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
12-08-13: Dlcockrum
Those of you in the USA who purchased from 2juki - did you have to pay import/tariff taxes?

No.
Hi Duvallite, Your question is very clear: how to buy direct in Japan. All the answers avoid this question. As if we are unaware of Juki, Otomon, Toxan or whomever from Japan who buy their stuff second hand in Japan and resell on ebay.com. I have bougth my carts from everywhere in the world except from Japan. So I am also interested in any address in Japan where I can buy without intermediary.I was not able to find any. Considering the fact that Japan is very dependant from export this is very strange situation. China is much more easy to approach so I got my Jasmine LP2 phono-pre direct from China without any problem. The arrogant Japanese can learn from China and need to do so very fast in order to survive. Anyway that is my opinion.
It's possible to buy Yamamoto Sound Craft products (headshells, leads, etc.) directly off their website. Curiously, their cartridges aren't presently available on the site, but I don't see why you couldn't email them and order them should you be so inclined.
Dear Banquo 363, As you can see from the title of this thread the question was about carts. It may be interesting for whomever to know about headshells, leads, ETC. (what
do you mean with 'etc' btw ?) but headshells and leads we can get everywhere. I myself am interested in those Highphonic carts while Otomon, Toxan, ETC. don't even bother to answer my questions.
I have bought directly from HiFiDo, Otoman Vintage, Joynet Cafe and Jico on numerous occasions and have had no troubles.......