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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
halcro's avatar
halcro
2,664 posts
 
Dear Nikola,
I think you might find that Jico are not quite as "intermediary" as you?.........
Whilst your answers on this Thread may not be 'perfect'.......I'm pleased to say that your ears are certainly to be trusted......
The MIT 1 cartridge you just sent me may well be one the best cartridges I have heard?
And that is straight out of the box without 'run-in' time.....
I hope I'm not being premature? :-)
halcro's avatar
halcro
2,664 posts
 
Dear Nikola,

The question was whether one can buy a cartridge directly from Japan?
One imagines that he means from a retailer as I don't believe anyone thinks they can buy directly from a manufacturer like.....Lyra, Audio Technica, Dynavector, ZYX, Koetsu, Clearaudio, Ortofon et al?
Therefore an "intermediary" (or Retailer) is implicit in the question?
I listed a number of intermediaries as well as a direct manufacturer (Jico).
Others may help with retailers who can deal with international customers....but my experience is that there are not so many?
tubed1
161 posts
 
On the other hand...lest we quickly forget. ... I refuse to do business with Japan or purchase any Japanese products as part of a personal boycott. I already have a glow in the dark t-shirt and I don't want a glow in the dark cartridge, esp. from a country that has contributed to the global pollution of the worlds oceans:

http://www.foxnews.com/science/2013/11/29/is-it-safe-radioactive-japanese-wave-nears-us/

Breeding grounds are just offshore. Don't eat the Ahi.
nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 
Dear Henry, My frustration with the Japanese is not accidental. Two years ago I try to contact Ogura for our common cause. That is to say that we would be able to
order by Axel micro ridge styli and boron cantilevers made by Ogura. I even consulted J. Carr and asked him for the address which he kindly provided. But my 5 emails were never answered. Carr warned me about 'communication in English' with Japanese. Now from the Chinese I bought this excelent Jasmine LP 2 phono-pre direct from the factory for $500. I got about 10 emails from them in this connection. That is I suppose why the Chinese have ecomomic growth of 12% each year while the Japanese are in recession for 15 years.
BTW you should ask our comrade Thuchan about Otomon , etc. intermediary.
Then my MIT 1 is only meant for my Slavic brothers (grin).
I am glad to hear that you enjoy the cart but my intention was that you should 'burn in' the cart because I have no patience for such kind of job (smile).
griffithds
852 posts
 
Hi Halco,

I also own one of, actually 2 of the MIT-1's. You are not premature with your assessment. I find it very difficult to remove it from rotation once I have it installed. It's one of those cartridges that make you think while laying in bed at night wishing you had remembered to play 'this record or that record' before you turned everything off. It is a stunning cartridge to say the least!
Regards,
Don
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