Why is Dynaudio so much cheaper in Europe?

Years back I was interested in a phono cartridge made in the UK.a local dealer carried it, and I priced it locally and from a hifi shop in the UK that was more than happy to ship to the US. With insured shipping from the UK, the price was literally 1/2 of the local shop's price. While I understand there is value in keeping the local shop viable, the difference was just too staggering to ignore so I bought from the shop in the UK, and the cartridge came within a week. I know the local shop would have mounted the cartridge but I have installed many cartridges over the years this was not an issue.

I would say the big difference was due to the US importer. In the UK,
The shop bought direct from the manufacturer. a direct import eliminated one profit layer, which apparently was substantial. This may be a little harsh, but no ones giving me free money so I have no problem saving money as long as my doing so is neither criminal or unethical. And if anyone else feels different, stop buying stuff on Amazon.

Schubert: Pay who, the dist.? No, it wouldn't, because simply, no middle man to take a cut.

Zavato: I know what you mean. That is exactly right and exactly my point as well. And no nothing illegal with doing that at all. The tricky part is with electronics and different voltages from say, Japan and Europe however. Some companies have a switch right on the back, but many require that you rewire the damn thing. It's not the hardest job in the world, but if you know what you're doing, no problem. If not, kaboom. Yes, there are transformers, but those are said to degrade the sound. Some disagree with this however.

I suppose you could take it to an independent tech and have him or her rewire it, but if they don't know what they're doing and or don't even do the job, forget it.

Never did a direct import of anything that needs to be plugged in. But other stuff- sure, and I've never bought into the scare tactics that some US distributors use. Other than a phono cartridge direct import, I did a tonearm and cables. All were entirely hassle free. And even after paying my local store for a new arm board and to mount the arm, I still was ahead over $700.

Bottom line to everyone- it's your money. spend it how you want.