Krell KC-100 and KC-200 cartridges by Takeda. Any differences?


It is generally accepted that Haruo Takeda was one of the most celebrated cartridge makers in Japan, before retiring about a decade ago. Between the 1980's and early 2000's he released several models under his own Miyabi brand (Ivory, MCA and Standard) and also built cartridges for Krell, Mark Levinson, Cello and Red Rose (ML's other two brands), 47Labs and even Mobile Fidelity.

As far as I'm aware Krell was the only company who commissioned two different models from Takeda: KC-100 (in black) and KC-200 (in silver). I've tried to find out if there are other differences besides colour, but so far came up empty. The scarce information suggest that Takeda-San always built his cartridges using aluminum cantilever with Ogura PA stylus. But recently I acquired a KC-200 with boron cantilever. It's certainly one of the best carts I've ever heard, but I'd like to know if this was originally done by Takeda. Perhaps on Dan D'Agostino's request as an alternative to the aluminum cantilever KC-100. Or did I get a retipped sample. Does anyone know the facts?


edgewear
I also own Mark Levinson MLC-1, which does have the aluminum cantilever and Ogura PA stylus. It has 0.24 mV output and 4 ohm internal impedance, very similar to the specs of the MCA. I have seen identical specs for the Cello and Red Rose models as well as for Miyabi Standard. But the KC-200 appears to have a higher output than the MLC-1, at least subjectively. I would estimate around 0.35 mV.

Of course this output difference has nothing to do with the choice of cantilever material, but it would suggest that for whatever reason Takeda altered some design aspects for the KC-200. In terms of dynamics jump and bass slam it sounds almost like an Ikeda 9 Rex. In a way it reminds me of the sound of big Krell amps from the 90’s. Coincidence? It would be fascinating to hear the true story from Dan himself.





I also own Mark Levinson MLC-1, which does have the aluminum cantilever and Ogura PA stylus. It has 0.24 mV output and 4 ohm internal impedance, very similar to the specs of the MCA. I have seen identical specs for the Cello and Red Rose models as well as for Miyabi Standard.

I wish to know as much as possible about all Miyabi incarnations. Here is what i know about my two different samples. Miyabi MCA is virtually unknown, no reviews about this cartridge. 

Similar specs but slightly different in frequency response, compliance, cartridge impedance, chose if stylus profile, recommended tracking force, cartridge own weight.


******Specs miyabi MCA:
Output Voltage 0.25mV (3.54cm/sec., 1KHz)
Frequency Response 10Hz - 50KHz
Tracking Force Range 1.5 - 2.0 grams
Optimum Tracking Force 1.8 grams
Dynamic Compliance 8.5 x 10-6 cm/dyne (Vertical & Lateral)
Internal Impedance 4.0 ohms (Pure Resistance)
Stylus: Special Elliptical (PH Semi Line Contact)
Cantilever: Step-Tapered System
Weight 8.5 grams

******Specs of Miyabi Standard:
Output Voltage 0.2mV
Frequency Response 20Hz - 40KHz
Tracking Force Range 1.5 - 2.0 grams
Optimum Tracking Force 2 grams
Dynamic Compliance 9 x 10-6 cm/dyne (Vertical & Lateral)
Internal Impedance 2 ohms
Stylus: Line contact
Cantilever: Special aluminum alloy (read Takeda’s secret)
Weight 13.5 grams


The magnets material is Alnico and the coils are copper.


Miyabi Standard review by Jaff Day (6 Moons)
Miyabi Standard review by Jack Roberts
Miyabi 47 review by Jack Roberts
Miyabi 47 review by Art Dudley (R.I.P.)

edgewear check this link
https://imged.com/krell-kc-200-madrigal-carnegie-2-phono-carts-review-stereophile-689-4988150.html
IMO as KC200 was special order item, it should be with ruby or sapphire cantilever (technically/sound wise it’s the same)
Krell KC200 was new model above the KC100, released in 1989.
KC200 had Sapphire cantilever as standard ( not Boron ).
@bukanova thanks for the link ! Amazing, never heard about it before.