Koetsu
| Country | Japan |
|---|---|
| Founder | Yoshiaki Sugano |
Koetsu is a Japanese maker of moving-coil phono cartridges, founded by Yoshiaki Sugano, who began designing cartridges in the 1970s and named the company after the 17th-century artist and calligrapher Hon'ami Kōetsu. Koetsu cartridges are made by hand in small numbers, and the business has been carried on by Sugano's son Fumihiko. They are known for unusual and beautiful bodies, made from rosewood, traditional urushi lacquer and semi-precious stones such as onyx, jade and coral, which the company believes affect the sound. Koetsu cartridges have a reputation for a rich, warm and very musical presentation with a full midrange, and they have been favourites among vinyl collectors for decades, though they are expensive and need a well-matched tonearm and phono stage. The range runs from the Black through the Rosewood and Urushi models to the Platinum stone-bodied cartridges at the top. Its cartridges are often regarded as among the most characterful ever made, and older examples are frequently re-tipped and kept in use for many years.
Notable Koetsu products
- Black
- Rosewood
- Urushi
- Onyx Platinum
- Coralstone Platinum
- Jade Platinum
More about Koetsu
Koetsu Every audiophile music lover knows of the legendary sound of Koetsu phono cartridges from decades past. Those old enough to have experienced Sugano's Koetsus retain the memory of a musical experience unequaled. Few were privileged to own and enjoy a Koetsu. Many of the converted searched out second and third Koetsus, assuring a long, cherished relationship.
Now, in analog's Golden Renaissance and through the efforts of Sugano's sons, Koetsu phono cartridges are again available. In post war Japan, Sugano rose to prominence in one of Japan's largest industrial companies, yet continued to pursue his passions, now including hi-fi.