what to buy in Japen?

Sep 17, 2007 at 1:32 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 13
fatman711

fatman711

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GOing to Japan next week. What interesting headphones and stuff do they have over there that is easily purchased at retail stores?

Thanks
 
Sep 17, 2007 at 2:03 AM Post #2 of 13
I dunno about easily purchasable from retail stores, but you should definitely look up basically the entire Audio Technica lineup and see if you like anything. I'm still eyeing the ath w-5000's once I recover from this upcoming splurge.
 
Sep 17, 2007 at 2:05 AM Post #3 of 13
Sorry about my english.
I was there until 2 months ago.
I couldn't find cheap things at normal stores (Yamada denki, Bic Camera, and so on). Only at internet stores like Soudhouse: www.soundhouse.co.jp/
But I was at the Achi-ken area. I don't know about Tokyo. I just remember of an E2c priced at 7500 yen over a year ago at Akihabara.
If you want to test IEM and headphones I'd suggest big chains stores (Bic Camera, Yamada Denki, Midori, ...)
That's how I tested and AD2000, HD650, K701, SA5000, DT880, lots of Stax, including SR-007, loads of universal IEMs and BOSE
blink.gif

Off topic: Just don't go too much loud on your open air phones at Trains and subways, or people will get really mad.
And don't forget this: http://www.hyperdia.com/cgi-english/hyperWeb.cgi
Nice trip!
 
Sep 17, 2007 at 3:03 AM Post #5 of 13
thanks guys. That course and fair guide is awesome!

anyone know if you can buy Made in japan versions of the MDR-V6 still?
 
Sep 17, 2007 at 3:55 AM Post #6 of 13
The Kenwood HD30GB9 is much cheaper in Japan. If you can get it for less than $350, that's one DAP that's going to be hard to beat especially in that price range.

Generally in Tokyo, there are various specialty areas, like the ochanomachi district for musical instruments and ginza for restaurants and department stores. I'm sure you've done your research already but in case you haven't, it's a good idea to schedule these places, instead of planning by stores.

Since you're mostly interested in electronics, I suggest you walk around the akihabara district. Most of the e-stuff are there, including big stores like Yodobashi where it has dedicated floors, like a floor for washing machines, another floor for AV, computers, etc.


It seems like you're a hamburger man. Why don't you go try out the teriyaki burger at J-McDonalds. And I'm sure Burger King over there would have interesting things not found in NA, now that it sprung up like a fever.
 
Sep 17, 2007 at 6:08 AM Post #9 of 13
I have actually been to Tokyo before but was mostly shopping for video game stuff. Now it is audio stuff...

I will definitely try the teriyaki burger. THe last time I went I tried the ebi burger (shrimp) and I thought that it was pretty good!
 
Sep 17, 2007 at 7:50 AM Post #11 of 13
Stax is cheaper. AT is cheaper. Marantz is a good deal. Arcolink is a cable maker - sort of the Nordost of Japan - that are a good value if you are buying in yen (Especially if you are coming with Canadian $$ which are quite strong now). Sadly - well not for me exactly - the best deals are to be had on Japanese online retailers. Cultural point: Japanese stores always have great service but it comes at a markup. Shopping online cuts out the middle men and quality service and one can save at least 20-30% sometimes way more. I haven't bought anything at yamada denki in ages. However, buying online requires a pretty complete understanding of Japanese and often the companies don't ship all products internationally.

P.S. you can correct your thread title by double clicking on it in the above forum view. Very handy code, whoever coded it.
 
Sep 17, 2007 at 11:21 AM Post #12 of 13
Quote:

Originally Posted by wower /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Stax is cheaper. AT is cheaper. Marantz is a good deal. Arcolink is a cable maker - sort of the Nordost of Japan - that are a good value if you are buying in yen (Especially if you are coming with Canadian $$ which are quite strong now). Sadly - well not for me exactly - the best deals are to be had on Japanese online retailers. Cultural point: Japanese stores always have great service but it comes at a markup. Shopping online cuts out the middle men and quality service and one can save at least 20-30% sometimes way more. I haven't bought anything at yamada denki in ages. However, buying online requires a pretty complete understanding of Japanese and often the companies don't ship all products internationally.

P.S. you can correct your thread title by double clicking on it in the above forum view. Very handy code, whoever coded it.


Any recommendations for Japanese online retailers?
 
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