Thank You Fumihiko Sugano and Koetsu

All high end MC brands sound different. Most of these sounds are truly excellent, just different. Koetsus have a particularly distinct sound (on the side of: voluptuous & full bodied, with a very vivid midrange), and are extremely good at what they do. That doesn’t mean they’re "the best" in an objective sense - but they have a vehement fanbase for good reason.

Years ago I didn’t buy the hype, and thought Koetsu’s pricing was outright stupid. Then I actually heard one (on loan, in my own system no less) - and that’s when they get you! I was blown away - expectations absolutely shattered, and I couldn’t box up my Ortofon Windfeld MC fast enough lol. In fairness, my system at that time was absolutely dying for some injection of warmth (Windfeld was a terrible match), and the Koetsu Onyx swap-in gave not only warmth in spades, but an overall quality boost as well.

These days I’m enjoying exploration of other MC’s. AirTight, MSL and Van den Hul are the newest on deck. All superb. But the Koetsus in my collection will always be like family.

Also, you can get a quality used Koetsu for $2K. You’re buying the seller as much as the cart itself.

Mulveling,

That is an excellent description of the Koetsu sound and why they are adored.  I don't own one, but, a lot of people I know do have them and I am quite familiar with the sound and I like them a lot.  I own quite different cartridges--a Lyra Titan and a Transfiguration Orpheus L--but I sort of wish I had invested in a Koetsu.  Cartridges with a similar sound as a Koetsu are also not cheap, such as the Allaerte cartridges.  

I don't play as much vinyl these days as I did in the past, so I am not likely to be replacing any cartridge in the near future.  If I did have to buy another, it might be a Koetsu, although my Vector tonearm is probably not ideal (not enough mass), and I have heard another cartridge that I like very much--the Audio Technica ART-1000--a leaner but very lively cartridge.

When even top cartridges sound so different, which one is more correct?

Tape is correct. More or less.

My Blue Lace is up and running as of today.  The change from the Rosewood Platinum is material, even in the first hours of use.  While that is a fine cartridge, the fullness and warmth it brings to Bill Evans’ “Waltz for Debbie” (the latest Craft re-issue) or my original pressing of Tracy Chapman, is easily heard.

I have begun experimenting with several SUTs, and am currrently favoring the CSPort.  I am also trying out an SA Lab, which has similar specs to the Koetsu SUT, but currently like the CSPort.  @mulveling  — I know you have tried a few different units and would be interested in your current favorite with the Blue Lace.

Reports are circulating out of the Koetsu Users Facebook group that Koetsu is no more. The family has decided not to sell to a third party to continue the brand.

I don't have a Koetsu, although I have considered one before. I have two Lyra Atlas Lambda (SL + Mono) and the builder is in his 70s, so that's always in the back of my mind for repairs/rebuilds. He does have an apprentice though.