Experience buying from Europe?

Yes indeed. I have bought from UK and Netherlands many times. No problem either way if a return desired. The only hardware "fail" under warranty garnered a painless prepaid label for a DHL pickup on site within an hour (in the suburbs.)

I have never encountered "duty."

As always it depends most on the integrity of the dealer.

Go for it

I have bought from Europe a couple of times, some hi cost items for me.  Came  thru fine, but there was always a shipping delay at the outgoing port.  One was stopped for exporting encryption.  A mix up I suppose, the issuer redid it.

I purchased a Michell Engineering GyroDec (version with plinth) whilst on vacation in The Netherland several years ago. At the time only the SE version (no plinth) was available in the USA. No issues bringing it back to the States (checked luggage), no duty levied and I managed to buy it VAT free. Converting the power supply from 220V to 120V was easy, simple bit of jumper soldering work. With the fall in the euro verses the dollar, no doubt excellent value for money now. Still works perfectly and looks beautiful.

I have purchased direct from a retailer in England.  Website and back & forth by email gave me a good feeling.  Saved about 20% over local dealer and delivery was perfect.  We're a global community.  I always try to give my money to the businesses in my area, but I won't pay for the privilege.  

I purchased a very large pair of speakers from across the pond at Audio Emotion UK and their service was exemplary. I'd have no problem recommending them purchase or service recommendations.

No problems buying from UK, Italy, and Austria for me. Return shipping might be a drag though.

I've bought a lot.  Good chance when something that expensive goes through customs it will be held up a while and then you'll get a bill for perhaps $30 to $50.  I usually get the bill after I've already gotten the item.  The shipping company pays it for you as a courtesy and bills you, supposedly without markup. 

I buy from England, Scotland and the Netherlands often.

Have also bought from Poland, Norway, Ukraine, Romania with no problems.

How much is the turntable worth? For instance, If it is $15K I don’t think it is worth it. It depends also on your personality.

I have purchased solid state electronics from Germany. I bought a CD player from Canada and over ten years had to send it back three times for repair. For me, I draw the line at mechanical. I would prefer to have local representation if mechanics are involved.

My rule of thumb is, if the transaction is a complete disaster and I loose it all and I can say, “oops, a learning moment” and move on without regret then I’ll do it. There is enough stress in my life, don’t need to add more.

Typically the reason you save the money on buying on the gray market is you loose the warrantee. 

It sounds like a legit dealer and the only likely problem is if there is a defect, or it is damaged somehow. Turntables are delicate instruments. Now, this is me… I don’t mess with them. For the last thirty years I have owned audiophile turntables. I don’t mess with them. I am a klutz, I do not have a great deal of patience… so I know myself. I have a dealer… he comes to my house to fiddle with it. If I lived in the middle of nowhere and wanted a TT, I would take a trip (500 miles if required) to a dealer.