Koetsu

[mullard88]

I just read this thread from the start and I realize that:
1) Koetsu fans are so devoted they have multiple units.
2) The cartridge that might sound closest to a Koetsu if I were to guess might be Supex. Supex was the cartridge that Sugano San designed before he started Koetsu.
3) The nude koetsu is really rare as Jadis was only able to find two users.

 

[jadis]

I just read this thread from the start and I realize that:
1) Koetsu fans are so devoted they have multiple units.
2) The cartridge that might sound closest to a Koetsu if I were to guess might be Supex. Supex was the cartridge that Sugano San designed before he started Koetsu.
3) The nude koetsu is really rare as Jadis was only able to find two users.

Hi Mullard88,

Glad to see you here after a long while. Yes, Koetsu users almost always get a second or more models. I learned that the first ever time I laid eyes on a Koetsu. And if you recall, you brought me to the owner's place which is also inside the village where I live. He had a Koetsu playing and another beside his turntable, inside its box. I was wondering why he had to have 2 Koetsus. I later on know the answer. About the Supex, it's a very rare item, so rare I really have not seen one playing nor in a box.

 

[Nemal1]

I believe Sugano had a hand designing the Supex 900, readily seen on early Linns with a Supex tonearm, early to mid 70’s I believe.
my late father has original long bodied rosewood and onyx, the only models at the time at the phenomenal cost of £500 & £800 respectively

 

[jadis]

my late father has original long bodied rosewood and onyx, the only models at the time at the phenomenal cost of £500 & £800 respectively

And my understanding is that those 2 represent the mystical 'Koetsu Sound' in the midband but of course the critics called it 'rolled off' highs and 'flabby' bass. I've heard that all too often here. from its competing dealers, of course.

 

[Addicted to hifi]

I believe Sugano had a hand designing the Supex 900, readily seen on early Linns with a Supex tonearm, early to mid 70’s I believe.
my late father has original long bodied rosewood and onyx, the only models at the time at the phenomenal cost of £500 & £800 respectively

I used to use a supex step up transformer in the 80s.I had a koetsu black.

 

[DasguteOhr]

Mitchell Cotter Sut went very well with Koetsu Urushi, unfortunately very expensive on the used market. bryston mk II has the same inner workings. usually much cheaper a bargain.if find them buy blind without thinking

 

[mullard88]

I agree that Mitch Cotter sut and Koetsu are synergistic. To carry the synergy further, an Audio Research phono stage at the end of a Koetsu, Mitch Cotter chain is my preferred poison.

 

[Ralphio]

Which of those in the lineup of Koetsu photos is the Blue Tiger-Eye? Just curious.

 

[jadis]

Yesterday I was tidying up and found a box of some of my diamond cantilever koetsus included in the above pictures is a rare black onyx, blue tiger eye, rare white jade, also a original sugano grey onyx personally later upgraded with diamond cantilever,rhodonite, brown tiger eye, blue onyx, azule. I have quite a few more too

The question on the last post made me realize I missed out something here. I hope to see pictures too of the blue tiger eye, plus the black onyx, and white jade. I didn't know Koetsu had such models.

 

[108CY]

Th

The question on the last post made me realize I missed out something here. I hope to see pictures too of the blue tiger eye, plus the black onyx, and white jade. I didn't know Koetsu had such models.

These were special orders the black onyx and white jade were one offs the tiger eye only a few were made. I will take so close ups in the next few days

 

[108CY]

Which of those in the lineup of Koetsu photos is the Blue Tiger-Eye? Just curious.

This one

 

[Addicted to hifi]

This one View attachment 85304

Very nice indeed.

 

[108CY]

Th

These were special orders the black onyx and white jade were one offs the tiger eye only a few were made. I will take so close ups in the next few days

This is the white Burma Jade very different to the light and dark green jades another one off it has tremendous speed and very good bass the green ones are much slower in general and wooly in the bass tend to drown the midrange.

Black onyx is very neutral very low grain
BB

 

[Addicted to hifi]

This is the white Burma Jade very different to the light and dark green jades another one off it has tremendous speed and very good bass the green ones are much slower in general and wooly in the bass tend to drown the midrange.
View attachment 85315
Black onyx is very neutral very low grain
BB

What a beauty.

 

[108CY]

The one off black onyx diamond in one sense is the most perfect if that's what you looking for very neutral sounding does note over emphasis anything its well balanced I would like a little more expression but that's why I have others. The rare one off carnelian orange is similar in some ways apart from it more expression in the midrange and has a bitt less air on the top that's a stunning looking cartridge my friend Eric owns it.

 

[Addicted to hifi]

View attachment 85318

The one off black onyx diamond in one sense is the most perfect if that's what you looking for very neutral sounding does note over emphasis anything its well balanced I would like a little more expression but that's why I have others. The rare one off carnelian orange is similar in some ways apart from it more expression in the midrange and has a bitt less air on the top that's a stunning looking cartridge my friend Eric owns it.

I still miss the koetsu black I had 35 years ago.

 

[108CY]

I still miss the koetsu black I had 35 years ago.

nice cartridge the original blacks were Very different beast the onyx which has far more detail and speed

 

[jadis]

View attachment 85318

The one off black onyx diamond in one sense is the most perfect if that's what you looking for very neutral sounding does note over emphasis anything its well balanced I would like a little more expression but that's why I have others. The rare one off carnelian orange is similar in some ways apart from it more expression in the midrange and has a bitt less air on the top that's a stunning looking cartridge my friend Eric owns it.

May I ask around what year were these one off and other rarities made? Very interesting.

 

[Addicted to hifi]

nice cartridge the original blacks were Very different beast the onyx which has far more detail and speed

Yes agree.the black was my first cartridge I ever owned.

 

[108CY]

Here is a better shot of the blue tiger eye note the steaks of gold i like this cartridge i had two one with more blue but this one sounded much better to my ears great open grainless midrange they made a a few of these and that was it the bass was very good and excellent in the nuance stakes. All my koetsus on this thread are diamond cantilever I do have a seperate box of borons that i hope too find some day soon.