Κώστας Φ.
Truth hurts. Here's a teddy bear.
- Μηνύματα
- 8.978
- Reaction score
- 895
Description: Low-output moving-coil cartridge.
Output: 0.6mV.
Compliance: 10–12cu (compliance units).
Channel separation: >30dB (1kHz).
Cantilever: one-piece boron rod.
Stylus profile: proprietary (see text).
Recommended load: 5–47k ohms.
Recommended downforce: 1.8–2.0gm.
"Koetsu cartridges are made in small quantities by Fumihiko Sugano—the son of Koetsu's founder, the late Yoshiaki Sugano. The elder Sugano, who came and went with the 20th century, created the basic Koetsu cartridge design, pioneering the use of high-purity metals in particular, and naming the company after his ancestor and role model, the 16th-century artisan Honami Koetsu.
Various exotic Koetsu models have caught the public's eye and ear during the last three decades, including the Onyx, the Jade, and the exquisitely lacquered Urushi Vermillion. But throughout that time, the Black has maintained its dual role as Koetsu's entry-level model and Koetsu's best-known cartridge. After all those years, it seemed reasonable to ask: Where does the Koetsu Black stand in today's busy, bloody marketplace?
...
Conclusions
Are there better cartridges than the Koetsu Black? Sure. Are there better Koetsus? I guess. Is there a better way for an analog enthusiast to spend $1600? Maybe not.
In order to really appreciate the Koetsu Black, I had to remember some of the things that drew me to this hobby in the first place: the love of records, the love of well-made playback gear, the love of being startled by anything that sounds real. I also had to forget a few things—the myths, the misunderstandings, the cultish reviews both pro and con—that have swum around this line in the past.
Most of what I learned about the Koetsu Black came as a surprise, and all of those surprises were good. It didn't thrill me quite as much as my Miyabi, but it delighted me as much as any other moving-coil cartridge I've tried. I was also impressed by its build quality—something I can't help but associate with a very long service life—and, rightly or wrongly, by the sheer history of its provenance.
The Koetsu Black phono cartridge is a lovely, musical product, and a better-than-average value: There was at least $1600 worth of beauty in that little black box, and I'll hate to see it all go." -- Art Dudley
Full Review: Stereophile.com
