Koestu original Onyx Sig pre-platinum cart vs. later/current platinum Sig comparisons

@wizzzard Your report of your experience is valuable, the use of a product and description of how the product is used/has been used, will always be a very good record to put in the place where others will look in on occasions to see if something can be learned.  

This is a case where things have obviously gone downhill. The current Koetsu line can not compare to the earlier cartridges. No Koetsu fan I know of prefers the later cartridges. If you do not have access to an earlier one get a My Sonic Lab Signature Gold. It is a superbly built, very Koetsu sounding like cartridge.  

Wizzzard, I’d recommend a higher effective mass tonearm to get the very best out of your Koetsu, no matter what the magnet is made of. I’ve owned my Urushi for 14 years; it got better and better as I moved it into progressively higher mass tonearms over the years. Started in a Triplanar. Currently in an FR64S with 18g Ortofon LH9000 headshell. (Stylus only was replaced along the way by Expert Stylus Repair in UK.)

Hi @mijostyn 

cc: @mulveling 

cc:  @statman71 

Good day "MIJOSTYN"!  You made comment that that "no Koetsu fan I know of prefers the later cartridges", namely the platinum versions and just more recent versions.  Now, I have had this belief as well for a very long time.  I was considered "crazy".  Even if you speak to someone today in Retail or affiliate with Koetsu, or a distributer,  they refuse the believe such a statement.  Even if you state that you are listening to an "old" 10, 15, 20, or 30 year old Koetsu  -  It is impossible to be better.  For certain the suspension must be suspect, and it can not possibly be as good.  That you need to buy a new one and compare it, you will agree.  If you stated you did buy a new one just 4 years ago, and was completely disappointed and choose to part with it.  They imply that you are lying or there is something "wrong" with your system even if you provide them with copies of the receipts.  I understand the technical aspects, after all, I am a technical person and I do take measurements after listening judgements (always after never before), and, I know room acoustics play a very important role, and, in my case that involves three rooms, and I do know that opinions are subjective.  However, what you are saying, and what I also believe to be true is a significant matter.  And, I was wondering, because I do not belong to any forums or have any experience in such matters, and I notice you have 7,074 posts, which indicates your knowledge and experience.  Is there a way to conduct a survey of others to find out what they think to be true.  Which can relate to more meaningful purchases for others.  What I am implying is that people interested in obtaining a Koetsu would also entertain an "older" Koetsu to purchase as an alternative to a brand new one.  Do you have any thoughts?  Is there away to conduct such a  meaningful survey?

@wizzzard , You could try opening a post on Audiogon. Otherwise, I am not sure how you would attract experienced Koetsu users. Most of us attribute the decline to Sugano San's death. His son took over and the theory is that he is not as talented. I do not think the QC is as good. In short I prefer My Sonic Lab cartridges at least while Matsudaira San is alive. He is the preeminent living Japanese cartridge designer at this time. Only Jonathan Carr and Ortofon are as or more progressive.

Buying an old cartridge is highly problematic. Retipping the cartridge may not return it to it's former glory even if done by Koetsu. In many instance they just give you a new cartridge in exchange for the old one. Cartridges are like wine. Once you drink the bottle they are a memory only.