Euro Tumble

I bought a new turntable from the UK and it was a hassle free experience. It shipped in two large boxes via DHL. After about 5 or 6 days in transit I got an email from DHL asking that I go to their website to pay import duty. It took five minutes to figure out and the duty was about $40 on a $4000 package. As soon as I paid I got a notification saying that the package was being processed, it arrived around 2/3 days later. The shipping cost was about $150, but that was around 3 years ago, I’m sure it’s doubled since.

Anyway, I wouldn’t hesitate to do this again. The table I bought wasn’t represented through a dealer here in the USA  so the manufacturer extended me a full warranty. 
 

Interesting and thanks for all the comments. What about used gear? Any reputable dealers in Europe that I could contact?

Thanks!

Chuck

Chuck, curious as to why/need to buy from Europe?  What brand/model makes you feel the need to by from Europe?  I get doing a Euro delivery on a BMW, Porsche etc as you get a nice romp through the country side in your new ride but speakers don’t offer the same effect.  Your $$$ you can spend it any way you want but none of the brands listed don’t come sprinkled with pixie dust to make it any more exciting of a purchase.

Go visit the country where the speaker is made.

Buy a used pair recently made.

Bring them home.

Duty is minimal.

With dollar being so strong against the euro and UK pound I can see the logic. You would be definitely better off going through the manufacturer rather than dealerships. I can highly recommend Living Voice speakers from the UK and you deal direct with the manufacturer through Definitive Audio as they are one and the same.

Also in theory products sold in the US from Europe or the UK should be cheaper if not in stock, as it is cheaper for the distributor/retailer to buy.