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TRAVELING TO JAPAN! Recommendations for shops for cartridges?

Hi all,

 

I'll be traveling somewhat unexpectedly to Japan this week. I will be spending a couple days in both Kyoto and Tokyo. 

 

I'm wondering if anyone has any recommendations for shops I should stop into? Record Stores? 

Specifically i'm seeking a new cartridge under $1500 along with records and cds.

I'm good with both new and vintage cartridges that would pair with with a VPI Prime Scout. 

As for what kind of sound I'm looking for from my cart, I've only ever run the Ortofon 2m Bronze and Black on the VPI, both of which I've liked. Between them I prefer the detail, space and speed from the black over the warmer rounded edges of the bronze...but it could be fun to get two carts with different sound signatures. I'm all ears!

Thank in advance!

 

Sammy

128x128sammyshaps
dave777tx's avatar
dave777tx
26 posts
 

@lewm all good man, you are right the one on akihabara is not that good I visit that too but the one I recommend is on Yurakucho, that one is very centric very close to Gynza. I bought so many good things there and a lot that I could not buy because the power is 100 V 

@sammyshaps I just listen digital I am not into vinyl but I am sure you can find anything in Tokyo from what I saw. 

lewm
12,492 posts
 

100V is no problem at all. You just use a 120V to 100V step down transformer. Those are cheap on eBay. I’ve got 2 turntables running off 100 V here in my listening room. Step down costs ~$50 each. I’ll keep in mind the other BIC for next visit. Thanks for that and Dynamic Audio too.

jnovak's avatar
jnovak
404 posts
 

Thanks a lot Sammy! Now you have me all amped up to want to go to Japan. I'm afraid it'll never happen unless we all charter a trip there. I've dreamed of going to Japan for a long time. Keep us posted on your success and details. Joe

herman
2,215 posts
 

 

.. the vast majority of all cartridges are made in Japan or elsewhere in Asia. In fact, Grado is the only exception I can think of, even assuming Grado cartridges are made in USA ...

Benz Micro are made in Switzerland

Clearaudio are made in Germany

Ortofon are made in Denmark

 

 

 

lewm
12,492 posts
 

And yet, the vast majority of all cartridges are made in Japan or elsewhere in Asia, and I wouldn't be so sure that Clearaudio cartridges are all made in Germany.

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