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Koetsu Urushi

I have had nothing but bad luck. I bought it low hours used, a 1986 model. Bad slide across album, lost the tip. Sent it back to Koetsu. Complete rebuild $2500. Again don't know how this time, stylus tip gone. Sent it back again just replacing the stylus shaft. Recently I have felt the sound quality wasn't as good. Upon inspection the shaft is slightly off center? First question do you think this "slight" off center will affect sound. Second question, any recommendations for another cart of same or better quality? I am sick of all of these expensive problems with Koetsu
route30
nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 
What a pity for this well thought out but cruel condition:
to listen for a minimum of 2 years. Otherwise I would offer
my self as a voluntary receiver and list the Koetsu
involved on the A'gon market the next day.
dover
2,295 posts
 
I would recommend a Shure M95ED. The M95ED cartridge has the added bonus of the Side-Guard Stylus Protection System which responds to accidental side thrusts on the stylus by withdrawing the entire shank and tip safely into the stylus housing before damage can occur.
If you want something a little better try the GRADO DJ-200. This is a DJ cartridge based on the Prestige series and stylus replacement is $120/pr.
If you want to go more European, the latest buzz is the Tonar Baktrak DJ Mix phono cartridge, conventional mounting version of their famous Tonar Banana DJ Disco phono cartridge.
Any of these should be robust, sound good and stylus replacement is a modest cost and DIY.
mmakshak
589 posts
 
I bought one of the original Koetsu Rosewood cartridges. I got it for $50, because they thought the cantilever was off. I can't be sure of this, but is it possible that Koetsu uses a method of fine-tuning the cartridge, which can result in what looks like an off-center cantilever? Mine played beautifully(I don't think it had ever been used, based on their [Audible Difference] microscope.).
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
$50,-- is an ok price for that design.

... but is it possible that Koetsu uses a method of fine-tuning the cartridge, which can result in what looks like an off-center cantilever?
That is indeed a very interesting idea, but I am afraid, the truth is much more simple: It's a 50$ cartridge
soundbuff
12 posts
 
Hi fellow audio enthusiasts.I have enjoyed reading the contributions of other Audiogon members about their experiences with the Koetsu URUSHI cartridge. My own Koetsu Urushi black had a straight cantilever and it remained so for 8 years until a need for a rebuild just recently. My Koetsu Urushi black was away for 6 weeks.Upon return it still sports a straight cantilever and it sounds even better than before. My turntable is the Goldmund Studio with Goldmund T3b arm meticulously set up by myself;my speciality. I make my own belts for the arm.This is a formidable combination sonically.
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