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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
karl_desch's avatar
karl_desch
422 posts
 

I found out about his passing when Koetsu returned my RSP, unrepaired, last week.   

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rauliruegas
12,815 posts
 

Dear @mulveling  : Sorry to hear that , always a lost for all the audio world in the same way that other audio designers unfortunatelly pass away.

 

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,

R.

wspohn's avatar
wspohn
578 posts
 

I have an original Sugano senior (c 1980s) Koetsu Urushi in my main system and haven't heard anything that would make me want to change that!

thr1961's avatar
thr1961
66 posts
 

Sad new indeed for this storied and magical company.  And with the future still unknown, I finally made the jump and ordered a Blue Lace, something that has been on my wish list for quite some time.  I was luckily able to find one available and it should be up and running by the end of the weekend.

Let’s hope that the future of Koetsu holds true to the past and that they continue to create new cartridges with the same beauty as in the past.

mulveling's avatar
mulveling OP
1,774 posts
 

Sad new indeed for this storied and magical company. And with the future still unknown, I finally made the jump and ordered a Blue Lace, something that has been on my wish list for quite some time. I was luckily able to find one available and it should be up and running by the end of the weekend.

Let’s hope that the future of Koetsu holds true to the past and that they continue to create new cartridges with the same beauty as in the past.

Great choice! My favorite Koetsu (Jade / Onyx / RSP / Coralstone) would change from month to month until I got my Blue Lace around 5 years ago. That’s continuously been my favorite Koetsu, ever since day #1 and hour #1. If need be (and in absence of a Koetsu rebuild option), I'll get my Koetsus retipped by a very carefully selected retipper - whomever I determine will most respect the original design & build of Koetsu. That means NO stuff like ruby cantilevers, or blobs of glue. 

Also agree - I hope Koetsu can find a way forward after a respectful period of mourning.

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