Thank You Fumihiko Sugano and Koetsu


Reports are slowly circulating (WBF, FB Groups) that Fumihiko Sugano passed this August 21. He was the son of Koetsu founder Yoshiaki Sugano, and his chosen heir as the next Koetsu master cartridge builder - which he did brilliantly. Personally, I am grateful to the Sugano family for all the joy their products have brought me via my music collection. The Koetsu midrange magic is still unmatched by anything I've ever heard. 

Business continuity is unclear at this time. I don't know any real details - just surprised this hasn't been posted here yet. Hopefully this isn't another Transfiguration scenario. Either way, I'll carefully preserve and enjoy my Fumihiko Koetsu treasures for the full extent of our lifetimes. 

Thank you again Fumihiko! Godspeed.

128x128mulveling

I found out about his passing when Koetsu returned my RSP, unrepaired, last week.   

Dear @mulveling  : Sorry to hear that , always a lost for all the audio world in the same way that other audio designers unfortunatelly pass away.

 

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,

R.

I have an original Sugano senior (c 1980s) Koetsu Urushi in my main system and haven't heard anything that would make me want to change that!

Sad new indeed for this storied and magical company.  And with the future still unknown, I finally made the jump and ordered a Blue Lace, something that has been on my wish list for quite some time.  I was luckily able to find one available and it should be up and running by the end of the weekend.

Let’s hope that the future of Koetsu holds true to the past and that they continue to create new cartridges with the same beauty as in the past.