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Koetsu Urushi Cartridges - Differences?

I have figured out that I want to upgrade my cartridge, at some point, to the Koetsu Urushi.
However, there are three different Koetsu Urushi cartridges available:

The Black, The Gold,and The Vermillion.
(Sounds like a spaghetti western movie, huh?!)

Does anybody know if these sound different from each other?

I appears that Koetsu decided to make three different versions of the exact same cartridge for some reason. (I have heard a rumor that the Vermillion sounds slightly better, but that is unconfirmed.) It seems odd that this is the only cartridge in the entire Koetsu line that offers this option.

Any thoughts?

Thanks for any input you can offer.
kurt_tank
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Kurt_tank, this link should help answer your question:

http://pachome2.pacific.net.sg/~angmelvin/Range.html

Fatparrot, the rosewood body is said to sound sweeter with age. That is why many prefer a re-build to a new one. Here is another link that covers re-building:

http://pachome2.pacific.net.sg/~angmelvin/Rebuild.html

Hopefully this helps some.

Regards,
John
quincy
356 posts
 
Hi Kurt!!

Just thought I would let you know that your 'old' Michell Gyro SE with SME V arm has found a loving, caring, home here in Michigan. I also have been considering a Koetsu Urushi for my setup. My Benz Glider is great, but some mysterious force is calling me to try the Urushi. One member recommended a person on E-Bay called 2juki. I e-mailed him back in Jan 04, he never replied....but that does not mean he is a good source. As soon as I recover from my knee replacement, I intend to make the plunge.
Regards,
extremephono
123 posts
 
The older Koetsu done by Sugano Sr., the old man, used Alnico magnet, and the new ones use either Platinum or Neodymium magnet. My personal preference is the Alnico magnet.
vincentkkho
53 posts
 
Having tried on many cartridges before -- Benz Ace, Glider, ZYX,HelikonSL, Koetsu Rosewood Sig.Platinum and Miyabi, I have to admit that Urushi is one of the most musical cartirdges and it is really value for money within the family group of Koetsu cartridges. Even having better and more expensive cartridges around, Urushi has never failed me sonically and also in term of its musicality. It is very well matched with Graham 2.2 arm.
sirspeedy70680e509
1,064 posts
 
As a former Koetsu owner(4 diff models over 10 yrs),I now know why my pal was SO interested in buying my Urushi.He has retipped,and has two of them.To him,a very experienced audiophile,the Koetsu line is like the ROLEX product.You get a fabulous product,that stands the test of time.I LOVED all of mine.Wish I had a two arm table!!Good luck.
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