Do not buy any Sonus Faber used

I agree it is probably due to grey-market competition for US based dealers and distributers There is a big mark-up on some of these products by the distributer which makes buying overseas for expensive items seem attractive. I ran into this when I bought a used Japanese cartridge and the US distributer would not even answer a question I had about a specification (stylus tip to mounting hole distance) when I read him the serial number. He basically hung up the phone on me. I ended up calling Japan at 2:00AM EST and found someone who spoke English and could answer my question.

It's a tough issue. The US dealers and distributers loose out when we buy overseas. I don't really blame this policy, but it does force the buyers to think very carefully before buying items of unknown origin. I guess it's "Buyer Beware" or pay up.

I agree with Swampwalker. Well stated.

The day may soon arrive when we buy direct from the manufacturer or an arms-length specialized mail/internet dealer. They will demo their gear at trade shows near big cities, or through small, home-based hobbyists, advertise on sites like this on the net and in some paper magazines, and then sell direct and offer great service. Forums will discuss the quality of the components and level of customer service.

Wait a minute, this is already happening. There is one really good dealer in my area and many good quality, carefully assembled home systems where I have heard some great components. Specialist set-up guys go around charging a fee to set up systems and consult with audiophiles. The industry is changing.

I've had a very negative experience with a US distributor who offered NO
service or support of any kind for a NOS cartridge that I bought from a guy
who bought it overseas but never used it. I accept the policy, but I don't
understand it. I simply asked for a specification and was denied any
information when I quoted the serial number.

I have absolutely no regrets about buying this cartridge, though I did not
understand the implications at the time. The seller was upfront, though we
did not discuss possible repair issues down the road. I've had no problems,
so things are fine. It's not really enough money to worry about with
something like a cartridge, but an expensive amp or speaker is another
matter.

If one really wants a particular product and if it's rarely available in the used
market, I guess the choice is to either buy it new or buy it used from
overseas. One just needs to be aware of the risk, and this is what SF is
communicating to its customers.

Sumiko seems much more reasonable about this than was my old cartridge
distributer.