Compliance of a First Generation Kiseki Blackheart


I have a 1st generation Kiseki Blackheart cartridge that has a compliance of 20x16-10 dyne listed on Vinyl Engine. What I cannot tell is if this is listed at 10 Hz or 100 Hz. If 10 Hz this makes it a relatively high compliance cartridge. If 100 Hz then not so much, a somewhat high low compliance design. No one seems to know who built the Kiseki cartridges with any certainty, so we do not know if this is a Japanese builders spec or not.

I am thinking of installing it on a SME V. That leads to another interesting question. The V is a 9.5 gram arm, and I do seem to remember owners and even reviewers pairing it with cartridges such as a Koetsu Rosewood. Seems like a significant mass and compliance mismatch. Matter of fact, most moving coils from the time of the original SME V seem ill suited to use with this arm. Even a good number of current moving coils are not likely to be compliant enough. So aside from some of the Audio Technica cartridges, what are favorable pairings?

I currently have a Transfiguration Proteus on it, and I had someone contact me interested in purchasing it. Now I had not given thought of selling it, but this has tickled my what if button. It also can make me think of selling my V and refitting my SOTA Cosmos with new arm and cartridge. Or selecting an appropriate arm for the Blackheart if the V is not compatible.

There would be ultimate kudos if someone ever answered with conviction who built the Kiseki. I don’t think Mr Foduko ever clipped a lock of hair and began polishing away to build super diamonds. But it’s a great story, isn’t it?

neonknight

Dear @neonknight  : You will have no " probelm " mounting your Kiseki in the SME 5 and I think that will like you The 5 is better tonearm that many audiophiles could imagine, it's " trouble " is that was designed many years ago but SME decided that if that design is " rigth " why to change it. Yes, it's high compliance but you own the tonearm and cartridge so the best judge is you when test it.

 

In the other side at least for the Kiseki stylus  the only 3 main sources are: Ogura, Namiki and Gyger where cartridge designers can ask for a different quality level of polish for its top cartridge models.

The main OEM cartridgebuilders are: Excel, Scan-Tech, MSL, VDH, Benz Micro, AT and even Denon or Expert Stylus.

 

Regards and enjhoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,

R.

 

 

I did install the Kiseki this afternoon, and got the set up set. Of course I need a bit of fine tuning of tracking weight and VTA. But the initial impressions are very positive, I think this cartridge is going to stay on this table. A very nice presentation. These first generation Kiseki were indeed special. 

I did install the Kiseki this afternoon, and got the set up set. Of course I need a bit of fine tuning of tracking weight and VTA. This long body is a bit of a bastard to get on the SME arm, but it does fit. But the initial impressions are very positive, I think this cartridge is going to stay on this table. A very nice presentation. These first generation Kiseki were indeed special.

I purchased the Blackheart and had to have it replaced 3 times. Something was wrong with the suspension. It was making a tickling sound. I finally replaced it with a different brand. My understanding is that they stopped producing the Blackheart due to design issues related to this.