Yup, 8th Street is for real. I just received (20 minutes ago) an AKG C3000 from their shop via UPS. The mic is in AGK's sealed box, with the multi-language info booklet, guarantee, etc. The only place where I have seen better prices is at analogjapan.com, and I am considering buying a board from them. The drawback is that to use the warrantee, you have to ship it back to them (three days en route), which could be a problem. But their page is worth a look, for leverage at local shops, if for nothing else.