Purchasing from Japan


Greetings all,
    Has anyone purchased an item from Japan? I'm interested in buying the DAC module for an Accuphase integrated and an eBay seller from Japan has a new one for just over half of the US retail. Voltage is not an issue in this case, I have confirmed that. The seller has hundreds of sales with perfect feedback and has quickly answered two questions that I asked. So I feel good about that. Shipping of this small package would be by DHL. VAT and import duties not included but shipping is free. Does anyone know what I can expect for a purchase price of about $1,100?
~Oran
128x128oranfoster

Showing 5 responses by inna

I would ask him if he is an authorized Accuphase dealer and would check this with Accuphase as well. In case he is not, is he an authorized dealer in Japan for other brands, does he have an official website? If all is negative, there is a substantial risk, I would think.
There are people here who I know buy cartridges from Japan but they are not taliking yet.
I bought a number of records from Japanese but that was $50-$100 purchases. Buying high end equipment is quite different.
I don't know if Accuphase dealers in Japan would sell anything to the US residents, but I do know that official Accuphase prices in Japan are probably 40% lower than here. I heard that some people actually traveled to Europe to get some expensive equipment there. In the end it was not cheaper except that they had a week vacation in Europe for free. Interesting world.
Do you know how grey market develops and what do you support by saving a few extra bucks?