Doge (China to USA) Tariff

I paid duty on the Doge Clarity 8 tube preamp I bought. Never was asked to pay duty on any Denafrips items. But here is the additional problem with paying duty for out of the country items. States like IL which need money audit duty records and then hit up IL residents for use tax (state sales tax) on those items. So it’s a double hit. No more Doge items for me. 

I wonder if some Chi-Fi brands like Denafrips are just absorbing the tariff cost in their pricing? Sounds like a smart idea so the consumer doesn't get triggered. ;-)

I have noticed that Chi-Fi gear has gone up in price significantly, more than just shipping.

Because manufacturing costs in China are rising.

Bottom line,  there are plenty of NA brands to chose from. Servicing an import product if something breaks with todays shipping cost is not fun. 

I think, based on the above and the trade situation we have now, buying from Doge is OUT. if you want a tube DAC or preamp there are plenty of cost competitive and quality competitive options available with no tariffs. Prices on some may actually be less with no sacrifice in quality. I will no longer buy from Doge.