So maybe then Mr. Wood should advance things by say offering a 45% advance against the return of the goods.....the balance to be paid upon receipt.

Alternatively can the OP not actually take the amplifier to Mr. Wood personally and arrange for a cash payment upon arrival?

Sorry chaps but something just does not sit right here - am I the only one who feels this?

Seriously with the sum of money concerned I would have paid a personal visit by mutual agreement way before this regardless of distance.

Maybe such a visit could lead to the amp being fixed fairly quickly by the designer and manufacturer - after all it was wanted by the OP in the first place was it not?

Before anybody bites by the way...I am not siding here - I just find parts of the saga a little odd.