Who is you go to for top quality vinyl


I use to buy so many Japaneese and German  pressings locally when i was a younger man.
Now I only see them shipped from japan for crazy shipping prices on ebay(and weeks away ),
I hear all the great recommendations on specific labeled vinyl or mixes.I know its a collection, but where is your go too.
Thanks
128x128oleschool
Oleschool, regular registered airmail usually takes about 10-14 days from Japan. I never tried economy airmail - this could be weeks. EMS express is usually $20-$25 and takes about 5-7 days in my experience. I don't buy pop music, only jazz and jazz/rock fusion. Often enough Japanese dealers specialize. They may not speak good English but usually understand English well.
I almost stopped buying from Americans, either dealers or not - they always overgrade. No reason for me to buy from Europeans. Bought just a few records from Canadians - was alright except one time.
One more thing. Japanese original pro records sound better than regular, sometimes significantly better. They can be identified by an inscription in Japanese on the label. Usually sellers mention it but not always.
Or it will say Promo not for sale and have white/black label. I got a few, what a sound.
And yet another point, forgot it. There are Japanese early reissues, sometimes same year as originals , that also usually sound excellent but slightly different than the originals. They might be a little more refined but the originals often a little more dynamic. Both quite acceptable, still I almost always prefer the originals.
Back in the late 70's, I scored a multitude of American jazz on Japanese reissues from Rhino Records in Westwood, California. Lots of French pressings were available there too. If I remember correctly, they were around $13.00 apiece. The vinyl is high quality and really quiet. Alas, Rhino Records has been closed for years. Some of my favorite Japanese reissues are of the Dave Bruebeck Quartet ... all in mono.