[schnesim]

The problem for Hegel in Europe might be that they are from Norway so outside the EU

You are kinda mistaken. Norway is in the EU in terms of a trade union. Not when it comes to the political union.

 

[nc8000]

You are kinda mistaken. Norway is in the EU in terms of a trade union. Not when it comes to the political union.

When I in Denmark order things over the internet from Norway I get slammed with vat and import tax on top of the Norwegian purchase price just as if it came from US or the Far East

 

[schnesim]

When I in Denmark order things over the internet from Norway I get slammed with vat and import tax on top of the Norwegian purchase price just as if it came from US or the Far East

Now I'm confused. On the two occasions I ordered something from Norway which was above 50€ I never had to pay tax...

 

[nc8000]

Now I'm confused. On the two occasions I ordered something from Norway which was above 50€ I never had to pay tax...

Strange. I don’t do it very often as many Norwegian businesses can’t be bothered to ship to Denmark

 

[Scgorg]

EU VAT and Norwegian VAT are indeed not the same. The biggest benefit of living within the EU is that if VAT has been paid in France/Germany/wherever then it still applies to the rest of the union. If I buy something from the EU and have it shipped to Norway I still have to pay Norwegian VAT. Some companies deduct VAT for countries outside the EU (such as Vision Ears), which means that while I still have to pay the Norwegian VAT the EU VAT is out of the picture. If you are unfortunate, however, you basically have to pay the 23% from the EU as well as the 25% from Norway. This is the reason why certain products (though few) are cheaper in Norway than the rest of the world. I can't speak for Hegel prices specifically, but the H590 costs 96000 NOK which is about 11000 USD.

I think the reason you've had differing experiences is just luck, some things simply go through customs without them slapping the VAT on you, I know this has happened for many of my Massdrop purchases, despite the correct price being listed on the package.

 

[betula]

If I said I am am an unhappy man that would be a lie.
Having all these beauties lying on the top of my Taurus MKII...
I don't have much to complain about. Perhaps someone could send me another 2-3 grands to experience a significant sonic upgrade...

...

 

[Deftone]

If I said I am am an unhappy man that would be a lie.
Having all these beauties lying on the top of my Taurus MKII...
I don't have much to complain about. Perhaps someone could send me another 2-3 grands to experience a significant sonic upgrade...
...

I think at this point you would be better off going for something like LCD4 instead of more source upgrades.

 

[betula]

I think at this point you would be better off going for something like LCD4 instead of more source upgrades.

I agree. I am probably aiming for the Empyrean as a next upgrade. At some point.

 

[Kukuk]

I'm using tubes to power my HE-500 and nobody can stop me.

 

[CJG888]

Same here. Opens up the midrange (but it needs to be a tube amp with output transformers and at least 1W into 32 ohms!).

 

[ruthieandjohn]

Here's mine, after my move from Ann Arbor, MI to Poulsbo, WA... all the headphones, amps, DACs, and DAPs made it.

In the photo...Grado GS2000e, Ultrasone Edition 10, HiFiMAN HE1000, Fostex TH-900, GradoPS2000e, and below, Sennheiser HD800 with matching HDVD DAC/amp and Norne Draug2 cable. Sources/amps include the iPhone 5S and CCK, FiiO X5iii, Lotoo PAW Gold, HiFiMAN EF-6, Schiit Gungir Multibit, and Schitt Mjolner, supporting both single end and balanced. Most important element is the leather chair with ottoman. Second most important element is the view seen from that chair... looking down on Liberty Bay (part of Puget Sound) with the Poulsbo Marina, and the Olympic Mountains snowcapped against the sky... beautiful for listening.

 

[alucard177]

Current portable gear:

 

[CJG888]

Which DAP is that?

 

[nc8000]

Which DAP is that?

Hidizs AP80

 

[jaywillin]

Here's mine, after my move from Ann Arbor, MI to Poulsbo, WA... all the headphones, amps, DACs, and DAPs made it.

In the photo...Grado GS2000e, Ultrasone Edition 10, HiFiMAN HE1000, Fostex TH-900, GradoPS2000e, and below, Sennheiser HD800 with matching HDVD DAC/amp and Norne Draug2 cable. Sources/amps include the iPhone 5S and CCK, FiiO X5iii, Lotoo PAW Gold, HiFiMAN EF-6, Schiit Gungir Multibit, and Schitt Mjolner, supporting both single end and balanced. Most important element is the leather chair with ottoman. Second most important element is the view seen from that chair... looking down on Liberty Bay (part of Puget Sound) with the Poulsbo Marina, and the Olympic Mountains snowcapped against the sky... beautiful for listening.

very, very nice