Does any Audiogon member have a Holbo air-bearing turntable?

@dogberry 

Forgive me, but some citizens of the USA are pretty notorious for poor knowledge of geography!  That seems to extend from the top down, even though FLOTUS is Slovenian born!

For example, my adopted country Australia is often confused with Austria, although their capital cities are almost 10.000 miles apart. 

Austria's capital Vienna will be the future home of the "Munich" high end audio show.  The drive from Vienna to Slovenia's capital city Ljubljana, where Holbos are made, is under 4 1/2 hours.  Munich is about the same.  Venice in Italy is even closer, under 3 hours drive.

So Holbos come from an area rich in classical and operatic musical tradition.  Home of many beautiful things in fact.

@lewm 

Tariff may dramatically increase costs for US buyers depending on country of origin. I say that as someone who was just burned on car parts coming from the UK, of all places

Slovenia has been part of the European Union for 20 years and converted to the Euro almost as long ago.  The European Union and the USA signed a deal on 27th July 2025 which caps tariffs on imports USA from the European Union at a maximum of 15%, including cars.

The rate is not much different from Australia's blanket Goods and Services Tax of 10% which applies to every good or service sold in Australia (except some items like food).  Often the GST is not charged on imports, giving overseas manufacturers a 10% advantage over local manufacturers.

As far as I can tell, almost everything in the Holbo is made in Slovenia except for the motor which is Japanese. Nothing from China.  So it should be exactly like importing audio products from say France, Germany, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway.

The UK is no longer part of the European Union and has its own deal.  The only UK car parts you could get 'burnt' on at the moment might be used exhausts!  Sorry, could not help myself

I never had an issue dealing with Kuzma in Slovenia. In fact, back in the day, I'd get overnight shipments from there to NY. 

The tariff in the US is 15%. I figure the manufacturer might eat some of it, ditto the US distributor, have no idea what AUS is like though I know from motorsports everything is very pricey compared to ROW. 

   "I have decided to take the plunge and order the Holbo Mk2.''

"will be using an existing Audio Technica VM540ML cartridge for the time being."

Great news, richardbrand.

When it's time for the cartridge upgrade, add the Audio Technica ART series to the lineup for consideration. 

Look forward to your review.

RB, I am restoring a 1961 Alfa Romeo.  I buy most parts from 2-3 businesses all in the UK.  Prior to a few months ago, I have never had to pay a "duty" on anything from the UK.  But I have paid duty on the last 3 small orders.  Just a few days ago, I found I needed a pair of rubber headlight seals, cost $22 USD.  I had to pay an additional $30 for overnight DHL shipping.  Then I received a note from DHL saying I had to pay an additional $22 for "duty".  That would be a 100% markup on the real cost or 40% on the cost plus shipping.  The seller is no help.  On two previous larger orders from the same source, I reckon I paid about a 20% duty.  Duty means tariff, of course.  I have no idea what is going on with this last order; it is even possible DHL has made an accounting error. There is one source for Alfa parts in Italy.  Now I know there is a much lesser tariff on EU goods, perhaps I will shop there.  Thankfully, I’m almost done with the car.