Buying A Cartridge Direct From Japan


Seems like there can be some decent savings when buying certain cartridges directly from Japan, vs buying from here in the US. Since I'm just learning about cartridges, would there be any kind of difference between a Japan model and a US model, maybe electrically or something, that would prevent using a Japan model here in the US? I would think they would be exactly the same, but I want to be sure before I maybe do anything. Thanks.
duvallite
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I've used 2juki (ebay) for a new cartridge. Very happy with my purchase. He offered a week or two return option then, but not sure if he still does now.
I don't care from which country the cart that I am looking
for is posted. My own listings are always worldwide. I am
cheated 'only' twice by sellers from Germany. They don't
like paypal ( fees?) so one need to pay via bank-transfer.
But there is no protection by bank-transfer. Many Germans
however limit their shipping to Germany believing that
only the Germans are trustworthy. Those are prejudices
based on assumptions or some bad experience with some
sellers from some countries. Well in 'contradiction' to
my own experience the most items I have bought in Germany.
The same prejudice I see regular by the British and American
sellers on ebay. Are all Americans with God knows which origin
trustworhty and all other 'countries' untrustworthy?
I would say the Japanese are more trustworthy than most the people on audiogon. A lot of Japanese companies will not take your US credit card and/or ship to a US address. Shipping is cheap and quick though. I just got a huge box sent here for $25 in 5 days. It would have cost me more than that within the US!

2juki is reputable even if he is in China. I will never buy direct from there again though after recently being ripped off.
Better to buy second hand thru Audiogon? How much did they pay you to type that?

Especially considering the delicacy of a cart, I think a new new cart, shipped insured and packed correctly from any country would be less of a risk than going through Audiogon second hand.

While I have certainly bought second-hand carts here, I understood the risks I was taking and for the price asked was willing to accept that risk.

But would I sleep better buying new from Japan than 2nd hand from Audiogon? You betcha.
Does anyone have a direct source in Japan for purchasing Denon cartridges for less than Comet Supply? If so, please provide source.
Dear Viridian: Could you share your source in Japan?

Thank's in advance.

Regards and enjoy the music,
R.
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Thanks, that's pretty much what I was thinking. The risk seems minimal. I've only seen a couple of threads where someone mentioned they had received a defective new cartridge. I'm thinking it's probably a rare exception to get a bad one, but I don't really know. Maybe Murphy's Law comes into play, maybe not. Btw, I'm looking at a Nagaoka MP-500 from over there. Thanks again.
Dear Duvallite: It's not so easy for a foreigner person to buy in Japan with out been there.

Cartridges are a very delicate items nad more than one time cartridges can comes with problems and you will have no one to claim for it.

I think that if you don't have enough money to bought a cartridge it's better even buy it second hand through sites as Agon.

Regards and enjoy the music,
R.
Both previous posters are correct. You can buy it cheaper, and it will work the same, but there is an associated risk. If you are willing to accept the risk, go for it.
You would not have a US warrantee or domestic support if something goes wrong.
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