Accuphase pricing Japan vs. USA

Greed greed by the importer.

I wanted to buy an Accuphase but ended up with a Luxman (which I am very happy with) because of the exorbitant markup by the distributor.  At the time it was more that twice the Japanese price in the US.  I could have ordered two from Japan, even with shipping they would have been less than buying one here!  I think it is just greed on the part of the distributor.  The prices are very high in Europe as well.
Also, the distributor here sounded very unpleasant to deal with.
Why Accuphase allows this is beyond me.  They would sell a lot more with a reasonable markup.
On the other hand, I have since heard that many US dealers will offer discounts so it might be worth a shot to see what they can offer.
Like I said, I am very happy with my Luxman.  They are very close in many respects to Accuphase in sound.  Luxman has a new (and better IMO) distributor in the US who has lowered prices a bit from what they were.
 I must say that I do like the looks of the Accuphase better.

It is much the same of US made products sold is Asia, prices are double has well with full payment made before ordering many brands. I very much wanted Pass or Audio Research but all where special order with 30 to 60 day wait so I purchased Accuphase and am very happy with the sound and build quality.

Its not just distributors marking up prices but duties and taxes.

Its not just distributors marking up prices but duties and taxes.

plus insurance, warehousing, setting up a distribution network, marketing and advertising, trade shows, dealer support and warranty repairs...........

Vintage audio in the US goes for twice the price in Japan. They pay tons for the stuff that they made in the 60s and 70s. Example: sansui au 9500 here 700. In Japan 1500-2000. I’d love to start an export business in vintage Japanese audio. 
Too bad I chose to swing a hammer instead. 

and if you buy grey market goods no parts or service

And often the same if you don't .

Regarding pricing in different countries, it also depends on the image branding the manufacturer has adopted for a particular country. In the US, Mercedes cars are marketed as high-end, exclusive autos. Meanwhile in Europe, while you still see the fancy models, you'll also see the brand used as taxi cabs. 

It is not unusual for a manufacturer to adopt different approaches for different countries with a more common mass market line in one region (often their home market) and a more upscale only approach in other markets where they may not want to scuffle with the hoi polloi competitors.

Its not always about Greed, The Taxes, Imports Fees, Marketing, Handling Stocking Gear, Supporting Parts and Warranties, time and effort to run the business. all this requires funds. I'm sure The Dealer can come to some form of a deal if you push it at. 

If you buy direct from Japans something goes wrong can you speak Japanese and get it all sorted out with parts being shipped? Whos gona install it if boards burn out?

With amps and other large heavy items coming from Japan, I can 'somewhat' understand the posts above explaining the pricing variations. Now let's talk about Japanese cartridges...hmmm.

One thing about Accuphase. Unless something has changed the US importer opposes any selling out of territory. I doubt that a dealer in Boston can sell a unit to NYC customer. Maybe a current or prior Accuphase customer would be treated as an exception. Why buy out of your region? I personally have bought non Accuphase gear from all over the US because of dealer relationships and the fact that my location is void of ANY dealers of anything. FWIW

For Accuphase consider AliExpress, lots of clones floating around. Also Pass, Krell, Naim, darTZeel, FM Acoustics. Some older ARs. Mark Levinson. You can get a A65 clone, for example, for peanuts.