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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
mulveling's avatar
mulveling OP
1,774 posts
 

This is also a sobering reminder: many of the cartridge masters we rely on are getting up there in age - well past the normal "retirement" watermark.

You could point at Ortofon as a model of continuity through multiple master designers, but quite frankly the models from differing eras do not sound alike.

I've also been pointed to a lot of cheap Chinese "knock off" MC cartridges starting to flood the markets over there. These will not be mistaken for a genuine Koetsu, Van den Hul (etc), but it perhaps points to a further shift in the landscape, and I'm not a fan. 

mulveling's avatar
mulveling OP
1,774 posts
 

My Blue Lace:

Blue Lace

whart's avatar
whart
2,971 posts
 

Thanks for the info, @mulveling. Sorry to hear of his passing. I too hope the company continues. 

mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,210 posts
 

Did Fumihiko San have any children? It is tradition in Japan for the son to carry the flag forward. 

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,063 posts
 

@mulveling 

Thanks for posting, sad news indeed. I hope the company continues to make these amazing carts. I am curious to know if you’ve heard a Ikeda or Fuuga cart in your amazing system. Which Koetsu cart have the most balanced sound? 

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