically no big science is going to happen. So fix on your Speakers first exactly to your Sound signature requirement and size then rest of the things will fall in line. This is the hard lesson I have learnt after changing many speakers and amps together and losing lot of vitamin M and more so over advised by any audio advisors. Source and source material can be changed / upgraded any time as it is a ever changing / evolving technology and needs constant upgrade.
You had mentioned a figure for the landing cost of an Accuphase amp from ebay.de I think you have to included the duty of 36% on the CIF. So be sure to arrive at the landing cost correctly for not any surprises later. You had also mentioned that the seller in ebay is offering 6 months warranty AFAIK no ebay seller has offered warranty across the borders so he may be a spammer or he is confident nothing will happen to Accuphase so he is offering warranty with a gut feeling. If you can give the link of the seller I can ascertain whether it is genuine of fake. None of the on line web site is serene and ebay is no exception.
Though you have lot of options at 2L budget in India, when it comes to integrated Accuphase is Accuphase no doubt. Still a good Pre - Power combo can comfortably blow Accuphase in all fronts so think that option also before you decide.
Finally to say all this research will not be final and am sure you will be caught up with upgrade virus and your hunt will ever end.
GOOD LUCK.
Thanks,
R. Balagopalan.
