Has anybody imported used equipment into the US?

Of coarse you'll pay duty on gear imported that wasn't built in North America. You'll also take a risk as they may indeed unpackage them for examination. I believe the last thing I bought had a duty of 9 or 10 percent. That's a drop in the bucket when it comes to 20k for speakers. Why put it all there? After looking at your system. You could scale back and make other areas better. Then again considering "money no object". It's yours and have fun spending it as you choose!

Well, I try to buy smart. If I don't like things, I can usually sell them for at or just below what I paid. These speakers, plus shipping plus duty, aren't all that far from what a demo pair would cost me here. Demos also come with warranties. Sorry you don't like my taste. Actually, I really don't care.

David

Nice system -- just as it is actually. Are you going to replace your main speakers? What with?

Frankly, if the price between the imported used pair and the domestic demo pair is close as you say, I think you remove a lot of risk categories by buying locally -- and if something needs remedy, recourse is much easier.