I was last in Japan in Nov 2009 and just missed out on buying a Stax setup. I've since picked up a gently used Stax SRM-006t along with a pair of 404s. But I've still got a hole burning in my pocket for the 2050 system and/or the SRS-005. They are around 25-35% cheaper in Japan than in the US, so why not? But what other Japanese brands/models are worth the potential discounted price? I think the wife would freak a little if I threw down $800 for some Denon AH-D7000s, but perhaps some other highly regarded Japanese brands could be in the mix (other Denons, Audio Technica, etc).
The one thing I lack right now is a closed headphone.
Currently I've got the aforementioned 404s along with a pair of HD580s and some Etymotic ER6i. Amps include a the Stax, a Qinpu A-3 and Cambridge Audio 540A integrated. Listen to all types of music in a variety of formats (vinyl, CD, mp3).
The one thing I lack right now is a closed headphone.
Currently I've got the aforementioned 404s along with a pair of HD580s and some Etymotic ER6i. Amps include a the Stax, a Qinpu A-3 and Cambridge Audio 540A integrated. Listen to all types of music in a variety of formats (vinyl, CD, mp3).













On a serious side, sounds like you have a lot to consider. Have fun and let us know what loot you get. I'll just have to live vicariously through you until I manage to get back there in a year or two.