Well, i actually purchased a mid end Japan Sharp Series online. Save all those reseller fees by handling the purchased and parcel forwarding to SG via SEA.... Total damaged control @less than $400 to avoid tax.
I can't get a similar specification with the price i paid for if hoot @SG.
Not sure how much a grey set A50 would cost locally though, maybe S$450? If you are saying that you are able to get the Sharp A50 or similar at say S$$200-250 shipping inclusive from overseas, then yeah that's another story.....but I think that's highly unlikely. Coz you add the transformer + electrical losses over time, that's another $100 total.
In fact for the power hungry 110V units, it's going to cost even more for the conversion, over a few years duration.
I am trying to get hold of a Sharp A40 for my parents' place as they are taking care of my youngest kid during weekdays. But just no stock now, actually if don't want warranty at your neighbourhood shops, the lowest I could get is at $345 through my father in law's contact (which my bro in law did get 2 units @ $360 last year) for grey units. Last time sales I think i saw $389 at BEST Denki but of coz that's last year.
So IMO, with a $50-60 transformer with PSB certification sticker + transformer losses and what nots if you operate it for many hrs (about $50 for 6 years), really no point. Just pay a bit more.
If I can't secure the A40, then prob going for the Novita NAP501 which is like the A40..... $299 + free H13 filter.
Seems like today starting to get hazy again...
NB. The PSB certification sticker really means a lot to me. The fire risk is really no joke - my downstairs neighbour lost some 50k on reno just before CNY this year. Just last year in the other air purifier thread during PSI 401 period, we were joking/debating that transformers are super matured and 99.999999% safe something like that, confirm no problem one.
Just check the Amazon 1-2 star reviews on the transformers.
Of coz, ultimately, this is own risk and own decision. Happy can liao.