Help Audiophile jcfrech stuck in Tokyo-for ...


Ok, I'm on a extended business trip to Tokyo for 4-6 months. Serious music withdrawal. At home, I have a all analog based system. I am lucky enough to have a Bose/Samsung all in one dvd/cd system in my hotel. It sounds close to AM radio...but with 2 speakers. :)

I'm thinking about a Shanling cd or sacd player with a Earmax and Sennheiser hd 600 or 650's. The Shanling is pretty cheap here...$1200 new. Sennheiser's 600's are a steal right now.

Any comments? I'd like to keep this all below $2000. Don't care about new or used. Or what brand. I just want super sound. I can use Transparent Ref xl interconnects and power cords from my home system while I'm here.

Final comment, will a Japanese 100v Shanling (or what you recommend), work at home in the US? Also, a combo DVD/SACD/CD is fine also, I can use a 2nd DVD player at home.

Thanks so much ! Tokyo is not Dallas !
128x128jfrech
Hi John,

Been there, and will be back shortly. Yes the 100v Japanese stuff will work at home but as you know, it's a two-prong plug rather than our three-prong power cords, this may (or may not) be an issue with your insurance company should there ever be a fire in your home. There's an awesome little tube integrated in Hong Kong that's well worth considering, the Spark Cayin HA-1A for $350:

- Tube compliment: (1) 12AX7, (1) 12AU7, (2) EL84's
- 2.2W/channel (8 ohms)
- Headphone jack, pre-out, volume control, etc..

I auditioned the wee integrated with a pair of Senn 600's Hit audio had on hand, really enjoyable sound! I'll buy one when I'm back in Hong Kong the end of May.

Hit Audio sell's em:

Tel 2361 1229 Fax: 2360 1178
www.hitaudio.com
Email: hitaudio@netvigator.com

1/F 211 Apliu Street, Shamshuipo, Kowloon, Hong Kong

You could have it shipped to you in Japan for a very reasonable price. The HK electrical is 230V, you would need a transformer.

Other than that little gem there's always the venerable Linn Classik and a pair of Senn 650's (alternatively 600's with a Cardas cable), or the mighty iPod through a Grado headphone amp? Hang in there, nothing's forever except taxes. Cheers, Jeff
Hello John,
Did you find a cartridge for your SME 20/2 yet? Did you have time to listen to Japanese cartridges such as Koetsu, Shelter...What is the price range at Japan?
Thanks Jeff !

I did go listen to a few cartridges. The initial price's on Koetsu's were not that special. I haven't asked about Shelter's yet. But I need to check into it. I bet there is some room for negotiation...
Hey John,

I'm on my way to Tokyo soon:

Arrive Tokyo Narita on Tuesday May 11th @ 3:40pm, stay at the Meridien Hotel @ Shinagawa

Spend Wednesday May 12th, Thursday May 13th, Friday May 14th seeing customers. Saturday is open.

Depart from Narita for Beijing Sunday 10:35am

Drop me an email and lemme know if you're in Tokyo then, or back home in Dallas. Best, Jeff
At the risk of being boring, I second Jeff's great advice--there are at least three Hit Audio amps I think are super deals. I like the Shanling with Sennheiser idea too, but would want good tubes for the 'phone section.