Koetsu Urushi: Blue Sky, Vermillion, Tsugaru

I think Brinkmann now make two direct drive turntables, which they seem to sell right alongside their very excellent belt drive products. I have no idea which sounds best, and there has been sadly little mention of the fact that the Brinkmann products are even out there (at least in the English speaking audio press, perhaps not so in Germany).

FJn04
I use an onyx at the moment and just love the Koetsu sound. I also have a Benz Micro LP, which is different but on the same warm side of neutral as the Koetsu's. The Zxy Airy 3 I had before was cold and dry in comparison, IMHO. I know others love Zyx.
I would look at Benz then, but I know they are more costly in the US than they are in the UK. Mine cost me about $2000.

Unfortunately there is no koetsu factory site to clear all the questions , i have the wajima and its very good i have also heard the black on several occasions and a stone body i cant remember the type also very nice i dont think you can go wrong with any of them

I have both the current Sky Blue and the Vermillion versions of the Urushi line. The Vermillion has a lower output and thus fewer turns on the coils. In theory this lower output & less mass should result in better sound. I cannot hear any difference.

As to the wire used in the two cartridges: It is exactly the same. I know the advertising copy states that the coil wire is different, but in reality it is the same.

Just go with your favorite color preference or best buy. I think the Blue (really turquoise) is pretty cool. I had Bob Sattin of Bob's Devices build a custom SUT using Sowther OCC transformers in a blue color to match that Koetsu. There is a picture of that SUT on his web site.

There is a photo on my Koetsu Blue in action on the ttWeights Customer Photo page.

The sound from both is pure Koetsu magic & romance.

At this writing am using the Cardas/Benz Silver Myrtle Heart for a more "clinical" sound, but switch to the Koetsu's often.