"The Analog Guy," David Fletcher passes away at the age of 81.

Very sorry to hear this news!  My Sapphire was made when he was still in charge and has satisfied me ever since.  Guess we're all getting older...

Yes, he was a pioneer in many ways. He had golden ears, could hear system issues, phase issues within seconds of listening to an unknown system. The Sota turntable and Sumiko MDC800 were seminal products.

The earlier Sumiko moving coil cartridges were Sony Soundtech designs - they developed the figure 8 coil layout, microridge styli, amongst other that was later adopted by Van den Hul and Benz. David selected them and rebadged them for markets outside of Japan.

His real strength was his ability to pick out great designs and products from the morass of mediocre.

RIP