I mentioned in my thread about a visit to Mik at Unique Audio that I had purchased an Etsuro Cobalt cartridge for my SME 20/3 and SME V tonearm and undertook to report further on the cartridge.
The above replaced a Townshend Rock V, SME V and Soundsmith MMIC cartridge so a comprehensive upgrade. My impressions of the Cobalt are obviously based on the SME combination but I am sure it would work as well if not better with other turntables.
Etsuro has a range of three of its own cartridges. In ascending order the Cobalt, the Bordeaux and the Gold. The Etsuro websiste is https:// etsurojapan.com. Unique Audio's UK prices are £4250,£7495 and £14,995 and if you are interested in purchasing any of these cartridges I strongly recommend you contact Mik (108 CY).
Mik kindly mounted my Cobalt but it does not appear to be a difficult job. Tracking weight is 2gr and the output is 0.25mv.
Mine has only about 30 hours on it so still running in really and it has a real synergy with the SME deck and arm.The sound has definite body to it while remaining neutral. Imaging is first class and depending on the recording vocals are dead centre and hang in the air between the speakers and about 2-3 feet above the speakers and a good couple of feet below the ceiling. Again depending on the recording the soundstage extends laterally well beyond the speakers. It is very articulate and vocals and the words are rendered clearly and are easily heard and understood.
With the Solti/CSO Beethoven Ninth there is a realistic flow to the music with well defined and clean bass. On all recordings I have played the different instruments are clearly delineated in the soundstage. The Mofi double LP of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers Greatest Hits sides 3 and 4 sound better than I have ever heard them before. Violins are convincing and transparent with no harshness. Leading edges and transients from guitars have a convincing bite and edge.
I have not detected any shortcomings in the performance of the Cobalt and IMHO it is excellent value and and will provide many hours of musical enjoyment.
I attach a couple of photos which people may find helpful.
The above replaced a Townshend Rock V, SME V and Soundsmith MMIC cartridge so a comprehensive upgrade. My impressions of the Cobalt are obviously based on the SME combination but I am sure it would work as well if not better with other turntables.
Etsuro has a range of three of its own cartridges. In ascending order the Cobalt, the Bordeaux and the Gold. The Etsuro websiste is https:// etsurojapan.com. Unique Audio's UK prices are £4250,£7495 and £14,995 and if you are interested in purchasing any of these cartridges I strongly recommend you contact Mik (108 CY).
Mik kindly mounted my Cobalt but it does not appear to be a difficult job. Tracking weight is 2gr and the output is 0.25mv.
Mine has only about 30 hours on it so still running in really and it has a real synergy with the SME deck and arm.The sound has definite body to it while remaining neutral. Imaging is first class and depending on the recording vocals are dead centre and hang in the air between the speakers and about 2-3 feet above the speakers and a good couple of feet below the ceiling. Again depending on the recording the soundstage extends laterally well beyond the speakers. It is very articulate and vocals and the words are rendered clearly and are easily heard and understood.
With the Solti/CSO Beethoven Ninth there is a realistic flow to the music with well defined and clean bass. On all recordings I have played the different instruments are clearly delineated in the soundstage. The Mofi double LP of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers Greatest Hits sides 3 and 4 sound better than I have ever heard them before. Violins are convincing and transparent with no harshness. Leading edges and transients from guitars have a convincing bite and edge.
I have not detected any shortcomings in the performance of the Cobalt and IMHO it is excellent value and and will provide many hours of musical enjoyment.
I attach a couple of photos which people may find helpful.
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