Pioneer 520H - unjustified price downunder ???

[blinky88]

I want to buy a Pioneer 520H but the price in Australia is $900+ whereas the price in the USA is $440 which converts to around AU$570. Under these circumstances, I cannot afford paying the asking price in Australia however I would buy at $570.

While I'm on the subject, can does anyone know the difference between the 520HS and the 520H.

Comments would very much appreciated, thanks to those who respond.

[Frobozz]

I believe the S refers to the color of the case: silver.

[blinky88]

Frobozz,

I do not think the S stands for Silver as the 520H is Silver.

[NamPla]

Have you looked at some of the bulk warehouse places around town? I've found $200-$300 discounts at some of these places - eg Panasales, Digital Centre, etc.

But yes, for sure, the discrepancy in retail prices here is a joke. There should be international laws against it.

[nic2k4]

It's not just in Australia. I was looking for a Panasonic DMR85, Future Shop lists it for $900 (same price at Best Buy, they own FS). Sure, it's been on sale for as low as $550, but usually the sale price is $650. I found it at ecost.com for $502, but I finally got it from tigerdirect.ca for $540.

[donpedro]

Isn't there in Australia PAL system ??? US models are NTSC only. On the other hand PAL models (at least in EU) can play NTSC disc too.

[lumis]

i think everything is more expensive in australia. americans have make more money, buy more things, and get stuff cheaper.. kind of unfair.

[NamPla]

A bit OT (sorry) but Liteon 5005's are on sale at Strathfield's for only AUS$299 'til 8th May!

[blinky88]

Although the LiteOn tech support is the ..BEST (OUTSTANDING) I have had the pleasure of dealing with, I am holding out for a price drop on the Pioneer 520H. I intend contacting Pioneer Australia and try to establish why prices in Australia are so different from those in the USA. If everyone wanting to buy the 520H was to make the same enquiry perhaps it may bring about a change to their current price structure downunder.

[siratfus]

It's not just in Australia. I was looking for a Panasonic DMR85, Future Shop lists it for $900 (same price at Best Buy, they own FS). Sure, it's been on sale for as low as $550, but usually the sale price is $650. I found it at ecost.com for $502, but I finally got it from tigerdirect.ca for $540.

That is still a lot to pay for the DMR85, the newer model DMR-E95hs is selling for $350 by reputable vendors on ebay. And for awhile, it was for $334 at buy.com

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