Advise on buying electronics out of-the country

I have purchased a few items from Canada. No problem except that on one of them I got nailed for customs.   I tried to purchase some vintage Tannoy bookshelf speakers from Japan but the shipment requirements were too difficult to deal with. I never tried to buy anything from Europe but I would chance it if I really wanted the equipment and I couldn't get it here or in Canada.

I think it is a risk tolerance issue. Personally, if I could take a total loss on the item and not blink an eye… then if there is some compelling reason to do so, I will. I would never buy a mechanical device from over seas. Too unreliable and too much hassle if you had to send it back. 
 

If I am buying a piece of audiophile equipment, no way. There are principle attributes of audiophile equipment: incredible sound quality, build quality, reliability, and absolutely no hassles. 
 

I used to own a Sonic Frontiers CD player (Canada), and every two years the transport would go out… I would send it up and they would replace it. I did this for nearly ten years. Well, life is too short… 1) I will not buy a major component from outside the US and 2) no more Sonic Frontiers… even though the fixed it. 
 

An audiophile piece of gear should be forever (if you want it to be) and completely hassle free… in 15 years is that 20% you saved worth the fear and uncertainty?

Your call.

I’ve bought stuff from all around the world. 
 

Never had anything go missing, break down or have any kind of lack of customer support.

Most recent purchases were circuit boards for a Hiraga Super 30 amp from Jim’s Audio in Honk Kong (Amazing customer support). Chassis for it came from main land China (AliExpress). Some of the parts came from the US (Mouser), some from Canada (Parts Connexion) and some from Europe (Audiophonics).

Ive ordered LPS from Jays directly out of China. Also, amazing customer support. (Custom built unit not listed or stocked)

Previous Clearaudio TT was purchased out of Italy. 
 

I have my local suppliers and dealers (Solen, The Tube Store, Parts Connexion and a couple of walk in suppliers) and a couple of retail outlets, mainly Noteworthy Audio. But, they don’t always have what I want or need to finish a project, so I go elsewhere.

Not a single bad experience with anything ordered, shipped or delivered.

Lucky I guess.

I’ve bought from all over the world and never had a problem.  I bought a very expensive turntable last night (alcohol may have been a factor 😂)  Coming to the US from Austria.  Not a single concern based on past experiences.

Acquired a couple pieces from Shenzhen, China over last couple years.  Both units shipped and received within 10-14 days.  

Transactions were with a manufacturer not individual ....

Best of luck!