Koetsu Urushi: Blue Sky, Vermillion, Tsugaru

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.