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European Speaker Price Increase

The European speaker prices are killing me. I just can't pull the trigger on purchasing anything that is imported from Europe because they all seem to be increasing the prices due to the fall of the American Dollar.

Seriously, if I had bought a pair of JM-Renaud Euterpe speakers 3 months ago I would have paid $1995 - The EXACT same speaker now is $2895 - $900 more!! It will plague me until I am old and gray knowing that I missed the boat on the lower price.

The European speaker companies have to be loosing American sales because of this. I have considered the Jean-marie speakers, which I never got to audition and I have considered the Dali Ikon 6's, which I have audition (not sure they are right for me), but I couldn't pull the trigger on either one, mostly because I realized that I would have been paying way more than what I would have several months ago.

Sooooo......Do you think I will get more bang for my cheap, cruddy, American dollar by sticking with an American made speaker?
carter9000
kotta's avatar
kotta
649 posts
 
I find the prices too high as well. The best deals I see presently on spks. is on KRIX. They are practically giving them away. I own the Apex 3 MkII and the Equinox. Both are superb. Unfortunately, because they sre so unknown here in the states, resale may be difficult....
tiger
313 posts
 
Order from a European dealer. I have often done so. Remember items are shipped to the US with no VAT, that is often a 20% saving. Yes, shipping and sometimes duties cut into the saving but it still is worth it. Duty on speakers is about 3%. To cut shipping use a dealer in Ireland or Scotland, since they are nearer the US East Coast. Remember, buying stateside will cost you in sales tax, so figure that into your savings. Use a credit card, but watch out for the transaction fee and what the exchange rates are. Shop your credit cards as some will waiver the transaction fee, typically 3%. So, audition in the US, buy in Europe.
carter9000 OP
23 posts
 
I think I will start a new thread rather than asking for suggestions for speakers in this thread.

Unsound, thanks for the suggestion on the Vandersteens, I have heard several genterations of the 2c's and have never liked them. They sound way too laid back for me and way to dark for my tastes. Although I haven't given a listen in 5 years...so maybe I will give them another shot.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
the us and canadian stuff is looking better than ever.
neilmc
29 posts
 
You'll have to wait for the Fed to raise interest rates.
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