Do exists "Global" gears-movable between Countries

I had to deal with this problem when I moved from the USA to France for a 3 year assignment. My QUAD and ReVox equipment was no problem, as all the pieces are equipped with user settable input transformers. My Pioneer Elite equipment (two M-91 power amps, C-72 control, F-93 tuner, CT-93 cassette deck, SP-99D surround sound processor and DV-38A DVD/CD player) was a bit more of a problem. I simply purchased a 2kW 220V-110V step down transformer before I left the States. Everything works perfectly. I then purchased a used Krell-250 power amp whilst on a recent vacation in Singapore. No problem, the dealer simply set the internal jumpers on the transformer to 110V (from 240V). The Krell works perfectly in France. I then purchased, on Audigon, a used Krell HTS, which I collected when I was back in the States on business. I plugged it into the 220V-110V transformer and got a “Frequency error” message. Apparently, Krell now equip all their microprocessor controlled equipment with a mains frequency sensing chip, set to either 60Hz or 50Hz. Because my HTS is a US model it is set to 60Hz and will not work on European 50Hz mains (even when transformed down to 110V). Krell informed me my local Krell dealer in France needs to change this chip to a 50Hz version. I am currently waiting for this to be done. Incidentally, this is Krell’s (I believe Martin Logan do exactly the same thing) way of preventing importation of cheaper US models into other countries. With the exception of synchronous turntable motors there is absolutely no sound technical reason for designing equipment to work only on 50Hz or 60Hz.

This in the UK is a major problem for dealers who stock American high-end.
The price is usually the same in dollars as pounds-you don't need to be a genius to work out that is a major saving-imagine too if you import an ex-dem or second hand item-the saving is remarkable.
I bought an Ayre AX-7 amp here on Audiogon-ex-dem-even paying import duty (15-20%)I made a massive saving.
There is of course a downside-I need to use a transformer and the warranty is only valid in the USA-would I do it again?
Yes in a heartbeat because in UK terms I have made a leap in my system which would be near impossible to beat pound for pound with anything else.
However be clear the manufacturers do not want you to do this-I only got this amp because the dealer had parted company with Ayre-it will be very difficult I think now to buy direct from Europe with many manufacturers because they cannot afford to allow their European/UK dealers to be open to this.
Also as Mgattmch mentions Krell and others have hard-wired their products to make it very difficult to use abroad.
Although I am sure there are others which can be converted easily.
I have a major tale to tell regarding importing products-which I hope to least partly share on Audiogon one day.
What I think is unfair is to knowingly use a local dealer with the intention to import however the flipside of the coin is that dealers need to realise the world has shrunk,importing is nigh on impossible to stop simply because it is legal to do and with that in mind they need to make a judgement on the level of profit they can expect on a "big" item.
There needs to be a balance.
If you are going to import though too you need to realise there are risks involved and you need to weigh that up.
It worked out for me but I was pretty lucky.

A database of easily converted gear would be fantastic, that is a great idea Ad010685! Is there any reason (aside from financial benefits for the manufacturers) that all products can't be produced with a universal power supply. I have a Toshiba DVD-A player that is 100-240V, 50-60hz. I'm fairly sure Meridians products are also that versatile, so why not everyones? As Mgattmch said, there is no technical reason for not using a universal power supply, and as Ben said, the world has shrunk!

International trade is alive and well only in regard to speakers, excepting electrostats.