I had my Oppo BDP-83 bought locally 2 years back from authorized dealer in CT. I new I could get it from overseas cheaper but...decided to pay more and have multizone/multiregion hardware conversion already installed. Also I did not have time to wait for overseas delivery and purchase hardware unlock separately, then fit it in, etc... Would I do it again, probably not. I would rather go on-line purchase route and took associated risk considering substantial savings.
I do not get that much excited about SA audio equipment pricing. If any particular retailer sells for price I consider too high or outrageous, I simply don't buy from him and look for alternative source. If he manages to sell and sustain sales at such high price, well, good for him. It means he did his market research well and sells for price public is willing to pay. If he cannot sell at high price, then he has to either drop a price or drop a product.
I think consumer situation in SA is getting better and better due to international on-line shopping. Sure, not all audio goods are available for on-line purchase but most of them are, with exception of some very high end products. But those who can afford multi thousand dollar price probably can afford equivalent multi thousand rand price from local reseller.
