My kiseki Blackheart nightmare.


First, I want to disclose I’m not a dealer or in any other way affiliated with any company related to audio. I’m just a life long Audiophile that has traveled many roads good and bad. I highly recommend when buying a delicate component like a phono cartridge buy from a dealer that will standby you so when issues like I had with the Kiseki Blackheart arise, so they will be there for you like mine was.
I purchased my Blackheart after owning the Purpleheart for approximately 6 months without any issues. I liked the performance so much the Audiophile in me decided I needed to see what the new Blackheart was all about. After receiving my first Blackheart about 5 hours into the break-in period I started hearing a tinkling noise in the left channel. I check all my settings and they were fine. Even checked phono stage. Called my dealer and he advised me to bring my table in to see if we could replicate the noise. I did and the issue was the same; thank god they heard it. My dealer called the distributor and they wanted it sent to them so they could test it. It took over 2 weeks after they received it to confirm the cartridge was defective. They immediately sent a replacement (Blackheart) cartridge. I was very positive the issue was with just that cartridge. Unfortunately the same issue again. Dealer notified the distributor again they advised I try one more Blackheart. I unwilling accepted the idea not having any confidence a third one would not have the same issue. After receiving the new cartridge the issue was still present and it also was returned. I’m not sure if it was just a bad batch of Purplehearts that were defective, but at $4200. this type of quality control is un acceptable. Thank god my dealer was there for me it could have been much worse. I’ve since moved on the a Hana UmamI Red; which smokes the Blackheart in every way. And yes, the Hana has no issues.
hiendmmoe
Ouch. As the dealer did their job well, mentioning them by name would add legitimacy to the compliant.
The Hana Umami Red is a beautifully sounding cartridge. I upgraded from Hana ML and since then did not felt the need to look elsewhere.

And Kudos to your dealer for outstanding customer service. I get the same exemplary customer service from my dealer (Colin@Gestalt Audio, TN).
also, very nice to know you like the Hana so much , perhaps a short review ?
There seems to be a disturbing incidence of Kiseki issue reports over the last few years. Not a LOT in absolute number to be sure (countered by the fact these must be very low volume sales numbers), but seemingly more than the other major cartridge brands have faced. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a complaint about Hana quality control. Glad you've gotten to a happy place, OP!
Every product, brand, can have their moments.

I went thru 2 Kiseki Blue. 1st one stylus came off cantilever. 2nd which covered the 1st- right channel goes futzy JUST after the one year warranty.

I Had that one looked at by a legit third party retipper, who concluded it left the factory with issue. S.O.L.

What am I using now? A 3rd Kiseki Blue! Both acquired way south  of MSRP, thankfully.

Nice sounding cart otherwise. Not worth the MSRP, though. Plenty of fine sounding carts for less.