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Koetsu

Koetsu Urushi Black MC Phono Cartridge

Koetsu Urushi Black MC Phono Cartridge

Regular price $7,600.00 USD
Regular price $7,600.00 USD Sale price $7,600.00 USD
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New feature! Now comes with threaded mounting screws - no more messing with a nut to secure the cartridge to the headshell!

The Koetsu Urushi Black MC stands out for its combination of sonic magic and artisanal beauty. Its body is crafted from natural rosewood, meticulously finished with hand-applied Urushi lacquer—a Japanese art form dating back millennia. This lacquer not only gives each cartridge a unique, lustrous appearance but also subtly alters the resonant frequency of the rosewood, contributing to its signature sound. The cartridge features silver-clad, ultra-high-purity copper coils, a samarium cobalt magnet, and a boron cantilever, all selected for their ability to extract nuanced musical detail from vinyl grooves.

Sonically, the Urushi Black is celebrated for its coherence, focus, and proportion across the frequency spectrum. Reviewers consistently highlight its ability to deliver a magical midrange, with a sense of realism and three-dimensionality that makes music come alive. Unlike some cartridges that may emphasize detail at the expense of musicality, the Urushi Black strikes a balance, offering both high-resolution detail and a captivating, emotionally engaging presentation. Its upper frequencies are detailed and satisfying without harshness, while the mid-bass to treble range is handled with exceptional control and harmonic integrity. This results in a sound that is inviting, fatigue-free, and capable of drawing listeners into extended, immersive listening sessions.

Compared to other Koetsu models, the Urushi Black offers a significant step up in high-frequency detail and overall coherence, making it a top choice for those seeking long-term satisfaction from their analog setup. However, achieving its full potential requires careful system matching—particularly with tonearms and phono stages that can reveal its subtlety and finesse. For those willing to invest the time and resources to optimize their system, the Koetsu Urushi Black MC cartridge rewards with a listening experience that many describe as transformative and deeply musical.

The Japanese art of Urushi is a tradition dating back 10,000 years. This natural lacquer is sourced from the caustic sap of the indigenous Urushi trees. The Urushi is applied by the hands of select Japanese artisans. Once the lacquer cures it hardens around the natural rosewood body changing its resonant frequency.

All Koetsu Urushi models use silver cladded ultra-high purity copper coils. This process involves a silver sheath being slowly drawn over the copper.

Many say the Urushi body Koetsus offer an even more exciting sonic signature compared to the standard Rosewood models.

If you're considering the Koetsu Urushi Black MC phono cartridge, you're looking at a piece of audio equipment that sits at the intersection of artisanal craftsmanship and sonic excellence. This cartridge is renowned for its unique blend of traditional Japanese artistry and high-end audio engineering, delivering a listening experience that many audiophiles consider transformative. Here are the key reasons why investing in a Koetsu Urushi Black MC cartridge is a compelling choice for discerning vinyl enthusiasts.

The Koetsu Urushi Black MC stands out for its combination of sonic magic and artisanal beauty. Its body is crafted from natural rosewood, meticulously finished with hand-applied Urushi lacquer—a Japanese art form dating back millennia. This lacquer not only gives each cartridge a unique, lustrous appearance but also subtly alters the resonant frequency of the rosewood, contributing to its signature sound. The cartridge features silver-clad, ultra-high-purity copper coils, a samarium cobalt magnet, and a boron cantilever, all selected for their ability to extract nuanced musical detail from vinyl grooves.

Sonically, the Urushi Black is celebrated for its coherence, focus, and proportion across the frequency spectrum. Reviewers consistently highlight its ability to deliver a magical midrange, with a sense of realism and three-dimensionality that makes music come alive. Unlike some cartridges that may emphasize detail at the expense of musicality, the Urushi Black strikes a balance, offering both high-resolution detail and a captivating, emotionally engaging presentation. Its upper frequencies are detailed and satisfying without harshness, while the mid-bass to treble range is handled with exceptional control and harmonic integrity. This results in a sound that is inviting, fatigue-free, and capable of drawing listeners into extended, immersive listening sessions.

Compared to other Koetsu models, the Urushi Black offers a significant step up in high-frequency detail and overall coherence, making it a top choice for those seeking long-term satisfaction from their analog setup. However, achieving its full potential requires careful system matching—particularly with tonearms and phono stages that can reveal its subtlety and finesse. For those willing to invest the time and resources to optimize their system, the Koetsu Urushi Black MC cartridge rewards with a listening experience that many describe as transformative and deeply musical.

The Japanese art of Urushi is a tradition dating back 10,000 years. This natural lacquer is sourced from the caustic sap of the indigenous Urushi trees. The Urushi is applied by the hands of select Japanese artisans. Once the lacquer cures it hardens around the natural rosewood body changing its resonant frequency.

All Koetsu Urushi models use silver cladded ultra-high purity copper coils. This process involves a silver sheath being slowly drawn over the copper.

Many say the Urushi body Koetsus offer an even more exciting sonic signature compared to the standard Rosewood models.

Specifications

Urushi Lacquered Rosewood Body

Silverplated Copper Coil Wiring

Permendur Magnet

Boron Cantilever

0.4 mV Output

9.37g Net Weight

Recommended Tracking Force 1.8-2.0g

Recommended Load 75-500 ohms