Fractal Audio Systems AM4 - Amp Modeler

[Melodioso]

Anyone got theirs from G66 in Europe ?

On a side note, I understand that an importer (G66 here) must make a living. But the AM4 costs EUR 899 in Germany, the equivalent of USD 1050. That's 38% more expensive than buying it in the US (with taxes, the AM4 is approx. USD 760).

Comparatively, the Helix Stadium is USD 2340 at Sweetwater and EUR 2300 = USD 2680 in Europe, so 15% more expensive.

So, buying in Europe vs USA:

• Fractal AM4: +38%
• Line 6 Helix Stadium: +15%

???

 

[Richard_G]

The European price is EUR 755.- excluding VAT and any duties, but incl. a 3-year warranty. A 3 year warranty buying from Fractal in the US can be added, but is an additional USD 69.99. As you point out, G66 also has to cover their costs and make a living, which contribute to why it is still higher than a direct conversion of USD 699 (or USD 769 with extended warranty) to EUR.

Of course I wish it was a bit cheaper from G66 or that we could choose to buy directly from Fractal. But things are the way they are. So I’ve put in my order with G66.

(PS: Do also keep in mind that many in the US will have to pay sales tax on top of the price shown on the Fractal site.)

 

[Aleksi]

The European price is EUR 755.- excluding VAT and any duties, but incl. a 3-year warranty. A 3 year warranty buying from Fractal in the US can be added, but is an additional USD 69.99. As you point out, G66 also has to cover their costs and make a living, which is an additional reason why it is still higher than a direct conversion of USD 699 (or USD 769 with extended warranty) to EUR.

Of course I wish it was a bit cheaper from G66 or that we could choose to buy directly from Fractal. But things are the way they are. So I’ve put in my order with G66.

It's odd that just recently they were able to sell the VP4 for 100€ less. Then the AM4 came out and was priced 100€ higher than the VP4. Fractal said they were looking into it. Then suddenly the VP4 price went up match the AM4.

Maybe the cost of living in Germany shot right up the moment the AM4 was released

 

[PhilA]

For once I agree on pricing. For me in the UK I’m ok (not happy but not upset) with the £789 price tag for a premium product from a smaller company who don’t have as much leeway as Bigger boys when it comes to economies of scale. At least Fractal took this onboard and actually checked with G66 (there is a thread over on the Fractal board)
Words I never thought I’d write I want to pay less dammit

 

[Ed DeGenaro]

The European price is EUR 755.- excluding VAT and any duties, but incl. a 3-year warranty. A 3 year warranty buying from Fractal in the US can be added, but is an additional USD 69.99. As you point out, G66 also has to cover their costs and make a living, which is an additional reason why it is still higher than a direct conversion of USD 699 (or USD 769 with extended warranty) to EUR.

Of course I wish it was a bit cheaper from G66 or that we could choose to buy directly from Fractal. But things are the way they are. So I’ve put in my order with G66.

I would prefer the US price obviously. But the reality is that currently the exchange rate is just whack while America is set on devaluing their currency.
When it’s 1:1 then it makes a lot more sense.
1:.84 is a different story.

The other thing is the insane sales tax in EU.
In Germany it’s 19%, which is insane enough. Now having had to pay for Hungarian sales tax is next level. 27%.
So that 755€ item becomes with shipping 954€.

But it used to be worse. I used to read UK gear mags the price of Mesas literally was the same in £ as in $.
Even though it was 2:1.

So a MkIV or T-verb were 1795€ in the US were the same as in £.
So it literally cost twice as much.

A Chinese Tyler in the US is 1800 bucks. Same in EU in € plus tax

 

[Melodioso]

The European price is EUR 755.- excluding VAT and any duties, but incl. a 3-year warranty.

 

[Richard_G]

What’s your point? That EUR 899.- price is including VAT. The German 19 pct. VAT, I presume.

 

[Melodioso]

The other thing is the insane sales tax in EU.

Yes, sales taxes in EU are high, but they apply consistently and equally to both Line 6 and Fractal Audio. Yet:
Buying in Europe vs USA:

• Fractal AM4: +38%
• Line 6 Helix Stadium: +15%

From a consumer point of view, whether I buy from Thomann or G66 makes no difference to me.

Anyway, back to the initial question: Anyone got theirs from G66 in Europe ?

 

[TheTrueZoltan!]

Yes, sales taxes in EU are high, but they apply consistently and equally to both Line 6 and Fractal Audio. Yet:
Buying in Europe vs USA:

• Fractal AM4: +38%
• Line 6 Helix Stadium: +15%

From a consumer point of view, whether I buy from Thomann or G66 makes no difference to me.

Anyway, back to the initial question: Anyone got theirs from G66 in Europe ?

I received an email from them stating that they are expecting a substantial delivery this morning and will commence shipping the devices on Thursday (which is tomorrow). I hope to receive my AM4 by the weekend.

And once again regarding the price: Yes, I also view it with a critical eye, as the mark-up is significantly higher in percentage terms than for other Fractal devices (see my post here). However, @Fractal M@ took these concerns seriously, contacted G66 about it and came to the conclusion that the price is indeed justified. I am inclined to believe him, as Fractal has no interest in letting their European distributor sell the devices at a higher price than necessary, because it would deter potential customers and therefore hurt their business.

 

[Richard_G]

Anyway, back to the initial question: Anyone got theirs from G66 in Europe ?

I don’t think they have started to ship from G66 yet.

 

[Ed DeGenaro]

Yes, sales taxes in EU are high, but they apply consistently and equally to both Line 6 and Fractal Audio. Yet:
Buying in Europe vs USA:

• Fractal AM4: +38%
• Line 6 Helix Stadium: +15%

From a consumer point of view, whether I buy from Thomann or G66 makes no difference to me.

Anyway, back to the initial question: Anyone got theirs from G66 in Europe ?

I paid my G66 invoice yesterday. Was told it’ll ship Thursday or Friday.