By the sounds of it, if the price is right go for it... provided you already have games in mind you want for it that don't have a local port.
Out of curiosity, what is the sound difference?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castlevania_3 covers some difference (I'm sure there's more)
"The original Japanese version contained a specialized "VRC6" music microprocessor chip which was removed in the North American and European releases. This chip added two extra pulse-wave channels and a saw-wave channel to the system's initial set of five channels. The majority of the music combines the channels to imitate the sound of a synthesized string section. See: Multi-Memory Controller. The reason for this removal was that the US version of the NES didn't have the ability to support external sound chips, so the game was re-programmed for the USA release. Some of the percussion instruments were also slightly changed, even though the low-quality PCM channel was no less capable without the VRC6 mapper."
Also, why do you want to import?
If you just want to play some Famicom games, you're probably better off going with a Famiclome (check for compatability against what you want to play). They are significantly cheaper, and easily run on most TV's.
If you want it 'cause the original Famicom looks awesome, then be aware that there's a good chance it won't run on your TV without getting a Japanese VCR or modding the system. I got my brother an original Famicom for his birthday a few years back, and results varied per TV. His old TV before moving worked, my old TV worked (both had to be set to channel 90 something), but his new TV does not work.
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