shipping speakers to Australia?

makdownunder
makdownunder Posts: 13
edited December 2011 in Speakers
Does anyone know much about shipping costs to Australia.
I am considering purchasing Polk Audio Lsi15 speakers from America and shipping to Australia.
Anyone had any experience shipping/freighting speakers and the roughly the cost involved?
Post edited by makdownunder on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Syndil
    Syndil Posts: 1,582
    edited December 2011
    They would be considered oversized, so you're looking in the neighborhood of $1000 USD to ship the pair.

    RT-12, CS350-LS, PSW-300, Infinity Overture 1, Monoprice RC-65i
    Adcom GFA-545II, GFA-6000, Outlaw Audio 990, Netgear NeoTV
    Denon DCM-460, DMD-1000, Sony BDP-360, Bravia KDL-40Z4100/S
    Monster AVL-300, HTS-2500 MKII
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited December 2011
    I used BAX global to ship mine to Japan. Each speaker was 100 or so shipped. Customs hit me 8000 yen for the pair on duties, import tax. SVS shipped my subs the same way, charged me roughly 200 per sub if I remember correctly. Maybe even 300 or so. You can do it, just do your homework. Bax Global was the cheapest back then ( 5 yrs ago), UPS, FED EX freight, may be a tad more competitive now.

    I would also check out freight forwarder BonVu

    http://www.bonvu.com/en/home?gclid=CKyzxZ-t5qwCFUdNpgod30XKJg
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,990
    edited December 2011
    I've used BAX mind you for a shorter haul but my speaks arrived in primo condition. Seems to me your risk of damage greatly improves with distance and in your case, is quit long. Insurance would be key here.

    Incidently, what do you plan on driving the LSI's with ?
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rebuy
    rebuy Posts: 695
    edited December 2011
    Don't they have Polk speakers there?
    I think I've seen post from down under and they had Polks.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,729
    edited December 2011
    makdownunder wrote: »
    Does anyone know much about shipping costs to Australia.
    I am considering purchasing Polk Audio Lsi15 speakers from America and shipping to Australia.
    Anyone had any experience shipping/freighting speakers and the roughly the cost involved?

    You can buy them down under, http://www.polkaudio.com/dealerlocator/international-listings.php?country=Australia&type=Home
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited December 2011
    F1nut wrote: »
    You can buy them down under, http://www.polkaudio.com/dealerlocator/international-listings.php?country=Australia&type=Home

    Looking at some prices back there and I can see why one would want to import. $ Your talking 2499.99 for a pair of RTiA9's at MSRP. He'd still save a ton of coin by ordering in the USA and importing. As mentioned insurance is key there. Good find F1, didn't know Polk had dealers in Aussie.
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • makdownunder
    makdownunder Posts: 13
    edited December 2011
    Thanks for all the tips, yeah will definitely buy insurance on my speakers when shipping.
    In Australia we totally get ripped off. Thats why instead of spending $3000 and getting RTi 7 home theatre systems i can upgrade
    substantially to get LSi15 home theatre systems in America for the same price.
    Even paying $1000 in shipping costs would be worth it.

    As for powering my new LSi 4 ohm speakers i am looking at--YAMAHA AVENTAGE RX-A1010 AUD$1,799.
    Now another thing i have realised is that the voltage system in Malaysia and Hong Kong is the same as Australia--240V.
    In Australia it only comes in black---However in Hong Kong and Malayasia it comes in Black, Silver and Gold.
    So most likely going to get the Silver one in Hong Kong --probably for half the price and then ship it again.
    Damn i am spending a lot of coin!
    Does the Yamaha Adventage series come in different colours in America? On the website it looks like only black like Australia.

    Also i hope it can drive my LSi15's ---will look into a power amp in the future.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • makdownunder
    makdownunder Posts: 13
    edited December 2011
    To Sherardp ---thanks for tip using BAX. Where are you in japan? Eigo sensei desu ka?
    i lived in Osaka for 5 years teaching English. Good thing in Japan and America you use 100 Volts.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited December 2011
    Nope I'm not an English teacher, good Japanese though. HA! I am Regional Manager for Asia Pacific regarding John Deere mil product. So I travel a bit, to include Australia. Been all over the Gold Coast, Sydney, Perth and Brisbane.
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,990
    edited December 2011
    Don't drive them all with a receiver if you value your investment. Get a seperate amp from the get go for them.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • makdownunder
    makdownunder Posts: 13
    edited December 2011
    i am a newbie when it comes to all this.

    Why wouldnt the YAMAHA AVENTAGE RX-A1010 be good enough when it can handle 4 ohms?

    If i have an AV receiver and would like to get an extra amp under $1000 what would you guys recommend?
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Syndil
    Syndil Posts: 1,582
    edited December 2011
    IMO if you're going to get a separate amp, don't get a receiver at all. Get a home theater pre/pro. Emotiva UMC-1 can be had for $500 US right now, for example. Many other good ones to choose from. Saves you from spending money on an amp section that you'll never use, as well as the heat it generates.

    RT-12, CS350-LS, PSW-300, Infinity Overture 1, Monoprice RC-65i
    Adcom GFA-545II, GFA-6000, Outlaw Audio 990, Netgear NeoTV
    Denon DCM-460, DMD-1000, Sony BDP-360, Bravia KDL-40Z4100/S
    Monster AVL-300, HTS-2500 MKII
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,729
    edited December 2011
    makdownunder wrote: »
    Why wouldnt the YAMAHA AVENTAGE RX-A1010 be good enough when it can handle 4 ohms?

    Generally, when an AVR is rated to drive 4 ohm loads in order to do that the power output is actually less than the rated power output for an 8 ohm load because AVR's do not have a very good power supply. They have to cut the power output to save the damn thing from cooking itself. Most power amps (not AVR's) will increase the rated power output into a 4 ohm load, up to twice the rated power output of an 8 ohm load.

    Regardless of the speaker load an AVR is never a good choice for listening to music because it is much more demanding than a movie sound track.

    Hmmm...I decided to check the specs on that Yamaha and it is not rated to drive 4 ohm loads at all. In fact, they only show the ratings for 2 channels driven @ 8 ohms and only at 1kHz. With 5 or 7 channels driven the power output rating will drop considerably. The dynamic power rating they show is a joke, ignore it.
    Rated Output Power (1kHz, 2ch driven) 120W (8ohms, 0.9% THD)
    Rated Output Power (20Hz-20kHz, 2ch driven) 110W (8ohms, 0.06% THD)
    Dynamic Power per Channel (8/6/4/2 ohms) 135/165/210/280 W

    That Emotiva UMC-1 mentioned is a piece of junk, to be avoided at any cost.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Syndil
    Syndil Posts: 1,582
    edited December 2011
    F1nut wrote: »
    That Emotiva UMC-1 mentioned is a piece of junk, to be avoided at any cost.

    Hardly constructive criticism and I disagree. Nevertheless, if considering a pre/pro--as with any piece of gear--one should do their homework. Earlier firmware versions of the UMC-1 did have a few bugs to work through, but it has always been a very solid performer for both audio and video. Of course if the budget allows, you could always go for one of the more expensive usual suspects from Marantz, Integra, et al.

    RT-12, CS350-LS, PSW-300, Infinity Overture 1, Monoprice RC-65i
    Adcom GFA-545II, GFA-6000, Outlaw Audio 990, Netgear NeoTV
    Denon DCM-460, DMD-1000, Sony BDP-360, Bravia KDL-40Z4100/S
    Monster AVL-300, HTS-2500 MKII
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BeefJerky
    BeefJerky Posts: 1,320
    edited December 2011
    F1nut wrote: »
    Regardless of the speaker load an AVR is never a good choice for listening to music because it is much more demanding than a movie sound track.
    Wow, what a sweeping generalization, and not even accurate at that. Are all AVR's good for music? No. However, a good one paired with speakers that it can drive properly can be very good for music, as long as the user is not expecting concert hall levels.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,729
    edited December 2011
    Hardly constructive criticism

    From what I've seen it is still full of bugs. Constructive enough?
    Wow, what a sweeping generalization, and not even accurate at that. Are all AVR's good for music? No. However, a good one paired with speakers that it can drive properly can be very good for music, as long as the user is not expecting concert hall levels.

    It's dead accurate. However, it seems your standards are considerably lower than mine, so I understand why you might think using an AVR for music is acceptable.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • makdownunder
    makdownunder Posts: 13
    edited December 2011
    Unfortunately i am restricted in what i can buy from america. Speakers are awesome but anything that needs to be plugged into a power socket is a no go in Australia as we use 240Volts.

    So i was thinking of using the YAMAHA AVENTAGE RX-A1010 for surround sound Home theatre use. In the future i will be looking at adding a power amp to it---was wondering what is recommended under $1000.

    But some of you guys are saying the YAMAHA AVENTAGE RX-A1010 will not be good for listening to music and watching movies?

    So my situation is this:
    Getting my friend in America to buy the Lsi15 home theatre system for movies and music. She will be shipping to Australia--probably going to cost me $1000 for shipping.

    My dilemma now is to buy an AV receiver or whatever i have to in order enjoy movies and music.
    My budget is preferably under $2000 after paying for the speakers---what should i be getting to compliment my new polk audio Lsi15 speaker system?
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • makdownunder
    makdownunder Posts: 13
    edited December 2011
    As for the suggestion of Emotiva UMC-1--i have emailed Emotiva to see if they have 240V for use in Australia.
    THanks for the tip.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,990
    edited December 2011
    There is no receiver that will drive a full surround sound setup of 4 ohm speakers, shy of some top of the line 3 grand receivers and even then it's not optimal. If you can't get an amp maybe move down to rtia7's which your receiver should handle well. Do what you wish, but be informed that you do run a higher risk of doing damage to the speakers or receiver or both. Just saying is all.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • makdownunder
    makdownunder Posts: 13
    edited December 2011
    so if i have a receiver, how many extra amps would i need to drive LSi theatre system?
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,729
    edited December 2011
    One 5 channel amp.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • makdownunder
    makdownunder Posts: 13
    edited December 2011
    thanks everyone for all the tips. When i receive my speakers most likely i will be posting again for how to plug everything into receiver and amp!
    Also is it true that polk audio will stop producing the LSi series now they have the new LSiM series?
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jmos
    jmos Posts: 40
    edited December 2011
    Try Westcoast Hifi Rockingham/Perth Western Australia

    http://www.westcoasthifi.com.au/store-rockingham.php
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jayu969
    jayu969 Posts: 112
    Have someone interested in shipping some to Australia..suggestions on the best/most economical options would be appreciated.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter