If AT recognizes LP Tunes as an authorized dealer then it is likely AT-US that imports the cartridge. Normal business practice is that if a dealer imports an item directly, that is gray market, for that would cut AT-US out of a mark-up.
Actually, German dealers like hifisound and Thakker in Germany advertise the Art-9 for as little as 881 Euros (ex-vat) which is about $960. The Euro trade in is at 60% of the Euro list price which is 1101 Euros.
The question remains as to the trade-in price (if available) in North America, for there is no such information on the AT-US site as there is on the European site. A good trade-in price and policy, if there is one, would be the best reason for buying in the US even at a higher price than Europe or Japan.
Actually, German dealers like hifisound and Thakker in Germany advertise the Art-9 for as little as 881 Euros (ex-vat) which is about $960. The Euro trade in is at 60% of the Euro list price which is 1101 Euros.
The question remains as to the trade-in price (if available) in North America, for there is no such information on the AT-US site as there is on the European site. A good trade-in price and policy, if there is one, would be the best reason for buying in the US even at a higher price than Europe or Japan.