express 5:50 dilemma!!!-to buy or not to buy in Italy

[askme28]

I have been planning on buying the Express 5:50 for a while. However, I live in Italy, and the local music store wants 1,500 Euros ($2000 U.S) for it. It's the floor model, and the price is actually 1,800 Euros ($2460 U.S). It will be my first Mesa Boogie amp, and I am pretty sure it's the model I want (originally wanted the Lonestar Special), but the price seems to be preventing me from making the purchase.
I am an American citizen, and come to the States once a year during the summers, and could pick up a used one (there aren't that many around, actually; I have only seen one on craig's list, and a couple more on Ebay) for less than half the price.
My main concerns are if I buy in the U.S. are:
1)converting the power source to 240 (I have been told it's not that complicated)
2) having to transport it (would definitely need a case, or some sort of armor)

In a nutshell, would all this hassle be worth the money saved? Should I just break down and pay that way-too expensive price?
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated

 

[Newysurfer]

hey - no-one can answer you question for you IMHO.
Only you can decide whether the US option is worth your while.
You'll need a voltage converter and there's the cost of shipping it to Italy.
It would have to go in a hard container.
Only you can price those things

 

[UKBoogieboy]

I would say NO WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You will pay a massive amount in custom duties which will make it even more expense than in Italy, you need a flight case which are very expensive for a good one, you will have to pay the shipping, It will be banged about and might not work when you get it. Then you can't take it back to the shop. ITS A BAD IDEA.

 

[UKBoogieboy]

You say you might be able to get it for 1500 Euros? Thats cheaper than here in the UK, they are no more expensive in Italy. They are cheap in the USA because they are made there, remember Americans pay more for Marshall then we do.

And I read a post from an American asking which is the better amp Laney or Mesa Boogie, I couldn't believe it, thats like asking if they should buy a mini or a Ferrari, AND THE SAME PRICE DIFFERENCE! You can buy about 3 Laney LC50's for one Express. BUT in America the Boogies are cheap and Laney is more expensive than in the UK so it evens out.

 

[EtherealWidow]

Oranges and Diezels are much more expensive here too. Oh, and ENGL's.

 

[askme28]

Thanks for all your feedback!!
A friend is trying to convince be to buy the 5:50 head in the States, and build my own cabinet here ( purchasing the speaker in the U.S., of course). I can bring the head onto the plane as my carry on, and eliminate risk of damage, having to buy a case, and the cost of overweight baggage.
However, could I just plug it in with an adapter or would I need a converter. Computers have it built in. Is there a reason why amps don't?
The local store wants 1,700 euro for the 1x12 5:50 express. As much as I want the tone, the price (when converted to U.S. dollars) seems excessive.
Should I just tell myself life is short, go big or go home, and shell out the dough?
Thanks again for being there.

 

[EtherealWidow]

Dude if it seems too expensive to you then I honestly wouldn't buy it. I know it's an answer probably a lot of people on here would disagree with, but realistically, there is a limit for what I'm willing to pay for an amp. God bless you European Mesa Boogie fans. I'm just saying, if I lived in Australia where a new MKV costs around $4,000 I think, I'd say screw it. And you don't necessarily have to build your own cab. Depending on what you're looking for Boogafunk makes quality stuff at pretty good prices. I'm going to get a custom, loaded Thiele from him for about $420 (Shipping included.) He's a really great guy to talk to. Shot back emails with him like 2-3 times a day for about a week asking about the cabs.